In 2006 or so at the age of 53, my GP discovered a heart murmur during a yearly medical. I was referred to a cardiologist and an acho revealed my bicuspid aortic valve and the beginning of stenosis.
By early January 2010, at the age of 56, an echo revealed the aortic valve had proceeded to severe stenosis and the cardiologist said it was time and referred me to a surgeon for evaluation. A Catscan confirmed severe aortic valve issue, enlarged heart and some mitral valve regurgitation as well. Cardiac angiogram revealed the arteries were in good shape and no needs for stent and such. At the time i was very physical, squash, running, cycling and felt i had no symptoms, so i was really pushing back on the need for surgery. I was also into the culmination and rollout of a very large multi year software project for a company of which i was a part owner. I had no time for sick leave or so i thought, as it would jeopardize the project.
By February the cardiologist threatened to remove my driving privileges to convince me it was time and from that time there was a quick progression to a May 17th 2010 surgery. A bio bovine aortic valve (Edwards), was my preference, but i ended up with a 21 mm SJM aortic porcine and a 28 mm Annuplasty ring on my Mitral valve. At my request, the surgeon agreed to make me a test subject on Kryptonite glue for the sternum, a godsend for quick rigidity in the bone structure and a very quick recovery.
In early May2010, i discovered this forum and felt so fortunate to have access to so much good information, on valve selection, pre-surgery and post surgery expectations. Ross the forum moderator of that period (he had a rough cardiac life) was so helpful and attentive in providing me valuable guidance, others from that period such as Bina were a
Had about 48 hours of icu, rough some but mostly sedated, was walking within 72 hours and felt ready for release by day 4. I was released on day 5, on coumadin for about 30 days and INR weekly hospital testing, staples removed and a totally smooth recovery. About 30 days to regaining driving privileges and within 60-90 days, only my scar served as a reminder of the OHS. I did develop a hernia on my one drainage hole at the bottom of the incisition, but i never bothered, had time to get it fixed.
I totally resumed living and work as normal with a baby aspirin added to my vitamin regime and other than the yearly GP visit and occasional cardiologist visit i forgot i had a heart prosthetic, 10 additional years of high quality of life, i was blessed.
In 2012 at the age of 58, i realized that developing and supporting software for banking would always remain high stress and that we had enough assets for a comfortable country lifestyle. i retired from income and became involved with charity work and interest groups.
fast forward to 2020 and a new chapter, to be continued
By early January 2010, at the age of 56, an echo revealed the aortic valve had proceeded to severe stenosis and the cardiologist said it was time and referred me to a surgeon for evaluation. A Catscan confirmed severe aortic valve issue, enlarged heart and some mitral valve regurgitation as well. Cardiac angiogram revealed the arteries were in good shape and no needs for stent and such. At the time i was very physical, squash, running, cycling and felt i had no symptoms, so i was really pushing back on the need for surgery. I was also into the culmination and rollout of a very large multi year software project for a company of which i was a part owner. I had no time for sick leave or so i thought, as it would jeopardize the project.
By February the cardiologist threatened to remove my driving privileges to convince me it was time and from that time there was a quick progression to a May 17th 2010 surgery. A bio bovine aortic valve (Edwards), was my preference, but i ended up with a 21 mm SJM aortic porcine and a 28 mm Annuplasty ring on my Mitral valve. At my request, the surgeon agreed to make me a test subject on Kryptonite glue for the sternum, a godsend for quick rigidity in the bone structure and a very quick recovery.
In early May2010, i discovered this forum and felt so fortunate to have access to so much good information, on valve selection, pre-surgery and post surgery expectations. Ross the forum moderator of that period (he had a rough cardiac life) was so helpful and attentive in providing me valuable guidance, others from that period such as Bina were a
Had about 48 hours of icu, rough some but mostly sedated, was walking within 72 hours and felt ready for release by day 4. I was released on day 5, on coumadin for about 30 days and INR weekly hospital testing, staples removed and a totally smooth recovery. About 30 days to regaining driving privileges and within 60-90 days, only my scar served as a reminder of the OHS. I did develop a hernia on my one drainage hole at the bottom of the incisition, but i never bothered, had time to get it fixed.
I totally resumed living and work as normal with a baby aspirin added to my vitamin regime and other than the yearly GP visit and occasional cardiologist visit i forgot i had a heart prosthetic, 10 additional years of high quality of life, i was blessed.
In 2012 at the age of 58, i realized that developing and supporting software for banking would always remain high stress and that we had enough assets for a comfortable country lifestyle. i retired from income and became involved with charity work and interest groups.
fast forward to 2020 and a new chapter, to be continued
