Another first timer !

[Fburns]

This is my first posting; just discoverd this site today. (Please excuse any mistakes as I'm learning).

I'm from Dublin, Ireland, and had my aortic replacement in August 1999. Absolute success - although it's a pity that I didn't have the support of this site back then. But without doubt the surgery is a small insignificant event compared to the life-changing benefits it brings. I would strongly urge people to approach the operation with confidence and withour fear. And I will offer any support I can through this site to anyone who has fears or concerns.

Frank

Hi August!
Welcome to the site - I'm a new member too! I was just wondering if you could tell me why you chose the mechanical valve over other options (ross, tissue). I am a 24 year old female with a biscuspid valve (and severe stenosis). I'll be facing a valve replacement sometime in the future (hoping for the far off future!!!). From what I gather from the posts, the younger crowd seems to opt for the tissue valves or ross procedure - as they are hesitant to be on coumadin (did I spell that right?) for life. I know the mechanical valves last longer - so there is less chance for re-op. Did your cardiologist or surgeon say how long they thought the valve would last? Do they last for life? This might be too personal a question (so feel free not to answer ) but did you have to consider pregnancy when making your choice? I am hoping (I think) to have the Ross done, as it seems to be the best option for me as a young woman who wants to have children someday. Any light you can shed on your decision making process would be great. I'd love to hear the opinion of a young woman like myself.
Thanks!! Ashley
PS - Thanks also for the info on scar removal - I was curious about that. I'm no model (the boys are right - you are very pretty!) - but I also will probably explore my options for minimizing the scar.

 

[Karlynn]

This is my first posting; just discoverd this site today. (Please excuse any mistakes as I'm learning).

I'm from Dublin, Ireland, and had my aortic replacement in August 1999. Absolute success - although it's a pity that I didn't have the support of this site back then. But without doubt the surgery is a small insignificant event compared to the life-changing benefits it brings. I would strongly urge people to approach the operation with confidence and withour fear. And I will offer any support I can through this site to anyone who has fears or concerns.

Frank

Welcome Frank! We're getting quite a contingent from across the Big Pond. I know what you mean about wishing you had the support of this site back then. I had my surgery almost 14 years ago and just found this place less than 2 years ago.

We have fun, we argue, we each get on little rants from time to time, but most of all, we support everyone that comes on this site, whether it's for a long time, or a short time. The common thread that joins us is a very important one, and that's the heart.

Best Wishes!

 

[Granbonny]

Welcome, Frank

Welcome, Frank

We have another member from Northern Ireland .Billy.. Billy has even come over to 2 of our reunions..VR.Com held in October of every year...And we have Scottie from Scotland and several from England.Welcome..Bonnie

 

[Fburns]

Thanks for the welcome !

Thanks for the welcome !

Thanks for the kind welcome, Karlynn and Bonnie.

Bonnie, I'd like to think someday I will get to a re-union, but it's a long way "across the big pond". However, if Billy (from Northern Ireland) can do, maybe.....!

Frank

We have another member from Northern Ireland .Billy.. Billy has even come over to 2 of our reunions..VR.Com held in October of every year...And we have Scottie from Scotland and several from England.Welcome..Bonnie

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Welcome Frank to a great bunch of folks. I see you had an AVR in 1999 and so did I.. Which valve did you get may I ask..

Also, I was in your "floozie in the jacuzzi" fair city a couple of months ago... My favorite Irish song is "Sweet Molly Malone."

 

[Fburns]

Good on yeh !!

Good on yeh !!

I had an aortic replacement in August 1999 - complete success and of course a huge improvement in my life since then. Only discovered the website today !

Hope you enjoyed Dublin. Everyone should visit Dublin once in their lifetime.

Good Luck,
Frank

Welcome Frank to a great bunch of folks. I see you had an AVR in 1999 and so did I.. Which valve did you get may I ask..

Also, I was in your "floozie in the jacuzzi" fair city a couple of months ago... My favorite Irish song is "Sweet Molly Malone."

 

[Granbonny]

Frank

Frank

I visited Dublin ..many, many year ago..It was for a refuel form New York to London... Remember the landing and all I could see..was GREEN..everywhere...Ran into the VERY small airport and boughtsome Irish Linen...Probably paid a measy $5.00 for it...Now, if I could remember what I did with it.. I'm thinking that was 45 years ago.. Bonnie

 

[hensylee]

Welcome, Frank to VR. I am sure you will have much to contribute. We always want all the information we can get so that it can be passed on to others and especially to newcomers. Glad to have you amongst us.

 

[Fburns]

Bonnie,

Are you sure that wasn't Shannon Airport ? Shannon is a much smaller airport than Dublin, where often Transatlantic flights stop-over. It's a rural rather than an urban airport which would also explain the green. It's in the south-west of Ireland - Dublin's in the East. Shannon Airport achieved some notierity for two reasons. Firstly, Irish Coffees were invented there. And secondly, it had the first duty-free shopping (and that may have been where you purchasd the irish Linen).

Either way; lovely to hear from you.

Frank

I visited Dublin ..many, many year ago..It was for a refuel form New York to London... Remember the landing and all I could see..was GREEN..everywhere...Ran into the VERY small airport and boughtsome Irish Linen...Probably paid a measy $5.00 for it...Now, if I could remember what I did with it.. I'm thinking that was 45 years ago.. Bonnie

 

[gadgetman]

Frank,

You're LATE . Welcome aboard. This site was a Godsend that helped me get through my challenge. I hope I've helped make things easier (if there is such a case) for those that have followed me. Look forward to your posts. Jump in here any time.

By the way, I've been to Dublin, Georgia, does that count??????

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[brd]

Dublin, NH

Dublin, NH

Hi Frank, Welcome. I'm a newcomer too and I live in Dublin, New Hampshire.

I'm still in the waiting room and do not know when, where, by whom, or what kind of valve I will get...... What kind do you have?

I love this site. I still do not post much because I don't think I have much to contribute. But I sure do read a lot.

Again, welcome.

Barbara

 

[Harrybaby666]

Well Hello Dublin...From Dover..LOL

Well Hello Dublin...From Dover..LOL

Hi Frank, Welcome. I'm a newcomer too and I live in Dublin, New Hampshire.

I'm still in the waiting room and do not know when, where, by whom, or what kind of valve I will get...... What kind do you have?

I love this site. I still do not post much because I don't think I have much to contribute. But I sure do read a lot.

Again, welcome.

Barbara

Hi Barbara,
I am Harold, or Harrybaby666 as my username states, and I just want to welcome you to the site. It's a great place to hang your hat. As the title of this post says, I am in Dover (about 2 hours from you) and just thought I would say Hi There. Welcome...Welcome...and did I say...Welcome? LOL Harrybaby666

 

[Fburns]

Hi Frank, Welcome. I'm a newcomer too and I live in Dublin, New Hampshire.

I'm still in the waiting room and do not know when, where, by whom, or what kind of valve I will get...... What kind do you have?

I love this site. I still do not post much because I don't think I have much to contribute. But I sure do read a lot.

Again, welcome.

Barbara

Thanks Barbara (and Danny) for the welcome. Great to hear from other "Dubliners".

I was diagnosed at 21 the day before I started my final exams . I was told to go straight into hospital (that night !) but I refused and completed my finals ('tho I did spend the first morning with the Cardiologist). After tests etc, I was told that the situation would be monitored, and that I'd need replacement (aortic valve) sooner or later (estimated from "within 18 months" to " 20-30 years"). I continued an (almost) normal life (including sport) until 1999, when I was 48, and had the VR. I hadn't realised how gradually I had become extremely symptomatic. Within 2 days of the surgery I felt better than I had felt for years previously. Thankfully, it has been a great success. It's a mechanical valve so I'm on Warferin (Coumadin) for life but this is a very minor issue/inconvenience.

Barbara, I sympathise with your waiting; I had 27 years, but when things happened they happened quickly in terms of completing the surgery. All very professional and business-like and none of the drama I was anticipating. I was told it was a "piece of cake" and looking back on it that's what it was. Compared to the benefits it brings, it really is inconsequential.

Danny,, Yes, of course your Dublin does make you a Dubliner - "Dubs" they are called in Ireland, and it makes you entitled to read James Joyce's "Dubliners" . Good Luck.

Frank