Another new guy

[harlan]

Hi all,

I was already pretty far down the path toward surgery when I found this forum. It has been a tremendous help to read your stories, receive answers to questions before I could even post them, and have some of my anxiety relieved in the process.

I am 62 years old, male, and was diagnosed with aortic stenosis about 5 years ago. I have been symptom free until this past year when I began to experience shortness of breath, occasional pain with exertion, and just not having much energy. Had a heart cath done in March which confirmed a bicuspid valve and a CT scan which showed some dilation of the ascending aorta. Two cardiologists have told me it?s time to get it fixed, so I have met with a surgeon I immediately felt comfortable with, and we agreed that I will get an ON-X valve on June 5. Yikes!!! And up until a few weeks ago I was naively thinking that surgery was still years away!

I?m sure I will have many questions, but for now I mainly wanted to introduce myself, say thanks for all the great information I have found, and tell you all what a great group you are for all the support and advice you offer each other.

Peace,

Harlan

 

[lcwhitney]

Welcome Harlan
You will find lotsof support and friendship here.

Lettitia

 

[Mimi]

Hi Harlan,

Just wanted to say hello and thank you for posting. I have found this forum excellent for information and advice. All the best with your surgery.

Take care.

Mimi

 

[Curtsmum]

Welcome Harlan, just wanted to wish you the best of luck with your surgery.Keep us up to date.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Welcome Aboard Harlan !

Be sure to look over the new "Bicuspid Aorta Valve and Connective Tissue Disorders" Forum.

With BAV and a "dilated aorta" there is a high likelihood that you have a connective tissue disorder that often results in Aortic Aneurisms.

BEFORE you have surgery, it would be wise to have a Chest CT or MRI to visualize the Entire Aorta. One member posted a picture of his aorta in the BAV Forum. Note that Echocardiograms do NOT visualize the full aorta well.

You should also ask your surgeon about his experience with Surgery of the Aorta. If he is "light" in this area, you may want to find an Aortic / Aorta Specialist (and I hate to steer you away from a surgeon who uses the On-X valve which is my personal favorite in the mechanical arena).

'AL Capshaw'

 

[hensylee]

Hey, Harlan. Your name grabbed me right off. One of my favorite authors has the same first name. Harlan Coben.

You are right at the bottom of the mountain and ready to climb - well, maybe not ready, but at least ready for a push to get you started. June 5th is close. Glad you came in before your surgery.

You have read and found lots of information so you know what is ahead and that's always a great help as you begin your journey. We will be right here to cheer you on and support you when you get home. Blessins as you move along.

 

[danbrown]

Hello Harlan and welcome to the forum. I, like you, found this forum just before my AVR surgery and it gave me comfort that "real" answers to my questions were close by and that many, many have come before us.

Don't hesitate to ask if you have need of reassurance of answers to your questions.

Take Care,

Dan

 

[Superbob]

Harlan,

Welcome! Glad you found us and have joined us. Look forward to your posts. Best wishes as you prepare for the big day and the start of your new life. I was just a year older (63) when my date for surgery came (after being monitored by doctors for 40 years) and I have a new lease on life. Sounds like you are well prepared -- you should do well. See you after you have scaled the mountain....

 

[ctyguy]

welcome....I had the same procedure your having with the same type of valve. Im 3 months post-op now and feel great ! Fire away with any question you may have, lots of experts are hear to help you with both pre and post-op issues.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome, Harlan. Glad you found us.

 

[Cooker]

Harlan...Welcome to the zoo....Glad you found us....ask away.

 

[CRM-Mom]

Hi Harlan,
Welcome!!! Glad you found us. I found the forum not long before my surgery and it has been a wonderful resource from people who have been there and done it! Best of luck and I will pray for you. My surgery was just May 6th almost 4 weeks ago and things are coming along pretty well. It all takes time and just approach recovery one day at a time and give yourself plenty of rest.

Take care!
Barb (CRM-mom)

 

[marie]

Welcome Harlan. You will find lots of answers and support here. Come on in
Earline

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Hi Harlan ~ Welcome to the site. You will find a lot of nice people here who will help you and lend an ear when you are just scared and need someone to talk to who understands. I, too, have a bicuspid aortic valve that needs replacement soon. My GP found mine back in 1997, but i live in a small town and my doctor didn't even know you have to check them periodically. He just told me it was nothing to worry about and never checked it again. Then i went into congestive heart failure last November and they found out how bad it was, so now i'm getting it taken care of soon.

My best wishes and prayers are with you on the 5th for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.

 

[dick0236]

Hi Harlan

Hi Harlan

Good luck on your upcoming surgery. You will be back to woodworking in a short time....flying might take a little longer. I also had Aortic Stenosis, but from rheumatic fever. Stick around these forums and most of your questions will be answered.

 

[Phyllis]

Glad you found us, Harlan. I put you on the calendar for June 5th so now it is "official".
Best wishes for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery.

 

[SHEEPDOG]

Welcome

Welcome

Harlan,
The name caught my eye too. It was my grandfathers, is a cousins and is my first name. (though I go by middle name "Greg")
You get to get this over just over a month before me. I have known about it for a long time but kept telling myself later isn't here yet. I am 43 years old and I too am just starting to feel " symptoms"
This is a great site and lots of fantastic info to be found.
Have fun looking and keep us in the loop.

SHEEPDOG
aka GREG
aka HARLAN

 

[Freddie]

Yep its "offical" .........once Phyllis puts you on the calendar (smile)

Welcome to the family Harlan and ask any question you like - no need to be shy around here LOL

Prayers and best wishes for June 5th.

 

[Jkm7]

Welcome, Harlan... Happy you found us before your surgery.
No one but those who have been there can really understand.
Any questions, ask away. There is surely someone here who can help.
Best Wishes to you.

 

[Aaron_b]

Hiya Harlan.

We'll be looking forward to hearing from you after your surgery. Don't forget to drop in and let us know how it went.