AVR will probably be less painful than AVP

[benmckelvey]

But still probably pretty painful. Anyone else see Alien Versus Predator? Surely two franchises have neve been killed in one film before.

Anyway, I'm Ben a 30 year old writer from Sydney who's looking down the barrel of an AVR. I had a myocardial infarction six weeks ago, due to an unknown and hitherto undiagnosed pre disposition to thrombosis, and in the hospital they found that the aortic valve is highly stenotic and needs to be replaced. I had a congenital bicuspid valve, by the way, it just haven't bothered me before. I did a 14k run three days before the heart attack. Got a pretty good time too.

Just wanted to give my story, having heard so many of yours. The site's been an incredible help to me, not for any specific reason, just becuase I no longer feel so alone and cheated.

My surgery is the 7th of November at St Vincents in Sydney under the care of Dr Phillip Spratt. Anyone have their surgery done by him?

I have moments of pure terror, as I'm sure you all do, but it's balanced by the deep desire for the moment that my eyes open and focus my beautiful girlfriend in the ICU.

I'm rambling. Anyway, hope all are well and spare a thought for me on the 7th.

Ben

 

[Magic8Ball]

nice to hear from another person down under....i'm over the other side in perth with a bicuspid valve and looking at surgery in late November, not sure as yet as to which surgeon or which surgery as i've yet to decide on both.

I see one surgeon next week and one on the 1st of november, after that, i set a date.

I had considered going to melbourne or sydney for this but the travel for family would have been too much.

30!! i thought i was unlucky at 36.

If its any help i've known about my bicuspid valve since birth and the 'i think we need to consider surgery' sentence still caught me by surprise.

Have they suggested replacing your aorta also, from my extensive reading (during work hours on the works internet) it seems to be an increasingly common thing as a bicuspid valve can be a pre-indicator of dodgy tissue around that area and a possible balooned aorta at a later age....

I guess recovery over the summer period will be relaxing at least!

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome Ben. I put you on our calendar for November 7th. Please stick with us and let us know how you do after surgery. You sound like you are in great shape and that will help for an uneventful recovery!

 

[aussiemember]

Hi Ben

We'll certainly be thinking of you on the 7th!! Don't forget to ask any questions you may have - someone on here will be able to answer them!!

 

[pipersmith]

Welcome Ben!!

Welcome Ben!!

I think all can relate to the fear - and the peace found in support and knowledge.

Of course we all send you prayers and best wishes on the 7th - and before, and after!!

 

[aussigal]

Welcome Ben...

its great to see so many Aussies joining-up...

I had originally thought about going to Sydney for my surgery. Mr. Nick Hendel was to be my surgeon until I also decided to do this at home in Perth.
You sure have been through a wild trip recently. Recovery should be a breeze for a fit young bloke like yourself...I will be watching out to see how you go on the 7th.

 

[Marguerite53]

Welcome! and thanks for braving the crowd and diving into our midst.

If you haven't already, I think you should change your middle name to "Lucky"!! Wow. You had the "best" kind of heart attack, and now you get to heed that scary warning and get your new valve and be off and running.

Your attitude and otherwise excellent health will be wonderful companions though this journey. Sounds like you have your head all wrapped around it. That's wonderful.

Please feel free to ask us anything and everything (starting new threads generally gleans more responses) as your time draws nearer.

Hope they've given you all the do's and don'ts now (like PLEASE don't do anything to suddenly elevate your blood pressure...no heavy lifting type things). Take care.

Best wishes! Marguerite

 

[marky]

Welcome..
I echo everything already said.. ask away.. and keep us updated!!