Check-up tomorrow and Friday

[Rick]

Writing because I don't really know who to share with in real life that would understand. I am having a thorough check-up tomorrow and Friday I have a bicuspid aortic valve with moderate-severe regurgitation and dilation of the ascending aorta. I have not had aorta measured in 4.5 years and am scheduled for a cardiac MRI. Cardiologits was thinking about a 64CT scan but I am worried about cumulative radiation.

It has been a long ride since diagnosis including a divorce; a second relation with a woman whose family was concerned about her dating me in part because of how they (mis)understood my heart condition -- decided this was not for me; having a few people tried to use knowledge of my heart condition against me at work (I am not a pilot or something where anyone's life would ever be at risk); and getting used to more relaxed sports -- I really would like to take up surfing or soccer but cardio did not think this was wise after stress echo. There have also been very good parts of this ----- appreciating life more; living a little less stressed; a more important spiritual life etc...

Guess just worried about what I may hear. Thanks for listening.

Rick

 

[neil]

hi rick, let us know how it all goes ok,

 

[epstns]

Rick, the worst thing you will probably hear is "It is time to fix this." Take it from the rest of us who have been through it, it just isn't that bad. For me, the worst was the first month of recovery. After that, it has been all better and better. Waiting is bad for some (wasn't for me, thogh), and for others it is rough to get to a solid place on the road to recovery. Once you get past that, it is just getting back to life and letting your body tell you when it reaches healing milestones.

For most of us, the toughest part is planning what is to be done, by whom, at which hospital and when. I advise folks to prepare a plan that addesses all of these questions, then just work the plan. Once all the difficult decisions are made, just do it! After the Big Event, just focus on getting back to your life as soon as your body is ready. Once you're back, you're back, and life is once again your own. It is like a supreme "do-over."

 

[Mike1952]

Rick,
I was really hesitant to share with people at work about my leaking aortic valve. I only told one person and swore him to secrecy. Then, I found myself telling people I barely knew (like a couple that were looking to buy a lot from me. They were such nice people and she worked as a nurse!) I've always run a lot and wondered if my running had caused this problem. My surgeon says one of the three flaps in the valve was just hanging there and more than likely it was congenital problem that always was weak and as I aged, it finally quit doing its job.
It is amazing what they can fix. After reading a lot on this forum, I see there are very active people who returned to very active lifestyles after getting an "overhaul". I'm so glad I found this forum!
Mike

 

[Rick]

Thank you your replies. As an update: I was relieved to hear that my heart condition has held stable. I have done what is under my control: reduced 35 pounds and kept it off, walking, low sodium diet, medicines as told etc and avoided heavy lifting, but I feel happy and relieved with the news. I was also told I could do active sports other than heavy lifting or isometric exercises etc.. I have always loved sports.

The people in this forum were great to me when I was first diagnosed and I am also glad I found all of you. Best wishes to all.

Rick

 

[Bina]

Thank you your replies. As an update: I was relieved to hear that my heart condition has held stable. I have done what is under my control: reduced 35 pounds and kept it off, walking, low sodium diet, medicines as told etc and avoided heavy lifting, but I feel happy and relieved with the news. I was also told I could do active sports other than heavy lifting or isometric exercises etc.. I have always loved sports.

The people in this forum were great to me when I was first diagnosed and I am also glad I found all of you. Best wishes to all.

Rick

You have really done your part for your health, congrats on losing weight, walking and kicking sodium out the door
Stay well as long as you can.

 

[Jkm7]

Happy you got a good report and hopefully your condition will continue to be stable.
Don't worry yourself silly about potential surgery. So many of us here have successfully endured the surgery and some of us more than once. It really is not nearly as bad for most of us as we all seem to expect.
The wait and anticipation and pre surgery worry really was the worst part of it for many of us.
Enjoy your life and don't spend it worrying what might be and when it might be.
When you find the right partner, your very treatable heart condition will not be the huge deal some seem to have made of it. Most of us have every reason to expect we will live long, healthy lives and have no higher risk of early death because of our 'repaired hearts'. No one comes with guarantees.

All best wishes.