Megan
Well-known member
so today I went back to Yale where I had my last surgery in 1999 for a second opinion on the gradient across the aortic valve. I just have to say I am so glad I went. The numbers they got were close to identical to the Columbia #s and the advice was the same and I just felt so relieved there was no discrepancy and Id be left wondering whether it truly was time yet or not since Im really feeing ok and dont feel very many symptoms if at all....I mean I skiied all day just a month ago!
so thats the good news. is that crazy? that its time to have surgery! my mean gradient is 60 and peak is around 100. and you learn something new every day. today i learned that you can add the 60 to my regular arm blood pressure of 120/80 and get 180 for a blood pressure in the left ventricl- not good. i had no idea that'w what they were referring to when they referred to "gradient"... and here is another #---a peak velocity of 5....something. again- not good. but its ok. im ok. im feeling ready to tackle. the cath is set for this wednesday then ill meet the surgeoun and see what he says.
Another bit of good news...the drs said-ok to ski- with a helmet of course! if i never fall and have been skiing so long- on coumadin! of course i can never guarantee i wont fall but im at least confident enough in my skiing abiltity to know Ill probably go again at some point post surgery taking as many precautions as possible..like skipping the snowboarding scene, maybe the east coast and only during the week... we will see though how I feel about that after the sugergy. so in other words...leaning heavy toward the mechanical valve and the hope of no more reops.
thanks for listening to my chatter!
meg
so thats the good news. is that crazy? that its time to have surgery! my mean gradient is 60 and peak is around 100. and you learn something new every day. today i learned that you can add the 60 to my regular arm blood pressure of 120/80 and get 180 for a blood pressure in the left ventricl- not good. i had no idea that'w what they were referring to when they referred to "gradient"... and here is another #---a peak velocity of 5....something. again- not good. but its ok. im ok. im feeling ready to tackle. the cath is set for this wednesday then ill meet the surgeoun and see what he says.
Another bit of good news...the drs said-ok to ski- with a helmet of course! if i never fall and have been skiing so long- on coumadin! of course i can never guarantee i wont fall but im at least confident enough in my skiing abiltity to know Ill probably go again at some point post surgery taking as many precautions as possible..like skipping the snowboarding scene, maybe the east coast and only during the week... we will see though how I feel about that after the sugergy. so in other words...leaning heavy toward the mechanical valve and the hope of no more reops.
thanks for listening to my chatter!
meg
