Hello everyone - hugs needed...!!

[athul]

Hi Amanda,

I'm kinda new to this forum but a BAV is right up my alley.
I've had one all my life with few problems.
I'm 44 and in "fairly good" health.
Last echo 10/11 showed this thing has now " moderate to severe" regurgitation. Aorta 5.4
Doc says it's time to fix this thing not because of the valve but more because of the Aorta "& by the way, while we're in there, we'll replace the valve.
Scheduled for surgery for 12/5 and have been a bit stressed ever since. Can't wait to get this over with. Even considering moving up my date a week.
It seems this forum is a great place to calm concerns.
Rest assured my thoughts & prayers are with you.
keep in touch. Best of luck!!!

andy

 

[Gemma]

OldManEmu, my cardio has suggested an echo in January and to see him again in February, so 3 months from when I last saw him. He's wondering, I think, whether things are going to carry on getting worse or stabilise. He just said "In most people, stenosis or narrowing occurs, but in you it's gone the other way (leakage) - for some reason". I wanted to ask, "For WHAT reason?!!" but was afraid to in case it was my fault for my sedentary lifestyle.

Well, it sounds like he's keeping an eye on your condition at least so that's one thing in his favour! Maybe one of your questions in February could be "how many patients around my age have you had with my condition" (BAV) - we've been lucky that Jim's cardio has other patients in the same age group and with the same/similar conditions but I'm sure there are cardios who tend to have more elderly patients (who, I think might in turn be more likely to have stenosis than regurgitation hence his comment). Jim's GP also read up on the subject so we've got two "on the ball" doctors on our side.

Jim had regurgitation as well. His BAV was some weird mutant form where his valve didn't close properly which in turn meant his heart had to pump harder to get the blood that leaked back (regurgitated) to go the right way. He did have a bit of stenosis too because of the way his valve was formed but like OldManEmu says it's kind of "luck" of the draw.

Your mention of Newcastle brings back fond memories - I went to Keele Uni and lived in Newcastle in my 2nd year- used to get delicious oatcakes delivered to our door on Saturdays from Castle Oatcakes. Probably incredibly unhealthy but so yummy!!!

Gemma.

 

[BDMc]

When Valves Go South

When Valves Go South

Amanda, I had been told at an annual checkup that I had a heart murmur, and that I should be sure to get regular checkups. This was at the ripe old age of 26 or 27. About a year and a half later, I went to see another doctor because I'd been feeling run down, and had some short stabbing chest pains when sleeping on my right side. He was very considerate, but I could tell rom the way he spoke that things were not good. He asked if I knew I had a murmur. When I told him what the last guy said, he said "You will need open heart surgery at some point." My jaw must have hit the floor! I was in absolute shock. How could this have happened without my having more symptoms? He said the chest pains might not be related. The cardiologist he sent me to agreed. I had severe regurgitation, and an aneurysm. The surgery went smoothly as did my recovery, and I've just celebrated 21 years on the mechanical valve. (One that's been recalled to boot!) If you have the surgery hopefully that will be one less thing to worry about! As my friend Tedd says "Life is good!" Andy, All the best to you too! Keep us posted. Brian

 

[Glenda]

Amanda, hugs and prayers are coming your way. Isn't this a great forum and wonderful people with all the support and answers that you need during this time. We will always be there for you.