Hi everyone,

[Janine]

Hi there guys my name is Janine I am 36 years old, I live in Melbourne Australia can I just tell you after stumbling across this sight a few weeks ago I have hardly been off, I was told I had mild Aortic Stenosis just over 2 years ago due to a Bicuspid valve and calcium build up, I was 5 months pregnant at the time and was scared to death and have basically been that way for 2 years now until I came across this site. My Valve in the past 2 years has gone from mild to severe and I am meeting with a surgeon this Wednesday the 29th to see where we go from here, I am so used to being in control of my life making sure all my 3 kids and hubbie (4th child) are organised, now i just feel like im totally out of control and just basically wanting to get this over and done with so i can get on with it all, anyway I will probably have a lot of questions for you guys when i come from seeing my surgeon for the first time, I would just like to thank all you guys for posting on this site and letting me see that my life is not over and i will see my 2 boys and little girl grow up..

I look forward to chatting with you guys on here...

 

[KAJ]

Janine,

Welcome to a wonderful family! Ask any question at any time. We are willing to help . My wife and I also have four children. When and if you do need surgery, don't try to get everything done and organized before surgery. It will not happen. You will need to save your strength. Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help from family and friends.

I also tried to get alot accomplished before surgery for home and work. It is not worth the stress. Please keep us posted.

Karl

 

[Bina]

Hello Janine,
Welcome to the zoo. Good thing you found us before surgery, it helps alot.
I went into surgery kind of in a fog, not knowing too much.
And I was also freaking out because of the loss of control. I really like my life in order.
So, pre-op is the time to organize: teach hubby how to cook and do laundry, write notes as reminders, prepare and freeze meals, and arrange for in house help for a few weeks post op.
Things will somehow get done, maybe not perfectly, but good enough.
Best wishes for a good meeting with your surgeon

 

[Phyllis]

Hi Janine,
So glad you found us before surgery. Don't hesitate to ask any and all questions and be sure to tell us when your surgery date is after you see the surgeon. We would like to help you climb this mountain and as you can see, life is good on the other side!

 

[Janine]

Thanks guys after reading your replies I am feeling so much better and not so alone even though im crying like a baby, I guess I just feel relieved knowing you guys have been through it and came out the other side, I have my Husband (pete) but he isn't going through this so i guess it's not the same talking to him even though he is very supportive..

 

[Bina]

Janine, don't cry.....you are young and will be just fine.

Actually I did cry during my last echo before surgery....I got scared.
But you know today I had another post op echo and smiled through it as I heard my new valve ticking away

 

[psalmist]

Hey

Hey

Hey Janine, I am 31 and just found out a few months ago that I need AVR because of regurgitation. I am married and have 3 boys, 8, 4, 3. I was terrified. I am scheduled for surgery on sept 24. I will be glad to get it over with and on with my life. My cardio and surgeon at the mayo said I should look forward to a long life after AVR. It made me feel better. Ask lots of questions and don't let the fear swallow you. There are alot of others here who have been there and done that. God bless. Seth

 

[Janine]

Thanks Bina and Seth, you have made me feel so much better, I hope all goes well with your surgery Seth but im sure we will chat again before then, in a funny way Im looking forward to the surgery, by what my cardiologist said I think it will be fairly soon, lets hope...once again guys thanks so much.

 

[Cooker]

Welcome to the zoo room Janine!!! We will walk you through it the whole way!!! It is really not that bad. Lot of great folks here with lot of knowledge (I am not the resident scholar ) I am sure all will be fine.

 

[Janine]

Thanks cooker, I have been reading a few of your posts and you always bring a smile to my face so does your picture..

 

[aussigal]

Hi Janine...

WELCOME to another Aussie

Its alright you are allowed to cry. I spent the early days crying whenever I thought about it... You will get past this stage and be able to talk about this without getting all teary-eyed.

The people on here are wonderful and have a ton of real experince....ask us any questions, even the ones you think are dumb.

I found it a real comfort to have the support of everyone here and I am sure you will too.

 

[Janine]

Hi Aussigal

Hi Aussigal

Thanks for the message, im sure I will be fine even just after reading the replies I have had I feel so much better, like you I have 2 boys 11 and 15, I also have a little girl just gone 2, can I ask about how you found about your boys valves as I would like to find out about my kids but the doctor advised me not to....

 

[Glenda]

Janine, welcome to our little forum. There are wonderful people in our family that know a lot more than I do about everything. Just ask and someone will be there with an answer. It's been three years since I had AVR (pigs valve) and I'm doing great. I do have a lot of other health problems but the heart isn't one of them right now. Hang in there and you will be fine. You will be in my prayers for whatever you decide.

 

[surfsparky]

Hi Janine,

Welcome to VR and the growing list of Aussies! I hope that this site is a source not only of knowledge, but of comfort and encouragement too.
I noticed that you live in Langwarrin...I live not too far from there - Lysterfield South (bordering Narre Warren North). My husband is the patient and he too had a bicuspid aortic valve. If you ever would like to chat feel free to contact us via private message and we'll give you our phone number. It's hard going through this alone and it's such a comfort chatting with those that have travelled down a similar path. One of our good friends, Grant (aka 'stormrev' on this site) also had BAV and surgery just after Chris...& I know for Chris, he really values spending time and talking with him...they both can understand and relate in a way no one else can.

Take care,

Yolanda

 

[Janine]

Thanks Yolanda, may just take you up on that offer as I would love to know more about the ross procedure, my cardiologist hasn't even given me this as an option maybe the surgeon will talk to me more about it, im glad your husband is doing well....

 

[Karlynn]

Welcome!

My children were 5 and 7 when I had my valve replaced at age 32. 16 years later, life is wonderful. I've had some fabulous travel experiences and even more wonderful times with my family. I'm now a Grandma too and I've gained a daughter-in-law. We are all here to tell you that life is sweeter after going through valve replacement. I know you will do just fine.

 

[Janine]

Thanks Karlynn, all these replies are making me feel so much better, thank you so much..

 

[Cooker]

Thanks cooker, I have been reading a few of your posts and you always bring a smile to my face so does your picture..

Glad I could be of service

 

[surfsparky]

Hi Janine,

Hope your day is going well... gorgeous weather outside isn't it?!
I was just wondering who your cardio and surgeon is? Chris' cardio is Dr. Stephen Sylivris (based at The Valley Hospital) and his surgeon is Mr. Peter Skillington (based at Royal Melbourne). If you are able to, search this site for information on BAV and valve selection so that you can go into the surgeon's appointment feeling informed. I know that when we were seeing Chris' surgeon, being a part of this site helped me glean a list of questions I wanted to ask.

Cheers,
Yolanda

 

[Janine]

Hi Yolanda,
It is a gorgeous day outside, my 11 year old gets back from camp today he's been in the snow, can't wait to see him it will be lovely standing out in the sun waiting for the bus, I've missed him a lot.
My cardiologist is Dr Rodney Teperman he is at Peninsula Private here in langwarrin and the surgeon he has reccommened I see is Mr Adrian W Pick, he works out of Cabrini and the Alfred I think, I will do some more research before I go, I think I will also see a couple of other surgeons just to check them all out..