Hi everyone,

[ruth]

Hey there Janine, welcome!

I have 2 boys, 3 if you count my husband , and I know just how you feel. Glad you found us. I also hope that you soon find the inner peace that often comes once you adapt to the concept that the surgery is an inevitable and beneficial thing. The waiting beforehand is the toughest part for most of us so feel free to share as you wish about how you feel, sometimes it just helps to communicate.

Take care,
Ruth

 

[dot4toto]

Welcome

Welcome

Hi Jamie and welcome!
Isn't is great that they know and can plan it out That is what my husband said to me all the time. I needed to be reminded of all the positives. The great docs the fact that we live in a country where they can fix us and a time in history when we can be repaired.
I know how you feel when you say ,you just want it over with, I was sooooo glad when I was told it was time for surgery and they only let me wait 2 weeks. I really had no time to be afraid, well, less time. All I could do was prepare, my house, work,etc.
I'm wishing you the best and we'll all be here to support you.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to the VR community, Janine. I wish it were better circumstances, but glad you found us. As you've already discovered, this is a wonderful place for information, inspiration, support, and a few laughs.

Climbing the OHS mountain is a scary journey to be sure, but once you are on the other side, the view is beautiful. Best wishes for a smooth journey.

 

[briansmom]

Welcome to this group. I would never have made it through my son's surgery without these tremendous people. My main comment to you is that your children do need to get echocardiogram's at some point. If you read below you will see why I am a little bit paranoid about this. I don't think that you necessarily have to push this before your surgery, but they do need to know if they also have bicuspid valves.
Hang in there, you will get through this safe and sound.

 

[aussigal]

on getting kids tested....

I was just very assertive and kept asking my regular Doctor to give me a referral to get the boys scanned. My dad had died at 38 from heart disease and both his parents before 60 with heart problems, so I had a pretty strong family history. Eventually he gave in and asked me which kid I thought was most likely to have it. To his surprise I was right and Steve does have a BAV. From there on it was easy. We scanned the other 2 in the next few days and found our eldest son also has a BAV. From this point onwards I had no trouble at all with any of my weird and wonderful requests for scans and treatment etc. The boys now get scanned every year by a Paediatric Cardioligist who is well aware of their family history. The only change to their lives is the antibiotics before dental treatment and the yearly scan which gets them a day off school!

I always strongly urge people to get their kids and other blood-relatives tested for these kind of hereditary things.

Life may feel like it is racing out of control at the moment, but I think thats pretty normal for this situation. Education helps alot so you know what the Docs are all talking about. By the time you are through your surgery and past the first year post-op you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

 

[EireCara]

Hi Janine, Welcome to this wonderful site, Im so glad you found it. People here are absolutely great. Full of knowledge (gained the hard way, I guess) , but also caring.

Hang in there and keep asking questions. Knowledge is definitely power.

Best Wishes....Jacqui.

 

[OldManEmu]

Welcome

Welcome

Welcome aboard Janine. Don't panic! I am another Aussie and another one from Melbourne. I agree with aussigal you need to get your kids checked for BAV. The good news is that at 36 if you have no other health problems you have a 98% chance of a successful result, it?s certainly a lot better than doing nothing. If you are interested in a Ross there are only 2 surgeons in Melbourne that do Ross?s Peter Skillington and George Matalanis. The Ross is a specialised AVR and there are only about 200 surgeon world wide that do it. We are here to get you through this.

 

[aussiemember]

Hi Janine,

Just wanted to say hi as well. I'm another Melbournite - used to live at Carrum Downs so very close to where you are. I have mitral valve problems but have also heard really good reports about Dr. Skillington. I haven't had my surgery yet but will follow your journey with interest.

Jeanne

 

[Janine]

Thanks guys, you have all been a great help great to see so many Aussies on here as well ( well I would rather be chatting to you guys for different reasons) im so glad I found this site..

 

[AHudson]

Janine

I am 35 and have 4 kids (the 4th being Hubby). I had Mitral Valve Replacement on July 3rd and I can tell you that I was scared to death before surgery and the wonderful people and wealth of information on this board certainly helped me! Surgery is scary BUT once it is over....you will breathe a sigh of relief and say...wow, I am glad that is over and move on with life. I was very lucky and my recovery was quick and smooth but I can also say that I had alot of help from people including my kids. If someone offers help, take it...as a mother you are used to doing for everyone else....it is time for others to do for you. I am 8 weeks post surgery tomorrow and feel great.

Let me know if you need any information.

Amy

 

[aniros]

Hi Janine
Did you end up going with Adrian Pick? I am interested as I am also a candidate for this type of surgery and have a referral to see him.

 

[Jimjam]

Hi everyone,

Hi Janine.

So glad you found the site, it's been invaluable to me and my family. I'm 38 married, live in sydney and have 3 boys, 7,6 and 1. Use the forum as much a possible and ask lots of questions- we've all had different experiences but I know you'll see some commonalities. I had my aortic valve and ascending aorta replaced in September last year. My diagnosis came out of the blue in may after a regular check up (luckiest man alive). It was an emotional and confronting roller coaster and I know you'll go through similar emotions, it's all completely normal. Just remember we have some of the best surgical teams in the world here in Australia, happy to share my experience in more detail if you want an Ozzie perspective, feel free to PM me.
Good luck and best wishes!
James

 

[aniros]

Hi Janine
Did you end up going with Adrian Pick? I am interested as I am also a candidate for this type of surgery and have a referral to see him.

I am new to this forum and would appreciate any feedback.

 

[escargome]

Hi aniros,
Janine started this thread in Aug 2007 and I don't think she checks in much as of late. I am sure that there are other people out there that could answer some of your questions. Maybe start a new thread on the pre-surgery thread someone can come up with good responses. In any case, welcome and good luck in your research.