Hi I'm New

[Ice Cream Man]

Hi! My name is Jane and I just joined. My screen name is Ice Cream Man because I used to have the ice cream business in our town and that is what all the kids still call me, but I am really a woman!

Anyway, I will need to get my mitral valve fixed or replaced sometime. I had some dental stuff last summer, then I got sick but just thought it was the flu, then my chest started hurting, they did a bunch of tests, and they said I had endocarditis. My doctor said my valve may have already been bad before I got sick because endocarditis attacks weak valves, but he doesn't know for sure. Right now they say the leak is not bad enough and I still feel good so I don't know when I'll need surgery.

Anyway, that's me.

 

[geebee]

Welcome to our home (now yours too). Please let us know how we can help.

 

[marie]

Just wanted to welcome you. Keep us updated.

 

[Freddie]

Welcome Jane.
You've found a great site. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to ask. No question is too dumb, trust me .......I have asked many

 

[hall]

Welcome Jane You will get so much information on this forum. I wish I knew of it before my AVR. Looking forward to hearing from you.

 

[susieq14]

Hi Jane,

Welcome to VR.com. I'm sorry that you had to join us but glad that you found us because you will get lots of answers to any questions that you may have and most important lots of support from a great group of folks who "have been there, done that". I also have a leaky mitral valve possibly from an infection and have been here in the "waiting room" since August 04. As scary as OHS may be, the uncertainty of wondering if and when is almost worse IMHO. I wish you the best and look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Dina]

Hi , and welcome. I am here as a result of endocarditis also.
I'm fairly new myself , and have received alot of help here
from alot of informed and experienced members.
Best Wishes--Dina

 

[Jkm7]

Hi Jane and Welcome.

I just had mitral valve replacement (tissue) 5 months ago. From the time I was first diagnosed with mitral regurgitation until surgery was under three years but everyone is different. My valve went from stable to needing surgery quickly in just a few short months.
Hopefully, your cardio is keeping a close eye on things.

Happy to help you with any questions or concerns.

 

[Okielady]

Hello and glad you found this site. It is a wonderful place to gather all sorts of information and the support here is unbelievable.
I, too, have a bad mitral valve and have known about it for about 4 years now. I started out having heart rythm problems and had a pacemaker implanted in 2004. They mentionedthe leaky valve then and let's just watch and see how it does. It has just gradually gotten worse and on my last echo in July the doc said I'm kind of on the edge of the cliff right now and we need to get it taken care of. It has caused my left ventricle to enlarge. Luckily enough I haven't had any major symptoms and hey, I'm just a young chick of 52 and I still have a lot of life to live yet. My surgery is scheduled for August 28 and I am anxious now that I have a date to get on with it and get it done.
Good luck to you and don't be afraid to ask questions because there are a lot of great people at this site that can get you through this.

 

[Bina]

Hello Jane, and welcome to the zoo!

 

[Teresa]

Welcome Jane! You have picked a great site to join! The members here are really friendly and will help you through your journey.

 

[Superbob]

Hi Jane/aka Ice Cream Man --- great screen name!

Wanted to add my welcome here. Lot of great folks, all sorts of heart-related experiences, and a willingness to share thoughts. We also tend to be a little crazy -- but harmless. Anyway, hope you will find that you have come to the right place for trading ideas as you get ready for your eventual procedure.

Glad to have you here and look forward to your posts.

 

[bird lady50]

hi ice cream man

hi ice cream man

Just wanted to say hi, and wellcome. I am in the same boat as you I have told that I need my Aortic valve replaced at some point but I am still in the waiting room. I find this site very good and you gets lots of really good anwsers and heart related info. I have asked quite a few questions, since I have joined the anwers have been very usefull for me. I find that you can ask any question that is heart related. I wish you all the best.

 

[njean]

Just wanted to welcome you to the community Jane. Hopefully you will get answers to your questions & your fears will be lessened as we ride the waves together.

Please feel free to post away when you want to & remember that we've all been there too, so we're here to help you!

 

[ricks399]

Welcome

Welcome

There is more knowledge on this site than you can believe! As a newcomer I can also say that everyone is friendly and encouraging all at a time you need it most. I had my aortic valve replaced on July 21 and like to follow the progress of those whose surgery came right before and after me. Sorry for the circumstances of your initial post but I'm sure you'll find help and comfort here.

 

[Duff Man]

Hey Ice Cream Man, why'd you always speed away when I ran outside!?

Just kidding. Welcome to the ultimate heart valve cohort. There's a lot of well educated people here that are very supportive. You've found the right place.

 

[Adrienne]

Hi Ice Cream Man,

I also had endocarditis although I knew already that I had a MVP and mitral regurgitation. It was not after dental work, but just happened spontaneously.

It would be interesting to know the results of your echocardiogram (how much regurgitation, the measurements of your left atrium and left ventricle, your ejection fraction, etc.).

I love your screen name. You must have been the most popular person in your town!!

 

[debster913]

Welcome, Jane!

I also had mitral valve proplapse that required surgery 2 years ago. Mine was not the result of endocarditis, though, but I was born with an abnormal valve and always knew I'd need surgery.

Feel free to ask us any questions here. We all have either been there and done that, or are soon facing surgery, too.

Keep us posted!

Debi (debster913)

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to VR. Sorry for the circumstances but glad you found us.

 

[Mary]

Hi Jane!
I'm glad you joined us, but I wish it were under better circumstances. Go ahead and kick your shoes off and make yourself at home while you wait.