Hi! --New here

[Candi]

My name is Candi. I'm a 25yr old Makeup artist from N. Idaho, living in Las Vegas, with my Husband Julian & our 2yr old son Giovanni.

I'm having heart surgery on Nov. 17th to fix/replace my Tricuspid valve.
I have RBBB & Severe symptomatic Tricuspid regurg.. & enlarged heart (forget wich chamber?). & my blood clots too easily.

I first learned I had heart disease at a routine checkup in 2003, it was mild regurg. Have had a Cardiologist since but was told I would be 60yrs old before I would need surgery.

July of 2006 ... I went in just for an Echo ... my Cardiologist came into the room & told me its BAD, that the regurg is severe, my heart is enlarged and that I need surgery NOW. ... I was like "Hey, thanks for the warning!" haha. ....so I've put it off as long as I could and finally set the date (not too excited).

I'm SCARED!! This site was not easy to find!!, but I'm SO HAPPY to be here, ... It seems to help a lot of people and I'm sure it will be the crutch I need in not driving myself crazy with worry before the "big day".

I posted a longer version of the story in "Pre-Surgery", area not knowing where to post first. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Candi

 

[Turkey Hunter]

Welcome Candi,
Have you already made the choice of which tyope of valve you will be receiving?

I am sure you have alot of questions, so please feel free to ask anything you want.

The actual surgery and recovery is not as bad as you think it is going to be.... I promise!

Ben

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome, Candi

My diagnosis came out of the blue at a routine check-up, too. No warning and no symptoms that were evident to me. I bit short of breath if I had to run to catch my train or up a long flight of stairs. Just thought that was from being an aging couch potato

I echo Ben. It wasn't nearly as bad as I envisioned. My take away was that, while not routine for the patient, it seemed to be very routine for the doctors and nurses.

Best wishes!

 

[Marguerite53]

Welcome, Candi. So glad you found us! We can surely help you with your fears and questions.

Of course you are scared. The uncertainty is daunting. But for most of us, the surgery is not that awful. For one thing, they have great drugs. I mean great drugs!! There is very little significant pain. Sure, it's gonna be uncomfortable and tender and there will be some outrageous moments here and there. But honestly, for the most part....they work hard to keep the pain controlled.

With a 2 year old child, you are definitley going to want to plan for some help post-surgery. You CANNOT lift him at all for a month or more. If they are going to do the full sternotomy, you truly have to wait for it to fuse back and heal. So start gathering up offers for help. Especially, too, in the meal preparation department. If you have anyone offering to bring you a meal....take the offer!! Carry out and bring home gets tiring....even in a gourmet haven like Las Vegas!!

Please feel free to ask any and all questions here. We aren't shy, so you don't need to be either!

Good luck. VERY glad you are doing this surgery. It sounds like your heart is needing it and you shouldn't wait any longer than you are.

Again, WELCOME! Marguerite

 

[CathyK.]

Welcome Candi. I too am in the "waiting room". Not a fun place to be but with the help of everyone here it makes it alot easier. Let everyone here help you with any concerns you have. They are great!! Good Luck and let everyone know how they can help!

 

[DeWayne]

The apprehension of what is to come is almost worse than the aftermath.
Sure you will be limited for a short period of time after surgery to what you can and cannot do, but the results of the surgery will make you FEEL better in a short time. I knew for 47 years I would have to undergo a heart valve replacement. I didn't lose much sleep over it till I saw the cardiologist in late May when she said you need it and it has to happen in the next 6 months...

Well, I had things to do yet darn it, I had a car show I wanted to attend in June so that was out, then wife said how about right after July 4th I said well... it finallly ended up being the 27th of July. The hardest thing was deciding on which valve. Once I had it clear in my mind which of those I wanted it got much much easier. By the time I got to the hospital on the morning of surgery I was ready to put it behind me, I had no fears no worries, I knew it was for the best. Make the decisions that best suit you, then forget about them adn take a positive attitude with you. Make sure you have people around to help with the things you won't be able to do for a while afterwards.

For me I had my checkup about 5 weeks after surgery with my surgeon and he told me all limitations were lifted. I was back driving at 4 weeks adn told I could lift and do anything I wanted but to be smart, if it hurt quit!

Good luck to you and we will be looking for you on this side of the mountain!

 

[kodi]

Welcome Candi
You found the right place. This site will answer most of your questions either by just reading or by asking. Waiting and decision making is the worst part of the whole thing. Surgery and post-surgery become a piece of cake and a normal part of life.

 

[gijanet]

Hi, Candi!

Hi, Candi!

Sorry you have to be here, but this is a great group. I know they helped to appease my fears.

Have you picked out a valve in case it can't be repaired? Do your research and talk it over with your surgeon BEFORE the op, so you aren't surprised post-op.

Keep us posted. Many hugs. J.