Introduction from Edward aka "MrZoom"

[MrZoom]

Hi everyone!

I just got approved for this forum and thought I'd introduce myself a little bit.

My name is Edward, aka "MrZoom" because I can go fast in my wheelchair. (Years of various adaptive sports ..... basketball, track & field, swimming, tennis, skiing. But mainly the first and the last on that list.) I also do square and contra dancing - with people who do it standing up no less. I just turned 40 in October - quite a milestone considering that the doctors who delivered me didn't expect me to make it to 1!

So, I'm trying to view valve replacement surgery as just the next hurdle for me to get over. I was diagnosed via heart cath on November 4 with an enlarged aortic root and a leaky valve. Since I am prone to urinary tract infections (a side effect of my disability), my surgeon wants to use a homograft valve for my valve replacement -- lower risk of infection of the valve. My regular cardiologist advised me about the relatively short life of homografts, but I guess it's a fair trade-off for the lower risk of infection. A TEE was done yesterday to determine the size of homograft that I need. Next step is a consultation with Dr. Lee, the surgeon, on January 5th.

God bless all! Looking forward to getting to know y'all.....

Edward "MrZoom"

 

[Davidr]

Welcome, Mr Zoom!

I am a relative newbie too, and have found that the guys on this forum are knowledgeable, and supportive...I'm sure youll feel right at home!

David

 

[Greg a]

Welcome to our FAMILY of brothers and sisters in Open Heat Surgey (OHS) here is a cheat sheet of terms used http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/showthread.php?27412-Acronyms there are other "stickies" that will help you along

 

[Freddie]

Hello Mr. Zoom and Welcome.

One thing you may want to get into a habit of doing and that is to get a copy of all test results, just in case you want/need a second opinion.

 

[nngbwh]

Welcome aboard, MrZoom.

 

[MrZoom]

Hello Mr. Zoom and Welcome.

One thing you may want to get into a habit of doing and that is to get a copy of all test results, just in case you want/need a second opinion.

Thanks Freddie. In fact I am seeing my cardiologist, Dr. O'Keefe, on Monday (an appointment that was scheduled before my symptoms began). I need to make a list of questions I want to ask him; I'll add a request for a copy of test results to the list.

 

[bigsidster]

Welcome aboard Mr Zoom.You have come to the right place .We will ride along side you.Keep us posted.

 

[Greg a]

Edward ....good to see yo in Chat tonight

 

[watson524]

Welcome! I'm not a patient but rather the daughter of a soon to be patient and have learned a lot from the wonderfully helpful folks here.

 

[drivetopless]

Welcome, Mr. Zoom. Love that handle. Keep us posted on your surgery.

 

[Jkm7]

Hi Mr. Zoom,
Happy you found us but sorry for the reason.
Thanks for introducing yourself.
Hopefully your cardiologist will answer your questions but we'll help where and how we can.

 

[ottagal]

Welcome to this great forum, Mr. Zoom.
Good luck with your surgical consultation and do keep us posted.

 

[Superbob]

Welcome to the zoo, Mr. Zoom! This is a nice friendly place with lots of heart buddies willing to share their experiences and thoughts.

 

[skeptic49]

Welcome aboard, Mr. Zoom!

Best wishes,

Jim

 

[Marcia58]

Welcome to the neighborhood, Mr Zoom! Thanks for introducing yourself! Hope your cardio appt was helpful--informative AND encouraging. Looking forward to seeing you around....

Marcia

 

[MrZoom]

Welcome to the neighborhood, Mr Zoom! Thanks for introducing yourself! Hope your cardio appt was helpful--informative AND encouraging. Looking forward to seeing you around....

Marcia

Thank you Marcia. I met with my regular cardiologist, Dr. O'Keefe, yesterday. He spoke very highly of the surgeon, Dr. Lee. I have been seeing Dr. O'Keefe for many years and he's always taken good care of me, so his recommendation definitely helps.

Thanks to everyone for the welcome!