M
marvelgirl
let's see:
congenital BAV. Only found out about it earlier this year. I've had a murmur for at least 10 years, but none of my doctors ever told me it could lead to this. I've been seeing a cardiologist for 2 years and she never told me about the valve replacement until January of this year. I am a little upset about this, since I found out after she retired that she knew I had a BAV but never talked to me about it. I never even heard the term until I got a new cardio. Not that her telling me would have changed anything. I'm working on "letting it go".
I've had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 15 and it is now time for my left hip to be replaced. I saw my cardiologists in June to tell her about the hip replacement and she gave it a thumbs down until I've had the valve replaced.
So here I am...slowly freaking out and counting the days.
I'm scheduled for replacement on August 29th. I'm getting the On-X valve.
It's taken me a long time to decide to post but I'm starting to peek out of my denial stage. I wish I could stay in that stage a little longer, but I also wish the day was here already (or better yet, that it was already over).
I am a bit worried about the walking after the AVR since I already have such a tough time of it. I'm worried my recovery is going to be severely hampered because of it. And/or because of all the immune suppressant meds I've been on for the last 20 years. But it has been pointed out to me that I'm a worrier. At this point my list of worries is longer than the one I found on here of what to bring with you to the hospital (thanks to everyone for compiling that, by the way).
Thanks to everyone who keeps this forum running. It's been very helpful in answering questions and quelling (some) fears.
I'm currently getting my iPod filled with comforting music. It's been a great way to keep my brain otherwise occupied. I'll be using music instead of just regular earplugs in the hospital.
Again, thanks everyone for the lists!
Maura
congenital BAV. Only found out about it earlier this year. I've had a murmur for at least 10 years, but none of my doctors ever told me it could lead to this. I've been seeing a cardiologist for 2 years and she never told me about the valve replacement until January of this year. I am a little upset about this, since I found out after she retired that she knew I had a BAV but never talked to me about it. I never even heard the term until I got a new cardio. Not that her telling me would have changed anything. I'm working on "letting it go".
I've had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 15 and it is now time for my left hip to be replaced. I saw my cardiologists in June to tell her about the hip replacement and she gave it a thumbs down until I've had the valve replaced.
So here I am...slowly freaking out and counting the days.
I'm scheduled for replacement on August 29th. I'm getting the On-X valve.
It's taken me a long time to decide to post but I'm starting to peek out of my denial stage. I wish I could stay in that stage a little longer, but I also wish the day was here already (or better yet, that it was already over).
I am a bit worried about the walking after the AVR since I already have such a tough time of it. I'm worried my recovery is going to be severely hampered because of it. And/or because of all the immune suppressant meds I've been on for the last 20 years. But it has been pointed out to me that I'm a worrier. At this point my list of worries is longer than the one I found on here of what to bring with you to the hospital (thanks to everyone for compiling that, by the way).
Thanks to everyone who keeps this forum running. It's been very helpful in answering questions and quelling (some) fears.
I'm currently getting my iPod filled with comforting music. It's been a great way to keep my brain otherwise occupied. I'll be using music instead of just regular earplugs in the hospital.
Again, thanks everyone for the lists!
Maura