Moving right along!

[tigerlily]

Hello everyone,

My AVR surgery is scheduled for March 7. I had my catherization done yesterday and looks like it's a good thing my surgery is soon. I was happy to find out that I don't have any other big heart problems besides a very sad aortic valve. I finally found out that the valve is bicuspid. The root is sightly enlarged and I will have to talk with my surgeon and see what he has to say about that. I found out my cholesterol level was high and my LDL was really high. Not a good sign but my arteries are completely clean. Do you think it could have been that HUGE piece of Boston Cream Pie I had the night before? I was very surprised at that information because my cholesterol readings were fine last spring. My surgeon will be Dr. Lance Landvater at WakeMed in Raleigh, NC. The people at the hospital yesterday were super. The Cath was a little more involved than I had expected. The Cardiologist had a very difficult time getting across the valve. But he did and got all the measurements and info needed. I'm leaning towards a tissue valve replacement but haven't completely made up my mind yet. I felt pretty down on the way home last night. I thought my hearing aids were going to be the biggest challenge I would face this decade. They seem a minor problem at this point. I could go on and on. This is a hard time but I am so thankful for this forum and all you wonderful people. Keep me in your prayers.

Shirley

 

[Phyllis]

Hi Shirley,
I put you on the calendar for March 7th and we wish you a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. Glad the catherization went fine- you deserved the piece of Boston Cream Pie!

 

[Praline]

Good luck on your surgery

Good luck on your surgery

I just had my post-op appointment this past Tuesday. I has been 5 weeks since my surgery. My problem was the mitral valve which was repaired and one bypass for a blockage. I am doing good,... walking about an hour each day. I will start cardiac rehab March 8.
I was so scared before surgery but now I feel like I wasted all that energy worrying. You will be fine. And this site is the place to be for information and support. Let us know how you are doing.

 

[Georgia]

Congrats, Shirley. Don't go worrying about that cholesterol between now and surgery - treat yourself and eat and drink all the stuff that makes you happy - everything tastes like dirt after surgery, and while you're recovering you can worry about the cholesterol and everything else that ails you.

Did you fast for the cholesterol test? Because if not it's probably not too reliable (esp. triglycerides).

Have a really good time up until the surgery; you're doing great so far.