Rick
Well-known member
I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve with 2-3+ aortic rergurgitation; a slightly dilated ascending aorta (3.6 cm) and a slight enlarged left ventricle (5.7) two years ago next week.
My diagnosis led to a lot of changes in my life, including a divorce and a desire to lead a new life with more time for certain things.
Two years later, I am having difficulties seeing my son and am in process of litigation so that the rights of my son to see me and vice-versa are legally enforced. Professionally, I have not been able to reduce my workload to travel and do some things I want to do.
On the health front, my annual check up last year revealed a reduced left ventricle (5.1), 3.7 cm ascending aorta, an unchanged regurgitation, and an improved ejection fraction from 53% to 63%. During that first year, I lost 35 pounds, reduced sodium diet, and started Altace and Beta Blockers. My chest pain and palpitations were nil.
This year I am having some palpitations and some chest pain, though I have kept the same regiment -- thin, walk etc...only thing I have not followed is a low stress life.
I am feeling depressed as I await my upcoming annual check-up at CCF. I am worried about what will come of it. I am also feeling sad as to my last year: (i) I feel a little worse (ii) I am having difficulties seeing my son (iii) professionally, the person I was grooming to take over for me just quit so I have to start this process all over again and really want to cut down but cant without finding an adequate replacement and instilling processes at our firm and (iv) as a single 40 year old man, I have not been seeking a relationship but am beginning to be open to it and wonder how all this will affect things.
Anyways, just felt a need to share my mini-depression as the two year anniversary and ensuing annual check-up are approaching. I tend not to be depressive or sad so this is unusual for me but I cant help but feel this way as I approach the check-up and the whole thing reminds me of all I went through and the harder road I have ahead.
Best regards,
Rick
My diagnosis led to a lot of changes in my life, including a divorce and a desire to lead a new life with more time for certain things.
Two years later, I am having difficulties seeing my son and am in process of litigation so that the rights of my son to see me and vice-versa are legally enforced. Professionally, I have not been able to reduce my workload to travel and do some things I want to do.
On the health front, my annual check up last year revealed a reduced left ventricle (5.1), 3.7 cm ascending aorta, an unchanged regurgitation, and an improved ejection fraction from 53% to 63%. During that first year, I lost 35 pounds, reduced sodium diet, and started Altace and Beta Blockers. My chest pain and palpitations were nil.
This year I am having some palpitations and some chest pain, though I have kept the same regiment -- thin, walk etc...only thing I have not followed is a low stress life.
I am feeling depressed as I await my upcoming annual check-up at CCF. I am worried about what will come of it. I am also feeling sad as to my last year: (i) I feel a little worse (ii) I am having difficulties seeing my son (iii) professionally, the person I was grooming to take over for me just quit so I have to start this process all over again and really want to cut down but cant without finding an adequate replacement and instilling processes at our firm and (iv) as a single 40 year old man, I have not been seeking a relationship but am beginning to be open to it and wonder how all this will affect things.
Anyways, just felt a need to share my mini-depression as the two year anniversary and ensuing annual check-up are approaching. I tend not to be depressive or sad so this is unusual for me but I cant help but feel this way as I approach the check-up and the whole thing reminds me of all I went through and the harder road I have ahead.
Best regards,
Rick
