New and just kind of freaked out.

[james]

Sorry if this is the wrong spot for this.

So I have been bad at taking care of this for most of my life. Mostly out of disbelief and hatred of a childhood surgery.
I was born with a BAV and had an alteration surgery at 9 years old (1980) with OHSU in Portland. I never experienced ANY symptoms of heart disease. No limitations ever. In my 20's I went without insurance for many years as I was self employed. At 32 I went to the Seattle Heart Clinic for a Stress ECHO with no negative thoughts brought out from this visit.
Anyhow after hearing a story of the wife of a coworker who died last month I made an appointment to go in to Summit Cardiology in Seattle. During the ECHO the tech stopped testing and called in the Cardiologist without doing the stress test. The concern was the back flow of blood in the valve and if other parts of my heart are experiencing disease. We talked about the need at some time in my life to replace the Aorta. Not weather that would be now or later. I went in this morning to get the nuclear scan and they let me out. I know that must be a good sign but, my consultation is on Thursday and I have gone from feeling healthy as a fat middle aged ox to someone who is afraid of every tension I feel in my body.

I need some advice. What questions do I need to go in and ask on Thursday? What technical info should I know?
Is depression normal at this time because I think that is what I am feeling along with the fear and anger. New to me.
Thank You in advance.

 

[Danny]

I was feeling the same way as you... The best thing to do, is to get your consultation, do your research, and get fixed. You are definately in the right place here...ask away. The people I have found on this site are wonderful caring and very knowledgeable. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Duffey]

Sorry if this is the wrong spot for this.

So I have been bad at taking care of this for most of my life. Mostly out of disbelief and hatred of a childhood surgery.
I was born with a BAV and had an alteration surgery at 9 years old (1980) with OHSU in Portland. I never experienced ANY symptoms of heart disease. No limitations ever. In my 20's I went without insurance for many years as I was self employed. At 32 I went to the Seattle Heart Clinic for a Stress ECHO with no negative thoughts brought out from this visit.
Anyhow after hearing a story of the wife of a coworker who died last month I made an appointment to go in to Summit Cardiology in Seattle. During the ECHO the tech stopped testing and called in the Cardiologist without doing the stress test. The concern was the back flow of blood in the valve and if other parts of my heart are experiencing disease. We talked about the need at some time in my life to replace the Aorta. Not weather that would be now or later. I went in this morning to get the nuclear scan and they let me out. I know that must be a good sign but, my consultation is on Thursday and I have gone from feeling healthy as a fat middle aged ox to someone who is afraid of every tension I feel in my body.

I need some advice. What questions do I need to go in and ask on Thursday? What technical info should I know?
Is depression normal at this time because I think that is what I am feeling along with the fear and anger. New to me.
Thank You in advance.

Everything you're experiencing sounds normal to me.
Since you've undergone a few tests, I imagine the cardiologist will be able to explain where you are in terms of a time line for surgery. I wouldn't worry about technical information right now but I would concentrate on listening to all that's said. Maybe someone can go with you so you'll have a second pair of ears to listen with. You might ask for a copy of your test results so you'll have them to refer back to later on.
If you do have surgery at some point, I bet you will find it a much easier experience than you did as a child. OHS has come a long way over the past 30 years.

 

[james]

She called back last night and wants to schedule angioplasty on Thursday. I guess I have blockage too. Goodbye Pizza, Goodbye Fried Food. I loved you so but, you are trying to kill me.

 

[Duffey]

She called back last night and wants to schedule angioplasty on Thursday. I guess I have blockage too. Goodbye Pizza, Goodbye Fried Food. I loved you so but, you are trying to kill me.

Just think, you'll be All fixed by the time this over.

 

[Jkm7]

Welcome, James. Happy you found us but sorry for the reason.
Your anxiety and possible depression are so usual for most of us. It's a real kicker when we hear Open Heart Surgery is in our future.

There is so much info on this site that it's good for you to start reading. You can't learn it all in one day but spend some time going from one section of the forum to another and by all means post all your questions here.

This is a hugely supportive group and some here are extremely knowledgeable and generous with their time and information.

I had two OHS in four years (the last about a year and a half ago) and this forum helped me so much getting through that second surgery and we will help you in every way possible.

Have your angioplasty and if you need a stent, you'll have it. Angioplasty when done by a very skilled, experienced Interventionalist Cardiologist is so way much easier than most of us imagine. There is a current thread asking about Caths you may wish to read. I think you'll find most of us have no pain and no after effect. Try not to stress too much about it.

Best wishes.

 

[Superbob]

Welcome, James. We've all felt the same thing, and experienced the emotional roller-coaster. Get your consultation, do your research, talk to folks here --- you'll be on the road to a better life.

 

[njean]

Just wanted to say hello & welcome you to VR.

We all know, first hand, what you are feeling right now. We've all been there & done that, but, we are all survivors & you will be too.

Do your research, ask all the questions you have & we will try to answer them & support you in your journey.

Life begins after OHS!

 

[Lynlw]

I was wonderring since you've had surgery for this as a child, if you are going to a cardiologist that specializes in Adults with CHD or have considerred it. Aslo I wanted to suggest it might help to also join the forums at the Adults w/ CHD org http://achaheart.org/ since many of the members share your experience and thoughts about having surgery after having heart surgeries as a child.
Good luck, and as others have mentioned the surgery experience NOW is quite better than it was 30 years ago, My son had his first surgery 21 years ago and several since and I know everything is so much better now for the patient and even things like length of time in the hospital post op usually have gotten much better.
Lyn

 

[Mentu]

Hi, James. Almost all of us have shared the stress you are feeling. It is normal and so is the depression that can develop. You will feel better when you have more information but if the stress and depression persist talk with your Doctor about dealing with it. Coming to grips with surgery is hard enough without the baggage of depression. Keep in mind though that the anticipation is worse than the reality of surgery itself. I may have had a smoother time that some but I entered the hospital feeling ill and left 6 days later feeling really well. If you need a reality check, well, this is the place to come because we have been in your shoes.

 

[zipper2]

Hi James and Welcome ,you found the perfect place
and are sailing the same ship we sailed,its very,very normal
to have all these emotions about surgery and thats why
theres so many great people who sailed this surgery ship
here to support you.

You will sail through this with flying colors (honest)

 

[TXWildflower]

Hi James and welcome to the forum. I have found it to be a very useful resource in researching my situation. I can say I've been there, but haven't done it yet. It is scary stuff any way you look at it. The people on here really, really get that.

Good luck to you!

Rhena

 

[westie]

it gets better

it gets better

.
it is normal to be totally freaked out when you first learn you have a major heart problem requiring open heart surgery; only a nutter would look forward to it!

i was devastated when i was diagnosed but as time went by i became calmer amd much more accepting and philosophical about the matter.

also, i feel i have faced the possibility of death and become less scared it.

good luck