New to the site.

[Ovie]

Hi to you all, I've been browsing this site for awhile now, just now commited.

I apologize if this is the wrong area of discussion to put this topic.

I'm 25 years old and over this last summer I found out I'm going to have to have an Aortic Valve Replacement. The surgery is scheduled for Feb 23 of this next year at Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota by Dr. Burkhart. To say the least I'm terrified. I have a bad history of terrible panic attacks that I feel may cause some issues, however when all you have is time I know you can let your mind run wild. I still don't feel like this is real and the surgery is less than 2 months away.

I live kind of a wild life style, play extreme sports (Hockey, Skating, etc) and now all of a sudden everything I love I feel is being flushed away, because it's been recommended I get a MV which would than have me on Cummondin(sp?). I also feel like I've made a mistake of watching videos of the surgery, as informative AND interesting as it is I feel it's bringing me nothing but anxiety and depression ( currently on 4mg of xanex XR ).

I've been browsing the forums from time to time and I've seen nothing but great advice and assurance here. I know I'll probably be posting questions up to my SD, so I won't continue to ramble on. I basically wanted to introduce myself and ask or see if anybody had any advice for a newbie to not just OHS, but really the whole process of surgery, pre and post. ( never broken bone, no stitches, nothing)

So anything is really appreciated, I'm kind of alone with this whole thing and this seems to be a very friendly and knowledgeable forum, which I could really use right about now.

Thank you and feels very comforting being here .

 

[dick0236]

Hi Ovie. Your surgery is scheduled two days after my 76th "belly button" birthday. My surgery was 100% responsible for me having this upcoming birthday. You will do fine, although we know how scary this is. The internet is a GREAT place for info, but be careful, as there is a lot of frightening misinformation on it.

Warfarin, the generic of Coumadin, is not difficult to live with, so long as you develop a simple regimen....take the pill as prescribed and routinely test your INR. Personally, I've pretty much done everything I've ever wanted to do with no problem...and I've got the scars to proove it:thumbup:

 

[Mentu]

Welcome to VR, Ovie. This is a good place to talk about your concerns and find some perspective. For most of us, the idea of heart surgery was far more troublesome than the actual surgery. Try to remember that it is the disease that is the problem and surgery is your door to your future. For awhile you will not be able to do everything you want but as you heal, your body will be healthier than it was before the AVR. I, too, had not been in a hospital before my AVR but it was a manageable experience because you are not alone. The staff that will get you back on your feet will have had a lot of experience doing this every day and you will be no exception. As for learning to deal with anticoagulant therapy, you have only to read the experiences of other active people here in VR who live very well with it. The few days in the hospital are really no problem. Your part comes in committing yourself to a good recovery and doing your best to recover without forcing your body to do what it cannot. You cannot force your recovery but you can manage it and have a surprisingly good time doing so.

Larry
Tulsa, OK

 

[Jkm7]

Welcome, Ovie.
Very happy you found us and I sincerely hope we can help you get through this opportunity. Yes, opportunity..... you know, of course, years ago, none of us could have been helped but how lucky are we there is now this remarkably successful surgery in the vast majority of cases. The high numbers of us that return to good health and full lives is very comforting to keep in mind.

Most of us agree the worst part of this whole process is the waiting. People who never had anxiety do during that time span. You are not alone with experiencing that angst. But it is tough. Again, many of us found at a certain point pre surgery, we gave ourselves over to the professionals. After the denial, the anger, the anxiety we reach a point where we are so tired of it all, we let the surgeons, cardios, nurses, anesthesiologists, techs etc do what they do and for them it is just another day at the office.

You're going to a great facility where they have 'seen it all' and that's just what you want. You're young and strong and active and there is every reason for you to expect to do extremely well.

The nurses at Mass General told me straight off at both my surgeries they are as concerned with pain control as blood pressure, temperature etc They will keep you comfortable and pain is not usually a big factor. Yes, of course, there's some discomfort and some episodes of pain but nurses are very good about medicating. Most of us do not complain we suffered greatly though in all truth, there are some who feel more pain than others.

Ask your questions. There is almost always someone here who can help with answers.
Keep thinking positive thoughts. It really helps.

 

[Lionheart]

Hey Ovie,
Welcome. Yeah those surgery videos can get to you. I did the same thing and while they were interesting they made me a little too informed. You will be in good hands at the Mayo-one of the best heart hospitals in the US. If you can, try to find ways to stay busy before your surgery. One way that I occupied myself was to prepare for when I returned home from the hospital- I made a bunch of meals and froze them to simplify cooking, I found a bunch of stuff to read for when I came home, and I took care of all my financial stuff so that I didn't have to think about it later. You sound athletic, are you continuing to exercise- per your doctors OK?
As far as sports, I am sure some other extreme sports nuts will come on and tell you how well they tolerate coumadin (warfarin) and are still able to participate in their sports.

Best wishes to you,
John

 

[Greg a]

Hi to you all, I've been browsing this site for awhile now, just now commited.

I apologize if this is the wrong area of discussion to put this topic.

I'm 25 years old and over this last summer I found out I'm going to have to have an Aortic Valve Replacement. The surgery is scheduled for Feb 23 of this next year at Mayo in Rochester, Minnesota by Dr. Burkhart. To say the least I'm terrified. I have a bad history of terrible panic attacks that I feel may cause some issues, however when all you have is time I know you can let your mind run wild. I still don't feel like this is real and the surgery is less than 2 months away.

I live kind of a wild life style, play extreme sports (Hockey, Skating, etc) and now all of a sudden everything I love I feel is being flushed away, because it's been recommended I get a MV which would than have me on Cummondin(sp?). I also feel like I've made a mistake of watching videos of the surgery, as informative AND interesting as it is I feel it's bringing me nothing but anxiety and depression ( currently on 4mg of xanex XR ).

I've been browsing the forums from time to time and I've seen nothing but great advice and assurance here. I know I'll probably be posting questions up to my SD, so I won't continue to ramble on. I basically wanted to introduce myself and ask or see if anybody had any advice for a newbie to not just OHS, but really the whole process of surgery, pre and post. ( never broken bone, no stitches, nothing)

So anything is really appreciated, I'm kind of alone with this whole thing and this seems to be a very friendly and knowledgeable forum, which I could really use right about now.

Thank you and feels very comforting being here ��.

WELCOME to our OHS family ...I have added yu to the family calendar....read and ask ANY QUESTION you may have

 

[Nancy jane]

Hi & welcome. Me too. New to it all & I go in right before u on feb 9. While a tad older that u - age has no control over fears & angst. Be positive & best wishes & talk soon. Nancy Jane

 

[Phil]

Hi Ovie,

I had AVR in 2002 and I don't really remember feeling much pain, some discomfort, but not pain as such. I do remember thinking how quickly my body healed and how day by day I felt a little stronger. The experience was bigger in my head, than it actually was. Now I am waiting around for my second AVR and I'm finding the experience is hard. I wish I could have the surgery so I can feel better and get on with my life. Patience is not one of my strong points. Good luck - you are 25 fit and active. I'm sure you will be amazed how quickly you bounce back to good health and more.

All the best.


Phil.

 

[Lynlw]

Hi Ovie, Welcome. You are close in age to my son, but he's had OHS his whole life, so it is a little different. As others said, you are going to one of the best plces for heart surgery and you are young and in good shape, so all of that should help with your surgery and recovery.
Do you live by yourself?
Since you are relativly young, you also might want to check out the forums at the adults with CHD (congenital heart defects) site, http://www.achaheart.org/
there are probably alot more people around your age or have same concerns. Most have had several surgeries but a few members didnt have their first surgery until they were closer to your age.

 

[Boston Tiger]

Hi Ovie,

The great thing about the board is that it is populated with a lot of people who have been in your shoes, and can distinctly remember what you are going through. As many others have said, the waiting is the most difficult thing, especially if you let your mind run wild. You are going to a top notch hospital, and you will find that the staff truly cares about making your recovery work. Absolutely discuss any of the fears you have with them as you prepare for your procedure, since they will do whatever they can to ease your concerns. Given your age and the activities you engage in, I would bet your recovery will be far easier than you fear. And the best part is that you will be good to go for a nice long life once you have recovered. I think a key thing is to go in with the right frame of mind. For me, it was the thought of seeing my daughter graduate and head off to college, and the avatar I choose for the site reminds me of how nice it is to see your goals play out, since she's having a blast at Syracuse.

You'll do well with your surgery.

Ken

 

[bradvo]

Hey Ovie, The wait is the toughest part, others here including myself on the night before have felt a calmness and finally peace with the procedure.
Once you have your pre op appointment it may also help your nerves, in the mean time don't sike yourself out. Post up your concerns , somebody here can relate and help comfort.
Read some of the stickys posted at the top of forums to assist you .
Take care , you will have loads of prayers from all of us.
Brad

 

[Ovie]

Thanks everyone, feels good to be around people who have felt and experienced the same situation. All insight is appreciated. Good to have some people to talk to.

 

[kfay]

Ovie, I also had my surgery at the Mayo clinic. Dr. Burkhart was not my surgeon, but my surgeon left town a couple of days after my surgery and Dr. Burkhart was his backup for me "just in case". You will be in excellent hands there, the care is outstanding. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!


Kim

 

[Ovie]

^ very cool, good to hear that went well Kfay and the care was good. Beautiful area, it's like a city of just hospitals. Do you live near there or did you fly/drive a ways? Although it's only like a 4 hour drive for me still makes me nervous about maybe developing blod clots or something. Just my mind running free though I'm sure, just have to walk every hour or something?