Results from my Surgeon appt.

[M&M]

Hi, With all your wonderful support I thought I would let you all know how my appt. came out with the valve surgeon. First of all he was very 'nice' and that's very important to me.. he came in and was smiling and he talked in layman's language and he explained all about the mitral valve. He asked me lots of questions regarding my vt's. But I think he was really checking to see how much I knew about my history and so forth. He had taken the time before my appt to do his 'homework' so I knew he had all the information before coming to a 'recommendation' for the next best course of action. He said 'surgery' is ultimately my decision. I said my decision would probably be determined by their recommendations.

First of all - I guess my valve is leaking at 50% :-( He said my ESD is 49 and they recommend surgery at 55 which is their cutoff - he also said - I definently have valve surgery in my future. He guesses anywhere from 2 to 5 years but then he said - it could be 3 mos. !!! I have a feeling if I so much as say I'm having even alittle 'chest pain' that surgery would be very soon. But since I'm feeling GREAT - they're going to monitor me very closely -echos every 6 mos. He thinks my mitral valve is probably unrepairable - since it was in my heart attack area - it was damaged and its just proceeded to get worse over the past 11 years. But he would try to repair it if it was possible - if not than a mechanical valve. That should last me a life time. I asked if they used St. Judes valves and he said: YES, as it has two leaflets instead of the one. He also said I would need to take coumadin for the rest of my life. I think he really thought my valve is probably shot. I personally think so to - I mean if my ventricle has enlarged than it must be in pretty bad shape - I would think backflow of 50% is alot. He said when I have to have surgery to replace my ICD battery - I would have to go in the hospital for several days and they would have to adjust my coumadin before and then again after surgery - so it makes it alot more time consuming when any surgery's has to be done. Normally when they replace your ICD battery - its just a out patient thing. Go in the morning and your out by noon. But if I got the mechanical valve one - it won't be like that. I guess its more complicated. But it lasts longer than a repair and he said if he can't do a good repair he doesn't want to do one at all - he said it would be better to go with a mechanical one. Which makes sense cause if the repair isn't good they would just have to go back in and replace it anyways sometime soon down the road. I think since I'm only 47 they're looking for something that will last and they hope not to have to go back in again down the road.

I asked if there was some way I could decrease the enlargement -he said NO and I asked if my running was making my valve situation worse and he said NO - so I don't feel like I'm hurting myself at least and I can still run slowly on my own still no RACES :-( I miss them moreso now than ever before - They were a great stress relief for me.. But I can't complain - I have the BEST EP and I would rather follow his recommendations than not to follow them. I don't want to create any unnecessary tension between the two of us. I also think he would not take away my races unless he thought it was very much in my 'best medical interest'. He knows how much it means to me - so it must be pretty important to slow it down and exercise cautiously.


He did seem alittle concerned about my ventricular tachycardias (VT)- as when they do surgery its not something they like to have happen and since I have a history of them - he said its more risky for me. I told him I want my EP (electrician) in the room or in the building - as he's the only one that feels comfortable with my vt's and everyone else seems to get extremely upset. Right now my vt's are under control. But he said when a person goes in for surgery - they get stressed out and these things come out more frequently at that time. Which I would agree - stress does pump ones adrenaline more and can exacerbate your vt's.

I guess all this means is - Yes, surgery is coming and depending on how things go - will determine 'when'. So I'm in 'waiting'.. It doesn't bother me waiting - I hope it takes 10 years.. But I doubt that it will. Anyways, I won't get another echo test for 6 mos - so it looks like things will be quiet for awhile - and for that I'm pleased. I'll take what I can get and try to let all this 'sink' in and try to make the best of it. I can't stop it and I can't control it and I feel GREAT - so I might as well sit back like Ross said - pull up a chair and have some pop corn and enjoy life. I'm happy that we at least have a 'plan' and decisions are pretty much done if or when things get worse. My husband hates surprises..

I think the thing that bothers me right now - is the thought of that 'scar' - I know it shouldn't be important - but I guess I'm a vanity person. My husband said - the thought of it doesn't bother him at all and for that I'm very happy to hear. I didn't expect otherwise from him - but I don't know I think I'll look like Frankenstein. I'll have a Zipper and a Zapper.. Talk about scars. I'm not even 50 yet !! I don't know - somehow I don't think I'm going to look good in my victoria secret nighties.. I'm always trying to look so pretty for my hubby and he's always complimented my appearance. I feel so shallow for just telling others about this - I'm afraid they'll think badly of me. It should be the least of my problems - and yet for me it seems like a huge problem. I could perhaps get plastic surgery to 'hide' it but I'm sure my insurance wouldn't cover that. It would cost a fortune. With a kid in college - I just don't have it. I've seen other patients and after a period of years - its not a noticeable - mostly just in the beginning. I also dread changing in the girls locker room when I go for my noon time workouts.

Anyways, thanks for listening and I appreciate your posts. I did tell my surgeon about this site - and he said to be careful - sometimes the information you get isn't correct !!! I said: Well someone gave them the incorrect medical information to begin with - but at any rate I come here mostly for support and it seems to be a really nice group of people. I've learned alot from this web site and most of it is - that many people have this done and they are able to 'move' on and enjoy life. I thank god there is a web site like this. Makes me feel like I'm not alone.

So it looks like I'll be in 'waiting' for awhile and that's really good for me - it gives me 'time' to let all this sink in and try to adjust to what will eventually happen to me..

Thanks for your time
Runner

 

[Ross]

Hey ya lady

You should have told him that most all of us are valve replacement patients giving advice from the experiences that we've gone through. You can't deny knowledge when it happens to you first hand.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that scar will make you just as sexy as ever, perhaps even more so because you'll be ALIVE! Don't have the operation. You don't want to be sexy. he he

I want you to keep one thing is mind-This is serious stuff. Even though you feel fine, your numbers are placing you in the danger zone. I'd hate to see you just drop over dead. Things being the way they are, it's a possibility. Didn't he get on you about the heart enlargement? Did he not say that there is a point of no return if it gets too big? You don't want to be waiting that long! Get your hind end in there if you even have a minute symptom. Don't dismiss it or we may be dismissing you. We don't want that to happen.

 

[M&M]

Thanks Ross.

Please don't take his comments about the board personally - I'm sure they've (Dr.) have heard alot of stories from patients regarding many many internet boards out there.. I've even seen a few myself - that didn't give 'accurate' medical information and some of it was coming from the medical profession !! I said to him the patients: only repeat what they're told.. He just kind of frowned.

I appreciate your concern and NO he didn't say there was a 'no' point of return regarding my enlargement. I do think my EP told me that when I had my visit with him. He never said what that point was though.

Please don't worry - I have a feeling if I so much as sneeze I'm going in for surgery. He did smile at me and say: Some patients have symptoms - they just don't tell their doctor !! I bet they see it all. They size you up and pretty much put you in a certain 'class' of patient. He did say that I have a track history of following up on my medical care. Some patients come in and have a problem and he knows he won't see that patient for 5 more years - so he would recommend a different course of action for those patients. He knows I'll be back and if I'm having problems - I will report them. Maybe not for every 'sneeze' but if it got bad I would certainly tell them.

I'm not sure - but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I hit that 55 rate on my next echo - hopefully not - but I woudn't be surprised. I know it went up from Feb to July - I think 4 points - I'm not exactly sure - but it seems to be going up, up and up..

I do think they're going alittle cautiously on this - cause if they jumped the gun - I would probably panic and go elsewhere. You have to remember - I was just told about all this like three weeks ago - and then to push surgery down my throat would be extremely upsetting - considering I feel GREAT.. I more or less told my EP that look we've been blindsided - we're just finding out about all this and its been there for 11 years !!! Of course he's only been my doc for about 2 years. My old cardiologist never even monitored it - and I had no idea it was this bad. I think my EP was shocked when he got the results of my first echo. I don't think he expected it - cause at one point when I asked him that I saw "enlargement" in my medical chart - after my catherization in Jan - we both thought it was from my exercise - but he said: Well, lets do a echo just to make sure. I did so much running and aerobics - I wasn't surprised to find out it was enlarged - I was surprised to find out its not enlarged from my exercise. I was surprised to find out my valve is so bad off. I was very upset to be just finding out - and I said I don't want anyone jumping on the 'surgery' - especially when I feel great. Since then I have learned otherwise. But until the numbers or symptoms are there - I'm proceeding cautiously - but on my normal course of living. If there's one thing I've learned - I don't put life on hold everytime a heart issue arrises. I know it might not sound responsible - but I never would have 'lived' if I did. I would be waiting and worrying all the time. Been there done that and I'm never living like that again. My phylosophy is: if its broke - then fix it - otherwise I move on until such time that it's got to be fixed.

I think I'm in excellent medical hands - and I don't want anyone to jump the gun for surgery. When the time is right - I'll know it. He did say they don't want to make things worse for me. Since I'm feeling so great. Which I agree with. If you do to much to soon you could do more harm than good. I didn't get this ICD inplanted until it was 'necessary' and I was quite impressed that they didn't try to do surgery immediately. I like that - knowing they don't rush into things.

Thanks Ross I'll keep lurking here and learning - cause I've found a great board to get great info. I've learned so much already.

Runner

 

[JimL]

Thanks for the long update; most of us have been where you're at and faced the same concerns. I didn't have the benefit of this site before surgery, nor did I have much time to contemplate all the sides of the issue beforehand.

Your doctor is quite right about questionable advice from non-doctors. You're wise to take everything here with a grain of salt. Probably what your doctor says as well. We try to share our experiences, but none of us is going to perform your surgery.

As far as the scar is concerned, many become quite proud of their zipper, a rather constant reminder of a very life-changing experience. If I understand correctly, some of the girls once made the mistake of comparing scars out on the street. I usually display mine while gardening.

If you are definitely going to need valve surgery at some point, you have the advantage of being able to plan out when that surgery will be most convenient for you, within reason. In general, the younger you are the more convenient it is. The sooner you have the surgery, the sooner the scar will heal up. Perhaps there are some important things to take care of before surgery.

 

[Rain]

Sooner is better...

Sooner is better...

Hey Girlfriend,

Your doctor is probably right about us all being a bunch of crazies... but by sharing our experiences we've helped each other out a LOT. So let me share this one with you......

I didn't find out until it was too late that I should have had my surgery a lot sooner than I did. I was still an active person when I finally seen a cardio too. But my heart had been enlarged for so long that it will never return to its normal size... and it will forever be in atrial fibrillation... and I will forever be taking a hand full of pills every single morning.

My heart problems came over me so slowly that I just learned to live with them.... right up the point my PCP decided it was finally time for me to see a cardio and he said my heart wouldn?t even survive the surgery! I was getting echos regularly, etc. They knew my heart had been slowly becoming more enlarged. But my PCP was waiting for me to tell her it was unbearable, that it was ?interrupting my life?. Well, HELLO!! It would have been nice if she?d have told ME that?s what the whole decision was riding on. Gee whiz!

Heart surgery really has a way of making you re-evaluate things like scars. I still wear the same clothes I always did.... and I?ve NEVER wore turtlenecks. I was only 39 when I had the surgery.... I can honestly say, I was so scared of someone else raising my children.... I didn?t even think about the scar. And can you believe my husband tells me my license plate should say ?VAIN? instead of ?RAIN??!!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrr

Best wishes

 

[M&M]

Hey Rain, thanks for sharing your experience - I really like to hear from others.

I don't think the surgeon thought you were all a bunch of crazies -NO, really I don't think that at all. I hope I didn't give that impression - I think he just wanted to make sure if I had any medical questions to rely on him for answers. I think all doctors say that. Each case is different medically. He was quite delighted when I told him that its more of a support board. He smiled and said: Oh..

I can't imagine telling a surgeon about my 'scar' hang up. I don't think he would understand at all. I know when I had my ICD inplanted there were lots of woman concerned about the scar. That scar is much smaller than OHS and it didn't really bother me so I went with the normal inplant insert. But some woman have had it placed under their armpit or had cosmetic surgery afterwards. I just thought maybe with a zipper and a zapper scar that my chest might not look too attractive to my husband. I know I'm being silly - probably cause I'm feeling so great and so surgery may not be - for me - a matter of going from 'feeling' bad to feeling good.

I just ran 3 miles on my lunch and that's a typical daily workout for me. ITs very hard for me to think I really need this surgery. But listening to all of you and my surgeon - I guess its not unusual to go asymptomatic right up till surgery. I don't want to feel awful and have things get so bad that I do more permanent harm - I'm sorry you didn't have your surgery sooner :-( I'll tell you its things like that - that upset me and make me want to learn all the more. My surgeon did say - surgery is my ultimately my decision. So I guess that would mean anytime I feel its necessary. I don't know. I just got the distinct feeling that if I had any symptoms I was to tell them right away. But I don't have any - I feel wonderful. But in January they'll do another echo and if I do have symptoms by then or if my numbers get worse - I'm sure they'll recommend surgery then. This heart stuff is so upsetting - as I have learned dealing with the 'diagnosis' and then dealing with the 'information' side as well and then all the necessary communication with all the doctors and nurses and scheduling personnel. ITs alot to handle. It took me years to get 'organized' and ask questions and at times be very assertive. I'm very lucky in that I have my EP doc's e-mail address and I can ask anytime. I don't like to use it - cause sometimes I don't like his answers - so I don't ask to much. But I think I feel very confident that they will do the best job they can when it comes time for surgery. Its just seems like I just barely got use to my ICD and then I got some shocks last year and it took awhile to get over that and then - now I have to look at mechanical valves !! Gosh I don't know - it seems like its never going to end.. So, I might as well - get all the details out of the way. Like JimL said. THere's much to think about before I go into surgery.

I think I will need a living will made out for starters. Just to be on the safe side. I had one done years ago at my old hospital - but I should probably get a new one at my new hospital.

I've been concerned about the coumadin thing as well. I don't know I guess I just have alot more to learn and to adjust to and I think if I do it slowly - it will be easier for me. I can't imagine getting this all done real quickly. I need 'time' to adjust mentally - and keep a positive attitude about all this. I know other people have it much worse than me - so I have nothing to complain about. I told some of my friends and they are just shocked when I told them. I look so gooood.. Which is nice of them to say - but they can't see inside of me.

Thanks Rain for posting.

Runner

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Runner:

Even though I have a bad tricuspid valve instead of a bad mitral valve, I have the enlarged heart thing going on, and was told years ago it was from exercise. I now know they were wrong, it is from the backflow in the valve. I wonder when my time comes, if I can have a mechanical instead of a pig valve, because I don't like the sound of doing this again in 10-15-20 years.

I, too, don't like the thought of that scar. There goes all the v-neck and scoop-neck tops out the window! I vividly remember the scar on my father-in-law's chest from open heart surgery.

And, Ross, I agree with you - you guys here on this website give us in the "waiting room" your experiences from your surgeries, you are not giving us medical advice. I know I will be better prepared from having read about all your different experiences and outcomes, and decisions.

So, Runner, I'll be seeing you in the waiting room.

 

[M&M]

Thanks Peggy, Did you ask your doctor about a mechanical valve. I kind of get the feeling that we should 'speak' up and play an active role in what we think is good - and if its not what they think then perhaps it should be discussed. I want to know 'everything' I can - except when he started telling me all about the 'risks' I listened and after awhile - I said that's enough - I get the picture.

I don't think this board gives out 'medical advice' I think it gives out real 'experience' and that's very important to me. I share my ICD experiences with others on a web board regarding my ICD - and I don't give out medical advice - but I tell them about my experience and sometimes about certain 'tests' and just what worked for me. Alot of people have a hard time with the 'shocks' and so its nice they hear from others - how to try and over come those fears. Its not easy. Its especially nice to know your not alone and these feelings are normal.

I think I must have said something wrong - cause I didn't mean any disregard to this board - I don't think my doctor meant any disregard to this board.

Please accept my apology if I offended anyone.

Runner

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey runner,
I don't think you offended anyone. I am like Jim, I didn't have time to plan for anything before my surgery. I saw the surgeon on a Friday and had the surgery on the following Monday. I didn't find this site until after my surgery. There is so much info here, and I have learned so much from everyone. As far as the coumadin goes is not that bad. Once you get your INR regulated it seems to go petty good. Anyway I have not had any problems yet with it. I am glad they used a mechanical valve on me as I too do not wish to have another surgery, so if I would of had a choice I would have picked it anyway. The scar to me is no big deal. Have a Great Week!

Dave
________________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical 27mm

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

Hey Runner:

I don't think anyone was offended. This is a support group website, with lots of information, not medical advice.

The docs. who sometimes check out this site probably don't like it when they read things like, "should have been caught a long time ago" and like me, saying my cardio. doc told me years ago that the enlargement was no big deal and that I had a good heart. He was way off base, and I could see a doctor getting upset reading some stuff on this site.

 

[Les]

Excellent point, Peggy.
_________________
Les AVR '93 / '95

 

[Ross]

No one is offended. I guess what I should have said is that this forum is dedicated to doing nothing but deal with heart surgery and support. Since most all of us are valve recipients, we've been through this before, some of us a few times now. We cannot give medical advice per say, but we darn sure can tell you about hidden warning signs and other not so obvious give aways.

I know what your doctor was leading up to. I've visited some boards where some people like to pretend things have happened to them (We can spot these right away) when nothing has, and they persist on giving medical advice that isn't even remotely close to what a doctor would say or do.

I just don't want to see you make the same mistake that Rain and I did. Waiting too long with your heart enlarging. It can really ruin your day as far as recovery goes. I think you get my drift.

The scar thing-I prefer to think of it as it makes us someone special. I myself look like I got in a sword fight with the surgeon and lost. Add 2 trach sites to that and I look like I got shot 2 times in the throat also. Hey, I'm alive. I don't know how, the doctors don't know how, but I am. The man upstairs isn't through with me yet.

If I start getting on your nerves, please realize that I only mean well. Sometimes I do go a little overboard.

 

[Nancy]

I can hardly see Joe's scars anymore. He's a good healer, thank God. And believe me, he's covered with them.

They will fade with time. Just tell your surgeon you want a pretty scar. No jagged lines. Tell him not to have a hangover.

 

[chilihead]

Hey Runner,

I'm right there with you. Waiting to get my AVR. I have found a surgeon I really want to do the surgery. However he doesn't accept my HMO. So, I'm hoping to hang on until after Jan. 1 when my HMO switch takes place. Hang in there. I'm more worried about being able to kick butt on my bicycle again than the scar.

Regards,

Jim Johnson
Expecting to have AVR in the next 5 months!

 

[mharris]

Your lucky you can research about oph before you actually have it. I went into the ER on a Wed. morning and had to stay in the hospital until surgery on Tuesday, and Easter was on that Sunday I was in the hospital. My cardiologist said if you wait to long you can have damage that surgery won't be able to fix and there is no way to tell if that is tomorrow or 1 year from now. So if you have anything happening with you at all make sure you call your doctor immediately. I am 29 so the scar aspect of it really worried me also. My surgeon was able to make the cut a little smaller than usual but then my repair lasted for 3 weeks so he had to go back in a replace the valve and since it was a second surgery so soon he had to actually make the cut a couple of inches longer plus I had to have 3 more cuts from the drain tubes. It has been 2.5 months I am getting a little more comfortable with the scar but honestly I didn't want my husband to see it at all in the begining and he said that no matter what marks I had it wouldn't change the way he saw me because if I didn't have the scar I wouldn't be here and thats all that mattered to him. Which if I get down I try to keep telling myself if I didn't have the surgery I would be dead, so that helps put things in perspective. Good luck and if you have any symptoms at all get right in to your doctor.
Michelle

 

[Granbonny]

Runner

Runner

I would worry more about that Kid in college..than I would a scar running or coumadin. It took 3 months for them to find my aneuryson. When they did. it was on a Friday and I had surgery on Monday. I had a ticking time bomb ready to go off. Daughter asked her Dad. during the wait. wonder how much this is going to cost? She said. he said..I would spend my last penny to know that she will come out alive. I'm sure he never thought about scar. Of course, we will have been married 37 years in Sept. We are back to motorhoming.taking care of an age 11 year old Grandson. I feel good and I look great.:Family told me I looked great in ICU and when I told friends afterwards they said..Oh, but you look so good. No symptoms before surgery..so be careful Bonnie

 

[Rain]

Hey Runner,

You didn?t say anything wrong, and I?m not offended. I even understand where your doctor is coming from. You do need to ask him the questions about your health. But he can?t answer the questions from the patients point of view. As they like to say on the 'rez'.... "There?s a lot to be learned from those who have 'walked a mile in your moccasins'".... this is a fantastic group of people... welcome to our family.

Peggy... V-neck, scoop neck and button down the front blouses ... that's all I wear!! The scar fades with time and it doesn?t have to look like a ?zipper?.... mine doesn?t. It?s just a thin line. So don?t let that part bother you.

 

[Gisele]

Runner.............

Runner.............

Don't worry about your scar. I was 26 when I had my surgery (I am now 47) and my scar hardly shows. I understand from a woman's point of view how important it is to look good. (I have a draw full of victoria secret nighties too.) Your scar will fade with time. Right now I am trying to hide a huge bald spot on my head from surgery two weeks ago......now that's a tough one to hide! But at least I am alive............

Good luck to you,

Gisele

 

[BillCobit]

sometimes the information you get isn't correct

sometimes the information you get isn't correct

Quote from Runner's post:

"I did tell my surgeon about this site - and he said to be careful - sometimes the information you get isn't correct !!!"

I agree completely...and would also add that sometimes the information you get from DOCTORS isn't correct!!! My advice is to ask a lot of questions of docs and valve patients, read legitimate publications, and make sure recommended courses of action/inaction square with current medical practice and experience of others.

Good luck, Runner!!

 

[M&M]

Thanks Everyone

Thanks Everyone

Thank You Nancy, Ross, Jim, Bonnie, Rain, Giselle, Bill and everyone - for understanding. I've been to soooo many web sites and this is by far the best. Your support overwhelms me. I really can't thank you enough. I'm amazed at how many have had this surgery and continue to do so well physically and mentally. Everyone has such an upbeat attitude - unlike so many other sites. Thank you.. I think I shall fit right in.

Ross I can tell from all your posts - you really care a great deal and just want to 'protect' others from making mistakes. That's very obvious and very caring. I will take your suggestions and follow your advice. ;-)

Nancy - I never thought of that - I'll make sure to mention before surgery - no hangovers in here today. When I was delivering my daughter in the hosptal there was a doctor that came in around midnight drunk as a skunk. He delivered a baby to a young girl just around the corner - I felt so sorry for her. She was ready to deliver and the doc was very upset that he had to take his time out at that time to do it.. Unbelievable - I've seen lots and there is nothing that wouldn't surprise me. I think I've selected an excellent hospital - I researched it and its good. I"ve worked very hard to take good care of myself - I wouldn't just put my life into anybody's hands. I feel confident things will go the best they can and I know its very risky. Thanks Nancy I love reading your posts - you have some great ideas.

Jim I hope your AVR surgery goes well and I especially hope you can kick butt on that bicycle again. I know what you mean. I wonder myself if I'll be able to run fast - if the valve will work as fast as I want it to work. Or will it slow me down. I'm getting the St. Jude Mitral Valve - I'll have to research this some more. I heard its good but can it keep opening and closing enough for 9:30 minute miles !! That's what I need to know. I don't want to get lazy in my old age and slow down to 10:00 minute miles !! I always push to the 'max' to get the most out of my devices. Heck I'll have so much metal in me after this. My running club already call me the 'bionic woman'.. I haven't told them yet about my mechanical valve. It was just a couple mos ago that we did a 10 mile race up a mountain - and they gave me 100% support. I ran 23 races this year - 29 last year and 26 the year before. I really got carried away with racing. But with my daughter off to college it was my way of filling in that free time.. I just didn't know what to do with myself - my hubby fishes so I ran races.. It was great.. Its what I enjoy in life and I'm not giving it up. I might agree to go slower - but I'm not going to give it up.

Michelle - your so right - we are so lucky to be alive - I can't begin to tell you how many ventricular tachycardias I had running down the back streets and highways. I'm sooo lucky - I have a little guardian angel watching over me that's for sure. I use to have AV Nodal Reentry Tachycardia and although it was ablated many years ago - when my tachy came back I just assumed it was the AV it took me a good several mos before I realized - NO this is ventricular tachy and I better get to my electrician and quickly.

Bonnie thanks for sharing your thoughts - It's good for me to know that others have had no symptoms and they still needed to have surgery. Aneurysoms are wicked dangerous - I guess I don't have to tell you how lucky you are to be here. I can't wait to be a grandmother - I really look forward to that day. My husband and I just celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary. He's not the least worried about my scar - he said it won't bother him at all. I guess its just me and hopefully like everyone says - it will fade. I don't think my zapper scar has faded much and since they have to keep going in and replacing the battery - even if it does - it has to be reopened again. So that's always going to be there - I hope they hit the exact spot next time and it doesn't get bigger. But I guess that's the least of my problems - or should be the least of my problems.

Rain thank you for your warm welcome. I feel like the new kid on the block. I was the old kid on the block with my ICD group. I have had to learn so much - to keep on top of it all. I can't believe this is all happening. I work so hard to take such good care of myself and now I'll have to work even harder. I'm sure there's alot to this coumadin stuff - as far as diet and other things. My body has a terrible time adjusting to meds. They just don't agree with me. This could be a nightmare - I hope it isn't - but it wouldn't surprise me if it is. Gisele - thanks for letting me know it fades - I wish I could help you on your bald spot - my sister who died of breast cancer use to wear a wig or sometimes she'd wear a head bandana - she looked really nice.

Bill thanks for your 'good luck' - thanks for your advice and I do always check the AHA 'guidelines' - I think I fall within them right for surgery except I have no symptoms. But even then I could still be justified for surgery at this time - I think. But, I want to get as much time out of my old valve as I can - but not to much. I'll keep a close eye on it all. I have alot of plans in my future. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions from this board.

Just yesterday I read where you can have the 'wire' or whatever taken out of your chest later on. That's nice to know - in case it is uncomfortable. I think I would like that. I wasn't comfortable for a long time with my ICD sleeping but it got better in time. Its no problem now.

I think I need to check out that diet on the coumadin thing. I love green vegetables - I especially love broccoli - I guess it will be a trial and error getting that med adjusted. That could be frustrating. But I keep telling myself - as long as I can run I won't complain. I have to have something to look forward to. I just love a good sweaty run. I really like to go fast. But I can't anymore - at least not right now. I was getting the fastest times ever this year. I really was booking it. I was having so much FUN.. Running help me adjust to and ICD - I hope it helps me to adjust to OHS.. Running helps to keep me 'focused' and I feel so much 'alive' when I do it.. It helps to get rid of one's cobwebs.

Thanks everyone and I really appreciate your support. Sorry if I talk to much. Just to warn you - I do get chatty sometimes..

Runner