Hi Runner,
When I was first diagnosed with the beginning stages of an enlarged heart, due to a bicuspid aortic heart valve, one of the first things I found in reference to cardiologists and surgeons; cardiologists (in my case) tended to lean on the 'wait and see' side of the fence, where as my surgeon said, "Look, your heart is only going to increase in size with time, and if you wait much longer, we may have a hard time fitting a valve. The technology is their, and with proper INR checks, you can, live a more complete life, or do nothing and be miserable with fatigue, that is not going to get any better by waiting." The fact is, if I would have waited for my heart to enlarge even more, Lord only knows the complications I would have faced later. He (the surgeon) wanted my surgery done within 4 to 6 months, or damaged muscle tissue from the enlargment could possibly not be repairable. I had my surgery two months after that conversation. One year later I felt so good, right at the point where the surgeon said I would really notice the difference. I had been living with fatigue for so long. 8 months after my surgery my heart had already dropped back within the high normal size range of normal heart. Is it still somewhat enlarged? Sure, but I am in the normal high range. Imagine where I would have been if I would have waited. January 2000 I had my surgery, (St. Jude Mechanical Aortic Valve) January 2002 I started running, and 9 months later ran a marathon.
Mark's opinion ... cardiologists need to look at the results. Mine were in good faith, too cautious. No good would have come from waiting, but further deterioration with time. Again, as I said above, in 8 months my heart was reducing in size.
Time and again on this web site, I have seen that sentiment echoed. In my finite mind; and I am certainly no doctor; I don't understand the wait and see approach doctors, and my cardiologists, initially took when they first determined what the problem was. It may be the coumadin thing, and being the fact I was only 40 years young? In my case the surgery was the best thing that ever happened, and allows me to have a full quality filled life with my wife and children. This is your heart where talking about ... feel no shame in second or third opinions.
Think of this as a race. Your surgery is the training ground. With a kick butt attitude, and the great support you have here and at home with your husband and family, in time you will be back racing all the more sooner. My surgeon said with technology their is no reason not to take care of this. Is their risk? You bet, but the question is do you want quality versus say retiring to the sofa?
In any case, your in my prayers. It is a tough decision, and your the only one that can make it. For me it was the best decision of my life, and in a positive way, life changing. This year alone I have run roughly 8 races, from 5ks to 12ks. I say this not to pat my own back, but that you may know it is not over, and their will be lots of pavement to pound in the future!
Good luck and feel free to write anytime. ... Mark
PS About the scar. It is amazing how good they are now. Sure you see it, but not the scars from surgery 20 years ago. I have a hunch your husband will think your sexy with that scar. My wife has a scar because last year they had to take an overy and a fallopian tube. I look at that scar and as Ross said, for me I am thankful I have that too look at.
