Debra's Guestbook

Debra

I hope and pray for your speedy and complete recovery.  I noticed that you have the same last name as my mother's maiden name.  She was from South Carolina.  When I was kid, I asked her if there was a "P" in her last name.  She was a real card.  She answered : It's like the "P" in "Ocean".  That confused me even more, so I said "Just tell me how its spelled"  She said "You don't spell "ocean with a P"!

Hello Debra. Welcome! This is a wonderful site to belong to. I have a very similar story however I am younger. I was diagnosed with SVT in my mid twenties and could never find out the cause. Several years later in my 40’s I was at routine appt and doc said he heard a murmur and wanted me to have it checked. I was diagnosed with mild Aortic Stenosis. We watched for about 5 years and it went from mild to severe and was also severely calcified like yours. I began having my preliminary tests and my cardiologist said I had a bicuspid valve and was actually born with it. So last Feb 4th I opted for a bovine AVR. I am 52 and decided against the mechanical. At any rate my surgery went amazing. I also had the mini thoracotomy as you will and had no pain during my hospital stay at all. My most difficult task was walking and getting short of breath but that is very normal. After your surgery when you get back home have a recliner you can sleep in for a bit as the bed proved to be difficult for me at first. Also make sure you have a shower chair with a wand … it helps a ton! Don’t forget to get a good sports bra to wear after as it helps to keep it on all the time. Take your walks like you are instructed and though it may seem like your SOB is excessive, it will come back and you will feel soooooo much better! Anytime you have any questions and or would like to talk I am here. I had my surgery in Nashville TN and loved my surgeon very much. My hubby was a great support also. I know you will do just fine! I will be praying for you.