Guestbook of Liidia Wootten

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Liidia Woottengot a new guestbook post

3741 days ago

Eleanor R posted a note for Liidia that says:

Hi, Liidia. We had surgery for aortic valve replacement just about the same time. Mine was July 14th, planned but not by much.. I found out I had aortic ...Read more

Hi, Liidia. We had surgery for aortic valve replacement just about the same time. Mine was July 14th, planned but not by much.. I found out I had aortic stenosis in March and it was a steady stream of doctors visits and tests, finally culminating in referral to a surgeon. I did have time to research where and who would do the surgery. We have a good regional heart and valvular institute near my home, so I went there (Fairfax, VA) and selected a senior surgeon, without too much referral. He turned out to be excellent and I had a good outcome. Your story is very compelling, so much happening so quickly, you must have been very frightened, thinking "I thought I was fine! What in the world is going on?". At last now hopefully you have resolved the problem and are on the path to full recovery. I started cardiac rehab this past week. I could possibly have done it on my own, but I don't trust my own resolve, so I signed up for the hospital's program, which medicare and my supplemental insurance will cover. I feel great without all those pesky symptoms which I erroneously had attributed to aging. No more shortness of breath climbing stairs or walking distances, no weird dry cough, no more mysterious midnight "indigestion", no more twinges with exertion or just being tired all the time. All gone with the old valve which was not allowing my body to receive an adequate supply of oxygen and blood. Glad they are all gone, and glad the surgery is over, for me and for you. We can congratulate ourselves for sure. Best wishes to you. Eleanor

Liidia Wootten Thank you Eleanor. I was in Wake Med Heart Trauma Center for about 10 days before surgery - undergoi ... Read more

Liidia Wootten Thank you Eleanor. I was in Wake Med Heart Trauma Center for about 10 days before surgery - undergoing all sorts of tests on top of all the tests I had during 6/29-7/4 which was trying to find the cause of my AFib. A young cardiologist, Dr. Wu, impressed me with his knowledge and wonderfully kind bedside manner. So... working with Dr. Wu - we set a plan and used the surgeons he recommended. I was extremely comfortable with the surgeons after I met them. My biggest thing was that I couldn't believe this heart valve thing was happening to me. But, looking back and reading all the posts - I had all the symptoms, but didn't know it at the time. Just thought being 61 and very active, I was slowing down. Both the heart surgeon and cardiologist told me Rehab wasn't necessary with what I was doing - walking 2 to 3 miles everyday. What I am discovering now is how important it is NOT to spend too much time alone. I live in a gated community and we have exercise classes 5 days a week. Three days are aerobics - which I used to do. I walk around the clubhouse for 2 miles, then pick up on the aerobics and stretching till the class is over. Get to socialize while exercising. Interesting is that I have no AFib since the valve replacement. The docs said that could happen and will make meds decisions in November.

Eleanor R You certainly do not need cardiac rehab as active as you are. I had stopped walking last fall, some ... Read more

Eleanor R You certainly do not need cardiac rehab as active as you are. I had stopped walking last fall, some kind of nerve thing under my left foot (Morton's Neuroma) made walking harder so I gave up. Now I have to make a real effort, and wear the proper walking shoes. I had been going to gentler aerobics and yoga classes, and swimming, but that's out for a few more months. You're lucky to have the facilities within your community. I am too, I just have to get in the car and drive 5 mins. for a great gym and swimming pool. I am glad you found a good cardiologist. I never even knew I needed one, so I went to where the primary care physician sent me for the echo. I went to him for several tests, about 4 times in 4 weeks, but I didn't have great faith in him since he was too stretched, too scattered. Four branch offices, so running from place to place, trying to keep up. He constantly asked me how old I am, so I told him we are the same age. Can you believe the very next visit he asked me again twice within 10 mins. Since I didn't have history with him, I decided to look for someone new and found a great one. We have to look out for ourselves when something feels wrong. I know now that I did have symptoms, and like you I had passed them off as aging. Now I can garden all I want, I even helped the kids with cutting the grass this weekend, since it only involved walking behind a self propelled mower. Same as a treadmill, right? I hope the AFib is resolved, that would be an additional benefit of the surgery, but it sounds like you're getting the right care. Best wishes. Eleanor

John Noriega Thanks Eleanor. I am looking forward to not feeling exhausted all the time. I think that's what's bug ... Read more

John Noriega Thanks Eleanor. I am looking forward to not feeling exhausted all the time. I think that's what's bugging me more than anything. I just don't get adequate rest. I've either got the "sweats" or getting up to go the bathroom! I have the symptoms of what goes with the aortic stenosis. Your post totally encourages me.

Liidia Woottengot a new guestbook post

3742 days ago

Liidia Wootten reacted to this

Michael Poe posted a note for Liidia that says:

hi Liidia, so glad to hear that you are ok now. I know it was such a scare for you. The day you joined our little community I was in surgery for Aortic Stenosis ...Read more

hi Liidia, so glad to hear that you are ok now. I know it was such a scare for you. The day you joined our little community I was in surgery for Aortic Stenosis valve replacement. I had a mechanical valve put in. I am post 2 weeks surgery and feeling great. I have been almost virtually pain free. I do take an occasional extra strength Tylenol for pain. Yes my prognosis was rushed too. I had all told less than one month from diagnosis to surgery, it went fast.

Karen Sievers

Liidia Woottengot a new guestbook post

3747 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Gary posted a note for Liidia that says:

Hi just wanted to let you know from one old school to another I had exactly the same feelings at about four weeks, they me completely by surprise as I have ...Read more

Hi just wanted to let you know from one old school to another I had exactly the same feelings at about four weeks, they me completely by surprise as I have always just sucked it up and moved on. As it turns out these feelings gave me the opportunity for some self reflections and have continued to allow me the explore parts of myself that I have long ignored . I am six months out and doing well, hang in there you really will someday be able to sneeze without being in agony!

Liidia Woottengot a new guestbook post

3748 days ago

Cornish Mary posted a note for Liidia that says:

Hi Liidia - my story similar to yours. born with bicuspid aortic valve and totally unaware until last year at age 65 diagnosed. i too thought i was slowing ...Read more

Hi Liidia - my story similar to yours. born with bicuspid aortic valve and totally unaware until last year at age 65 diagnosed. i too thought i was slowing down mentall and physically despite still lifting weights at the gym but havent been able to do aerobic exercise for years because couldnt breath previous docs put down to stress. but now post surgery i can breath easily again. yes i too have down days/moments when tears well up and i just cant shake them off. everyone keeps telling me how well i look or am recovering but i have noticed something different in my personality, almost a quieter more patient person.i believe its the trauma we have undertaken to our body and the internal changes that have affect our moods. so hang in there but if you do find yourself getting too depressed check things out with your doctor. after all life is now good and we have a lot to look forward too.