Suzanne's Guestbook

Suzanne Hunter  No question is too personal. I went to doc in April 2014 because I thought I had chest infection. I was getting more tired and breathless however put it down to getting older and also not being as fit as perhaps I had been . I was still working full time as a school teacher(5-6 year olds). So from 24 April it started they told me on 29 that I had a bicuspid congenital valve problem. I was told it would be an operation and I would need to wait anything from 3-12 weeks. So the round of blood tests , heart cath, teeth checked etc began. It was July 23 before I got my op so it wasn't too long. The waiting is the worst. Initially it was such a shock but as the cardiologist said you are so lucky because with the way the valve was I would not have lasted much longer and would have had either massive heart failure or perhaps died. Well that certainly just makes one so thankful and puts life really into perspective. I am so thankful every day to be alive and so well. I feel great not completely back to normal but then perhaps I will have a new normal!! Because of my age the mechanical was recommended and I just accepted that because you must trust your doctors and surgeons. The night before my op the surgeon and anethetists spoke to me about what was going to happen and I said that I changed my mind and wanted tissue. They said to sleep on it and make final decision in morning. I asked my husband but he said that the decision had to be mine. Gosh it was so difficult. I was panicked about the warfarin blood thinners but then there was the chance the tissue valve might only last 5 years. I know they say longer times but the minimum is 5 years. So next morning I went with mechanical. It has been fine I really do everthing I did before and haven't had any issues. When I came home that's when I did research and found this site. Before my surgery I didn't want to know too many extra facts apart from the ones told to me by my doc and the specialist. I knew that it would be 5-7 days in hosp. I was taken and shown the ICUS room the night before so could see what was in store there. I knew how they would cut my sternum and the heart machine and the breathing tube. They said I would look and feel like crap(please excuse phrase as I don't usually swear to people I don't know) well they were correct there!! I was in ICUS for one night and next day back in the room on the ward. I didn't have excessive pain because the nurses kept it under control. For me not knowing too much was good but now it's over I have looked at videos of valve ops and also taken note of lots of things from this site. It does make more sens to me now I have had the op. I hope not to have surgery again because I think no valve is completely safe from not working but I know that I can go through anything again if needed. The main thing for me is being diagnosed and something being done so now I can keep on living and just giving thanks. We are lucky to live in this time where we can be fixed. You will make the right choice because it will feel right and be a relief. The majority of people on this site just sail through and say the waiting is the worst. That's the bit I find comfort in because only the people who have had this surgery know exactly how you feel and nothing you ask is thought of as silly or of no importance. If I had one regret it is not taking some nice hand lotion and loose PJs to wear!! The little things in life:) please feel free to keep in touch even though sometimes way down here in New Zealand I feel so far away from where most people on this site come from. Kia Kaha be strong. Te Aroha. Suzanne

Tammy VanBuskirk  Suzanne, Thank You so very much. I went last Tuesday to the surgeon for the first time. I didn't get to see my actual surgeon but a partner on his tem. He answered all my questions and was very thoughtful. He was concerned I would put the surgery off because of taking care of my mom, he basically said he would not let that happen. He didn't think I had much longer before I was really noticing a difference in my activity level. He also recommended the mechanical valve, so far I have decided to go with the mechanical. Then tell the surgeon if for some reason when they get in there and say the tissue would be better to go with what is best. I have my dentist appointment on May 7 and my heart cath on May 8. Things are moving along. lol I do appreciate your candor, I am glad of done my research at times. Other times I think it would be best to go in and say just go for it! New Zealand sounds nice, but as the surgeon says I may be a flight risk!! lol Have A Great Day!!! Tammy