About Me (In My Own Words)
Hello, I and 69 years old and have known for about 20 years that I have a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. For the last 5 years my cardiologist has been following it with yearly ECHO cardiograms. I was very surprised in late January when he told me it was time for replacement surgery (I was having very few symptoms. I spent the first three Fridays of February completing the normal pre-surgical testing.
However, in early March my cardiologist cleared me to go on a long-planned trip to Walt Disney World with my two grandchildren. Although the high heat and humidity did result in an extra day of rest, we had an incredible time with then.
When we returned it was time to move ahead with the surgery. We met with Dr. Yvon Baribeau last week. He was great, spending 45 min. with us. We left feeling very comfortable with him. This is very important, especially for my wife Beverly, who has previously lost two husbands to untreatable medical conditions.
Dr. Baribeau indicated that in addition to the valve replacement, he will do three bypass grafts. While my cardiologist had indicated that I would also need an aortic root replacement, Dr. Baribeau indicated that he would only be able to make that surgery once he reviewed the results from some additional CAT scans and also when he actually looked at my heart during surgery.
I've been reading some of the journals on this web site which have been very helpful. One of my major concerns is the whole issue of post-surgery depression, mood changes, etc. I am very concerned as to my wife's being able to understand this and not mistake this for my apathy and/or unwillingness to be active in my recovery.
Because of a previous stent (2003), I am very familiar with the local cardiac rehab program and am looking forward to being able to begin this.
Guess that's enough of my story for now, as we begin the final two week countdown to April 8th. Thank you in advance for your support, encouragement, and prayers.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
-
I am from:
Nashua, New Hampshire
-
My surgery date is:
April 8, 2015
-
I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
Coronary Artery Disease
-
My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
-
-
My hospital is:
Catholic Medical Center (Manchester, NH)
