Brian's Journal

Second opinion was the same as the first. 2 valve replacements. Really liked that both primary and assisting surgeons both allowed as much time as my wife and I needed. Answered all our additional questions and we have a peace and confidence we're heading down the right path. Obviously, it's not the same for everyone, so be sure you ask lots of questions, do lots of research, chat to others on this website, etc., until you have a peace on your decision as well. I am very glad my wife had a picture of God's hands, not holding or manipulating the surgeon's hands, but that they were His hands in control of it all. What better place could I be in? Strength to all!

This coming Friday is my "overhaul" date. I am very glad that my #1 choice for surgeon will be assisted by my #2 choice. I get to meet #2 tomorrow. Still lots of questions of course. I agree with so many of my Heart Buddies that asking questions is a must! I am so blessed to have a GREAT wife who thinks of so many things that I do not. She really does complete me!!! I hope you all have that first line of support from someone that KNOWS you, and can BE with you, LISTEN to you, ASK questions for you and of you, pray for you, pray with you and most of all LAUGH with you! Cheers to All

Isn't the waiting the worst part?!? January I went in for a complete physical, preparatory to having ankle surgery. My PCP informed me my heart murmur was "no longer a sweet little lullaby", that it needed to be checked out. I was referred to a Cardiologist who did tests and confirmed both my aortic and mitral valves have moderate to severe stenosis. This caused by radiation treatments I received for Hodgkins Lymphoma WAY back in 1980/1981. So, the ankle surgery has been put on hold obviously. The two valves set to be replaced 4.29.2016. And the wait goes on....