Richard's Journal

Hi All, I am a 35 year old male from the UK (Manchester). I recently came across the site and have been reading with great interest the stories and experiences of other users within the community. My story is still at a relatively early stage compared to many bloggers, but thought I would share as its progresses! I was diagnosed with Mild Aortic Regurgitation around ten years ago in my mid-twenties, to be honest haven’t given it much thought over the first nine years, just a yearly appointment at the cardiologist and a quick echo to check if or how is progressing. Never really noticed any symptoms but it’s relatively tricky to tell as I have asthma. I have played lacrosse for the past twenty years without interruption apart from the odd dislocation or sprain so didn’t credit the heart with having any effect. Things changed around twenty months ago when I saw the consultant’s registrar who asked if I knew the cause of the regurgitation, to be honest as its congenital it never gave it much thought! He referred me to a specialist consultant within the hospital who ran a TOE / Exercise tolerance test and an MRI. Suddenly it became real, my condition has progressed from mild to moderately severe and my heart isn't straight forward as it has a right sided Aortic Arch, (apparently 0.05 of population have this), and a partial sling coupled with mild aortic stenosis and an aneurysm where a hole in the heart healed as a child). My cardiologist is excellent and he has reassured me that it will be monitored closely, (due to complications he is would like to delay as long as possible). The operation when it comes will be a Valve replacement coupled with Aortic root replacement. 12 months down the line and just had my latest appointment, (after forgetting my condition for a year), I am being sent for an MRI in the next 6 weeks with the possibility of surgery in the next twelve months (fingers crossed it not). I have never really worried however things in life have changed and I now have a 2 year old boy who means the world! For the first time I do have concerns and am keen to share them with people who have been in similar situations! Was keen to also find out if patients have had a valve replacement whilst having a right sided arch and if this has an effect? All the best and good luck to everyone!! Rich