This has been a long process and still is not over. I never thought it would take me this long to feel better and back to normal( at least what I think is normal). I had a stress echo done the middle of October. Which I finished, the results were okay. As my doctor put it, I did fine. Could I have done better? Yes. He then gave me the news that I was hoping that I would not hear. That I will need to have open heart surgery to repair my valve..... I had a feeling that I would have to have surgery I was just hoping that it would be quick repair. Instead of the week in the hospital and a month to recover.
I was very shocked to say the least and I went to my appointment alone because it did not think I would be receiving this news at this time. So I went to my car and had a melt done. He told me that I would probably would need to have it in the next couple of years, but that would be up to the surgeon. He did say whatever you do don't get pregnant before having this done. Okay, not a issue now, however when that times comes I am already in my mid thirties I really do not need to wait longer.
So, I went to see the surgeon, which by the way is about my age, CRAZY. His first words was that I was to young for all of this. I totally agree. That he would like to wait, because I am high functioning and not presenting any major signs at this point. To listen to my body and note anything that is different. Sounds good to me, however now that I have had time to process this, if this is something that I have been dealing with my whole life, what if what I am feeling is not normal and I just do not realize it?
I am going in for a second opinion on Monday and we will go from there. Not that I am in a rush to have surgery, but there is a part of me that would like to just get this over with. Patience is truly a virtue I am learning. But I know that everything will be okay, prayer truly has become my best friend. Keep everyone posted.
I did get to go to Portland last weekend and visit Patrick and Alyssa, I had a great time! I will have to post some pictures and write about it a little later.
Hang in there Katie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteKatie, I have a value problem as well. The doctors told me to eliminate stress in my life so it doesn't damage it more. When they do a value replacement they give it 10-15 years. They don't do a second one. They told they would consider it for me when I am about 65 or older! So hopefully that will be the same for you! Thanks for keeping us updated.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteYou will be in my prayers. Everything will be okay.
With love, Nikki