Isn't waiting just the worse bit.

[RoyM]

I was dignosed with a 4.9 cm root and mild regurgitation in my Aortic Valve. The problems were found purely by accident during a CT for my persistant AF. I was due to have surgery at LHCH on the 4th May to repair the Aortic Root. Sadly, that date as been cancelled and i was given a new date of the 8th June. Its a long time and if i am not careful i will think my way out of the surgery. Thanks for reading my whinging. Cheers Roy

[IanGordon]

Roy hi. Sorry to hear that your date has been pushed back - something that anyone diagnosed but not fixed would be concerned about. All I can suggest is try really hard to focus on the new date and the removal of risk from your aorta. I too have a surgery date soon with LHCH and have considered the possibility of a postponed op but having come this far, just considering the gain once I'm fixed. Have to say I've had the occasional 'I'm really not that ill' day but remind myself that surgery is there to give me an extension to my life. So surgery it is. Hang on in there Roy. Short of a miracle, aortas dont self-repair. Stay focused and you will reap the benefits.

[RoyM in reply to IanGordon]

Thanks Ian. Sensible advice tòo. It is difficult to focus on the operation when you don't feel at all ill. I think i will come out after the op feeling much worse than i was going in. Also, thanks to ypu Mark for your advice and encouragement. Roy

[IanGordon in reply to RoyM]

Hear exactly what you are saying/feeling Roy. We have to get worse to get better, in a nutshell. This was the same for my stenotic aorta - you have to be ill before you get the 'cure'. For me it's not the risky surgery but the downtime before I reach the new normal. You're in good , if not exactly healthy company!

[RoyM]

I am Much Like you Ian. Its not so much the surgery, its more the recovery period that concerns me too. At present I am cycling, fell walking, swimming and running 15 k a week...I know that following surgery It will be severely curtailed and may never come back. The diagnosis was a 4.9 cm root it was that size in July 2017 and was the same size in January this year. The surgeon suggested and offered surgery because at this moment in time he can still save and use my own Aortic Valve. It would appear that is a bonus. I am so torn whether to go ahead with surgery or watch and wait. Borderline decisions are so hard. Thanks again. Roy

[IanGordon in reply to RoyM]

This only my view, but I want to get my retaliation in early and hopefully grab. some good years before any of the standard, age related symptoms curtail my active lifestyle. My new valve should be good for a decade , maybe a tad longer, fingers cross and lifestyle tweaked. I would guess that if surgery is offered, then the benefits for you are greater than the risks. Fix the aorta - risk negated. Good luck in resolving your dilemma. Just offering an alternative perspective.

[RoyM]

Thanks Ian much appreciated. Roy

[Lynnsj63]

Hi Roy, sorry to hear you are needing further surgery. The wait is an anxious time but try although hard to think of the benefits this surgery will have to you and the time of recovery afterwards. It will prevent any further damaging health and give you much greater benefits and prolonged life. Any concerns contact your consultant via his secretary and they always answer any of my queries on an email. And you have your pre op appointment too. Enjoy this warm spell we are having right now too. Take care.

[RoyM]

Thank you very much Lynn