This is Me!

[alheart]

My Heart Story (or How I came to this site)

Oct 2015 (age 57) Underwent a pre-emptive double by-pass and AVR replacement Prior to this had three angiograms to monitor BP symptoms AVR is a titanium ON-X valve

An tissue valve was not an option as it would present a risk in creating difficulty in replacing it over time. Interfering with the double by-pass etc. to replace.

Warfarin took a while to get settled readings but is now okay, the ON-X requires lower Warfarin reading than other valves.

The initial recovery took about 16 weeks (scientific measure for me was getting back to driving, walking and swimming pool time!) Experiencing the usual problems that come with major surgery – lack of any confidence, worry, guilt of putting the NHS through the tasks of helping me, pain and overwhelming relief and happiness that I was still on planet earth.

Nov 2016 I looked for ways of helping to share my experience with others, when a former colleague who is working for BHF approached me.

Sept 2017 - Suffered from a spontaneous compartment syndrome in lower left arm! This required Orthopaedics, Cardiology and Haematology units to team up and help me. A journey required a few alterations to tablet usage and dosage. This is ongoing with the Physio team having taken over but there is light at the end of this tunnel!

Nov 2017 Approached by BHF Scotland to become a Braveheart volunteer

The aim of this role is to build and develop a team of ambassadorial volunteers who have a special connection to the BHF cause and have both skills and ambition to help raise awareness of BHF work.

BHF research works to eradicate all Heart disease regardless of age. Their ultimate vision is that of having a world without heart and circulatory diseases. They desire and aim is to have a world free of physical heartbreak. This is a vision that I have in my heart and want to do my best to help achieve along with the many others that share the same.

For me now, well things are fine and feel as though I have the heart of a 27 year old!

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi there alheart, welcome to the forum.

Looking good

Mark

[alheart in reply to skid112]

Hi Thanks Skid

Been on for a while but found that am having to discover things a lot. Frustration is that national charities seem to toil in serving/covering the whole of the UK in their communications

(Heart Star v BraveHeart Ambassador being an example)

Only want the one thing to help and to learn with all who are on this site.

Lots to consider with even the op procedures for what I went through varying throughout the country

Look forward to this journey and it’s experience

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to alheart]

I know what you mean, some things can come across as disjointed such as the differing approaches in after care in the various regions. Am all for good change but what clearly works should be adopted by all

Cheers