Hi all
Have just been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis bit of a shock after 34 years in the Fire & Rescue Service! !
And so the journey starts angiagram next then
appointment to see the Professor before open heart surgery to fit me a new valve.
Reading all your posts with interest would be lying if I said I wasn't a little apprehensive will be first operation I had dont mess about me make it a big one !
Watch this space will post how the journey goes !!
You wouldn’t be normal if you were not apprehensive at the thought of a valve op. or any other heart procedure. We suddenly realise just how very, very valuable our heart is. Hope all goes smoothly for you.
Hi Rugbymad. Yes it’s always a shock when for years you think you’re healthy and have managed to work in an intense and physically stressful job. Your brain is still trying to compute everything so it’s natural to be anxious but I’m sure you will find lots of support and help on this site. Keep us posted with your progress and wishing you well for the next step in your journey. Take care. Zena
Hi, it is natural to be in a state of shock, scared and apprehensive about all of this. Reading all posts can be helpful and as well as rather daunting for you. In May last year
Sorry! Chubby fingers! In May last year I had AVR as well as my descending aorta replaced and fast forward to today, I have had my formal valve clinic last week as a check up and can honestly say I feel fine! Sure it’s rubbish along the way but it’s worth it. There are a number of scary stories on here and I would just like to say that it can be relative event free and successful. Good luck for the next few months and remember, it will all work out in the end 😃
I think we were all apprehensive before our ops, some had more time to think about it than others. I’d known I would need an AVR at some point and lasted until I was 52 before I had the first one, didn’t stop me from worrying the nearer my op got.
Keep us posted and ask any questions you have, between us we can cover most things 😜
Wendy
Had an aortic valve replacement in January. Everything seems to be working well.
It was done on my 72 birthday.
Mine was an emergency so I didn't have time to worry about it.
Scan, angiogram and then surgery.
I won't tell you not to worry but try to think beyond the surgery,
My main focus was being there for my family and being able to walk my dog without being out of breath.
Have just spent this week in Yorkshire. With long (according to my husband) too long, over the moorland.
I can't honestly say whether you will play Rugby again, I think it is classed as a contact sport. Not advisable after your sternum has been split.
Oddly you can't SCUBA dive either although they didn't give me a reason for that.
Keep us all posted with your progress.
Thank you all for your advice will keep posting as things develop !!
Good luck Rugbymad. We are all different. Yes there are some scary stories on here, but also some very positive ones with very positive outcomes. So stay positive and try not to worry. Margaret
Like you, 64, "healthy and fit" and diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. Hating the waiting game, have a 72 hour ECG in a week's time, then consultant 10 days after that! Feel as if I'm treading on egg shells, staying active, but trying not to over-exert because quite frankly I'm terrified! I think I'll feel better once I get to see the consultant but it's the bit up to then that's scary, especially during the night time!
The way to look at it is they wouldn't let you home if they had concerns!
Which is what has happened since the above post!
Went in on the 29th for a Angiagram ended up in hospital for 3 weeks operation 11/10 New Av aortic arch and a bypass I'm home now walking 2 miles a day and recuperating you will be ok !
Early morning chest pain 
Early night!
Early Birth Due to Mother’s Heart Condition 
Early Morning chest tightness
Racing heart early hours 
