Heart valve leaking

[Djdave1968]

I've been diagnosed with a badly leaking mitral heartvalve , got my angiogram next week , have to be honest I'm 52 and s#$tting myself

[080311]

Hello Djdave1968

Welcome to the forum not somewhere you would have wanted to join.

When we are given a diagnosis of a heart issue it’s as if a huge hole as opened up under our feet. When it happened to me couldn’t understand how my body was letting me down it never had before.

Having an angiogram is a bit like being on the deck of the Star Ship Enterprise 😂 lots of monitors I opted for a sedative so felt very relaxed 😂 my cardiologist was showing me on the screen my problems but I was so relaxed it seemed ok to me! Had mine through my left wrist and had no problems after.

If you have to have your valve replaced, it’s not as scary as you imagine, there are many of us here that have had valves replaced and can help talk you through the ins and outs. Had mine 4 years ago and grateful every day to the medical team that gave me my life back. You are very young to have to face this but believe me you will get your life back.

Take good care Pauline

[Tessie28]

Hi Dave, it is a horrible shock for sure. The angiogram will help them. Sedative was not offered at the Harefield but I was fine. 9 months nearly post op and fitter than I have been in years. I'm 61 and had not the faintest idea this time last year! Try not to overthink.

[linnielizzie]

Hi Dave - I am in the same boat - I am 64 so bit older than you - thought I was really fit and healthy-don't drink or smoke and eat semi vegetarian diet with no red meat or eggs - golfing and walking every week and then this out of the blue - leaking valve - angio next Wednesday and then decision as to what and when - I am scared too - Lots of very positive thoughts on here though from people who have been there and got the tee shirt - Trying to stay positive -

[RufusScamp]

The angiogram isn't so bad. I opted for the sedation which helped me relax. There was a bit of bruising for a few days, but I was home the same day.

It is a shock getting the diagnosis, but it's been caught before the consequences were too serious. but the BHF provides lots of useful information as leaflets and videos. My cardio team have been very helpful, even if remotely.

Remember, you aren't alone. A friend of mine had a heart valve replacement about 25 years ago, worked right up to 65, and was very active in his local community. Treatment today is so much better than it was.