I am a retired academic, 89 this month who has aortal valve disease, for which I had a TAVI replacement in July. Unfortunately he new valve is compromised by blood-clotting, for which I am given warfarin,
Unsurprisingly I am scared and depressed. I have excellent care from a super-competent and caring wife, but would like to pass on as little of my depression and anxiety to her. I hope that a chance to chat to others in similar predicaments to mine would help me - perhaps even them. So I would be glad of contact.
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TAVIshock
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You will find this forum extremely helpful with people able and willing to pass on their experience to you albeit from a patient point of view. We are not permitted to give professional advice.Just wait around and people will be in touch with you..
Thanks v much for your useful message. Itis very encouraginf to know that the full op not only emains an option, but can work as brilliantly as it has for you.
I had AVR at age 72. My consultant suggested that a problem with TAVI is that it doesn’t always work and then I would need the full op. So I had the full op. The key is that I would then need the full op. So I would be cheered by the option for the full op.
The op was amazing. Care was perfect. The only grim part was waiting for the op. And after three months rehab (home rehab) I got my life back. Wonderful , fabulous a real revelation.
There will be so many that will relate to what you are going through
I had a triple Bypass and I am a very anxious person and get very depressed so I can relate to that part
I am sure your wife wants to support you and I have noticed my Husband knows even when I do not say anything that I am struggling but sometimes it can be good to off load how you feel to others which here you will find there is always someone to listen
Have you asked your Doctor for support with your anxiety and depression you could try medication if you are not on any already and if you have not had any Counselling then they could refer you for that to
I hope you find the Community supportive and in a small way it will help you x
I feel for you. My condition is different but basically my tricuspid valve is the wrong place from birth. Did not know anything about it until last year at 56. Currently struggling mentally. I have tried talking therapy and hypnotherapy. And still doing the talking therapy. Well cbt. But my mind wanders to dark places. I carnt except it. Even though I had a good life and done nearly normal things up until I found out. I feel for my family as iam not there as I once was. Carnt explain it really but it is a struggle to do things without my mind constantly reminding me. I have to put my big boy pants on but it is hard. You can read my bio. As it explains the problem. You take care
I think I know a little of what you mean and have said. It is very hard to adapt to such a radical and sudden change , even in a small, attenuated life like my own. I am a novice at seeking help but, oddly, the shadow is lightened by comments from others that make it clear that one is not alone, and possibly not the worst affected.
Your welcome. It is hard, it is not easy. Yes many of us have different issue that we all have to bare. Iam going to have a chat with the cardiology psychiatrist. So we will see. The way I feel is like a small child wanting reassurance. And the old feeling of why me. But then why not me.? Nature can be so cruel. But the one thing that has helped is writing on here. I might drone on but as you say, you are not alone and its interesting to hear of other people experience as they can help you think differently. But mental health is a very complexed issue. You take care.
Thanks for this, Felly. I hope that the professional help that you are wisely seeking helps a lot. I know just what you mean by "feeling like...a small child needing reassurance", I am not sure what form this reassurance could take but completely understand the harsh need, sympathise, and hope you find it, soon and completely.
Thanks very much for writing. It does help to realise that one is far from being alone in an unique predicament.
We will see. What they have to say. Trouble is with the current climate it is hard doing nearly everything via a phone or computer. The system is broken and technology is being used as a bandage to the health care system. But enough of that. I hope they can make me think differently. Because the only person who can solve a mental health problem is your own thought patterns. And that is hard because your peers, I call them normal people, don't understand because they don't live with it 24/7. Any way you take care. As they say onwards and upwards. Well more side ways than upwards.
Yes! Sideways ! Nevertheless hope you soon have upward movement.... We did not understand about it until it happens, so we cannot chafe at the luckier "normals". Anyhow, get well and as merry as you can
Natural feelings for all and your mental health as important as your physical.
It’s accepting and gaining confidence with small steps going forward.
My husband was the same as you and tried not speaking about it but I knew. My life changed more than his in many ways.
After a horrible year we have turned a corner and going out once a week as a couple. We meet up with friends for a meal or go to our favourite shop or just garden together and it’s made us both more confident.We used to enjoy walking but my husbands mobility doesn’t allow us to enjoy anymore.
You have a caring supportive partner extend your support system if you can by just talking to a friend and this will help you both. Bekind mentioned medication and talking to your GP will also help.
Good luck going forward. I am 80 and my friend who lives next door 90 she has serious medical problems and I have noticed a huge difference in her well being just because I call and talk to her for an hour daily if I can. It also helped another neighbour who lived alone at 96 . Talking and laughter with the right person is a powerful medicine in itself.
I used to be an Experimental Psychologist and Cognitive Gerontologist. From your query I suspect that you may be another (ex or current) academic ? Tell more if you feel so inclined and, in any case, since you are on this forum, good luck and thanks for taking the trouble to write.
I am retired here in Levin New Zealand. 77yrs of age. Taught schools. Have a University. Doctorate in Education History. Wide interests and enjoying a simpler local life. Let me know if you have an interesting angle in life. Best wishes. David
I am unsure whether I have an "angle" on life that may be of some interest, or use to you. It does help to have found a friendly group of correspondents , many of whom are enduring predicaments worse than my own - not, of course, to gloat but merely to show me that my troubles are commonplace - and less than many others find cheerfulness to endure. Thanks v much for friendly message. I enjoy correspondence, so would like to know more about life in New Zealand which , for me, is a land for rich fantasies of natural wonders and rural charm. What I could offer in return I do not know. If you are curious about my menu of interests try Wikipaedia for
Depressed and anxious because although I am very old (88) and have a small, attenuated life I manage, sometimes, to be happy, and am scared of immanent death.
I came to NZ from Ipswich Suffolk in 1971. Born in High Wycombe at end of war. (Long story). Good health. Six years ago fell and had a pacemaker fitted. I take a few pills and insulin but generally happy, positive and enjoying spring weather today. Regards david
You write very positively, and I envy you Spring and so the beginnings of summer. Here, as you know, quite the other way. I well remember High Wycombe, What can I say except "Enjoy",
I believe that I am now part pig (replaced, not well-functioning aortal valve). The Tavi procedure seemed unthreatening and, indeed, the op went well until blood clots began to form. Now I am discombobulated by dizziness and nystagmus etc and so - possibly unreasonably- anxious and glad to correspond with people in similar - or worse- - predicaments
Hi TAVIshock welcome to the group. I don’t have any knowledge of your ailment but many here have and hopefully more will come along to support you. All the best.
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