crazy summer! My story.

[Greenie01]

So, I posted on here earlier in the year with regards to echo result worries.

Turned out my I had stenosis of the Aortic valve and aneurysm of the root. I saw a consultant and surgeon, here in the UK . I was told I needed a new valve and the root needed fixing, which would be done around now, Autumn 2024.

I went on holiday to Greece in July. When I arrived at the hotel, I started to cough up blood.

Was taken to hospital, then moved to two others as my conditioned worsened.

The doctors discovered I had endocarditis .

I had surgery, a few days later, once I stabilised a bit. My aortic valve had broken down, which apparently caused regurgitation of the mitral valve. I had multi organ failure.I was very poorly. I was fitted with a Edwards inspiris bovine valve.

They would have liked to fit a mechanical valve but because of the endocarditis it was too risky.

A 5 week stay in Greece, air ambulance back to the UK, then 4 weeks in hospital here.

I've been at home now a few weeks recovering slowly. The long stay in ICU caused drop foot in both feet, which is difficult to deal with, but the orthotics I have help me to walk.

I am truly grateful to the Surgeons and all the staff in both Greece and the UK for the wonderful job they did keeping me here.

Recovery is frustrating but every day, Im getting stronger.

[PadThaiNoodles]

Sounds like quite the harrowing experience. Glad you're on the mend.

[Sambobs17]

hello Greenie just so glad your on the mend now - the good thing is you sound so positive which I’m sure has helped your recovery - nightmare for you but onwards and upwards now take care 😊

[Greenie01]

I'm trying to stay positive most of the time, but am riddled with anxiety at the moment. I was fitted with a bovine inspiris valve and was hoping for a mechanical one. The inspiris valves are supposed to last a bit longer than regular bioprosthetic valves.Im only 50, so will probably need it replacing somewhere along the line. I guess a new one could be fitted via TAVR, which is said to be minimally invasive?

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Greenie01]

Yes, I would imagine they can fit a mechanical one via TAVR when you're due. Getting 10 to 15 years out of your tissue valve first without having to be on warfarin definitely has some value.

[Dyllibobs]

Gosh that sounds really scary. So glad you're home & feeling stronger d

[Tlyna]

That was an absolute nightmare of an experience. Glad you are doing so much better.

[Jedi14]

I feel bad asking you this question, how did you manage the costs! Since I found it almost impossible to get travel insurance.

[Greenie01 in reply to Jedi14]

I was asymptomatic before I traveled and the insurance company insured me with no issues . Medical costs were covered on the European medical card!

[Jedi14 in reply to Greenie01]

I think you will find a big turnaround in travel insurance insurance policy. Just test it out. See what they say.

[cappachina]

What a journey you have had Iam pleased you are home and doing OK Yes your valvecan be replaced via TAVI which is much less invasive and a quicker recovery time