The dark curtain

[Anewlife62]

Well I'm here in Addenbrookes Hospital. My asthma turned out to be Aortic valve trouble. Currently a human pin cushion awaiting my golden ticket to "Royal Papworth". I'm keen to not be labeled by this and live a different but better life after I pass through the dark curtain of surgery. I'm trying top be positive and would like to help and be helped to make the most of what has happened. To learn from it and become whole, happy and at peace. If you want to join me please feel free. Namaste, 🙏

[NotanAstronaut]

I had similar 6months ago. I’m alive and kicking. I can swim, cycle and do DIY again. I now take 7 pills a day but hey, I’m alive!

Good luck. Better odds having surgery than not!

[Anewlife62 in reply to NotanAstronaut]

Thanks so much for replying. It was kind of you. Still on the ward waiting. I'm encouraged by your active life 💪 How is the wound to sternum? Does 6 months healing still give you any pain? Wishing you the best possible future 🙏

[NotanAstronaut in reply to Anewlife62]

It was uncomfortable and limiting for a couple of months at least. I did too much I the first few weeks and that delayed things. Don’t be daft like I was. Just be patient for 2 months. Take paracetamol and regularly if you need to. It helps. Turning over in bed is difficult for 3-4months.

I started doing light weights at 4-5 months. You have to be guided by your body. Even now I feel it if the dog throws herself at me or if I do too much around the house but it’s a lot better than it was.

My INR has been stable on warfarin for a couple of months now.

[Anewlife62 in reply to NotanAstronaut]

Thanks for sound advice- 2 months it is 👍Sorry what is INR please?

[NotanAstronaut]

It’s the level of your blood thinning on warfarin. 2.0 is twice as thin as someone not on warfarin. That means it takes twice as long to clot as someone not on warfarin.

[Anewlife62 in reply to NotanAstronaut]

Thanks for info 👍 looks like my Bare-knuckle Boxing days are over. 🤣 Did you have a long wait before your operation?

[NotanAstronaut in reply to Anewlife62]

The artificial valves last long enough. The animal ones only a decade is so I believe.

I would not want it done twice so I accept the hassle and danger of warfarin.

[Anewlife62 in reply to NotanAstronaut]

Did Surgeon give you a choice of valve ?

[NotanAstronaut]

Yeah, once on warfarin…don’t slip on the ice and bang your head!

About 3-4 months I waited.

[NotanAstronaut]

oh yes, but I was just 56 so I’m sure he wasn’t encouraging me to have a pig or cow valve because he knew it would need doing again in 10+ years.