Aortic valve

[minerva9]

I am 67 years old, fairly fit. A few years back I was diagnosed, by chance heart examination with a leaky aortic valve. The last visit to the cardiologist last week revealed that the condition has worsened and surgery might be needed. Under normal conditions I have no apparent symptoms.

Two days ago I visited a cardiac surgeon who confirmed the diagnosis of a bicuspid valve and recommended surgery.

I am digesting the news!

[Janmat]

Hi. It’s tough isn’t it when it comes out of the blue like that! It’s taken me a while to digest my news, but I guess we are lucky in that it was found before anything nasty happened and can be sorted out. I’m still waiting to hear what sort of surgery I’m going to have. I wish you luck for the future.

[minerva9 in reply to Janmat]

Thanks for your reply. All sort of questions swirl round my mind. Do it now, wait, don't do it, I guess the answer will come at some time

[Janmat in reply to minerva9]

I’m exactly the same!! I am completely asymptomatic and only found out about my heart problem whilst having a pre-op for knee surgery. I’m pretty fit - swimming, working out with weights etc. So, yes, like you I’m thinking ‘shall I, shan’t I’ so just letting it run at the moment until they decide on the best treatment. It’s frustrating having to wait

[minerva9 in reply to Janmat]

Normally I am the kind of person who says lets get this done quickly and be done. But not in this case. I guess we are lucky that we have the luxury not to rush into things. On the other hand it is always going to be at the back of one's mind...

[Janmat in reply to minerva9]

Yes, always on your mind - difficult to ignore it. When I’m exercising I’m thinking all the time “am I overdoing it”, but always seems ok and my Cardiologist seems ok with it

[Babulivia]

I am in the same boat -- only a bit further along as now the cardiologist and surgeon said "it's time". I have been "watching and waiting" for ten years and have an echo or MRA done every six months. A few weeks ago I had an Angiogram and my aorta is over 5.0cm. My surgery is scheduled for October. I could still cancel it, but reading the posts here, I think I should go for it. Like you, I don't have symptoms -- but the thing that convinced me was when they showed me what my aorta looked like from the Angiogram and then showed me what it was supposed to look like. That was the wake up call.

[minerva9 in reply to Babulivia]

Thanks for that.I don't think there is a problem with my aorta, and no breathlessness, so I am finding it very difficult to make the decision. But the surgeon said it should be done. And long term it will get worse. Still, it is very difficult to accept