Heart Palpitations Forum

Heart Palpitations Forum
http://palps.chemicalforums.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
Heart Palpitations Forum >> Symptoms and other concerns >> My Father Had Aortic Valve Replacement
http://palps.chemicalforums.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1273762975

Message started by kchendrix on May 13^th, 2010, 8:02am

Title: My Father Had Aortic Valve Replacement
Post by kchendrix on May 13^th, 2010, 8:02am

I just wanted to put things into perspective. I watched my dad the last two years as his aortic valve got worse and worse with stenosis.(spelling may not be right) He never let it get him down. 5 weeks ago the Cardiologist said, it was time to get this surgery done, My Dad is 80 years old. They had been monitoring the progress of the diseased valve for quite awhile, but the surgery could wait no longer. I have to say watching my dad and his VERY REAL situation made me realize how lucky I had been not to have this type of heart disease. I am happy to say that last Wednesday he had the successful surgery and in less than a week has returned home where he is on the mend. I am amazed at the difference already, how much better he looks. His progress over the next 6 months with cardiac rehab, should have him feeling so much better then before the surgery. I am amazed that with in a day he was up and walking after surgery. It kind of made me feel ashamed of how I wouldn't do things when I was having the palps. Thank God, Thank the wonderful Surgeon and Doctors that made my dad well again.

Best Regards
KC

Title: Re: My Father Had Aortic Valve Replacement
Post by Typer on May 13^th, 2010, 8:44am

I am so pleased to read that your father is doing well. He sounds like brave and strong person. I do know what you mean, there are people facing far worse than palps and many never complain.

I do wish I could be brave like this and feel ashamed at times that I cannot seem to overcome the anxiety and panic I feel with the palps. I try to stay calm, and for the most part I do - but sometimes panic seems to happen even if I am not even thinking negative thoughts.

Title: Re: My Father Had Aortic Valve Replacement
Post by Kalah on May 14^th, 2010, 7:42am

Kchendrix, I'm so glad to hear your father is doing well! Your story is heartening. It really does put it into perspective doesn't it... many people who truly do have something wrong with their heart never know it until it's too late. And we fear (or feared at one time) that it would happen to us because of these odd sensations we have which don't really mean anything and aren't really related to what happened to them at all. Truly we are lucky to have what we have and not the unseen sword overhead that we feared, when others were less fortunate!

And Typer, I have panic attacks too (although rarely these days) and I know how there is little you can do about them, it's nothing to be ashamed of. For me the sensation comes first... lightheadedness or a blurry spot in my vision, or the perception that my breathing isn't right, or just feeling 'off'... then the disturbing thought is next... what if it's a stroke, heart attack, or whatever else... and then it's too late, the landslide is underway and I can only ride it out. I usually do by assuring myself it's just a panic attack, I've been through it a hundred times before... and just take a time out while it passes.

Title: Re: My Father Had Aortic Valve Replacement
Post by Typer on May 14^th, 2010, 10:38am

For me the panic happens in unison with the palp as does a sort of sinking sense of doom in my stomach. I never have time to think for the panic to happen.

Previously to the palps I had stress, but not panic attacks or anxiety - well no I did have anxiety years ago after a bad illness and for about a year had health anxiety - that was 17 years ago. Nothing since then until the palps.

I have to believe they will go away or at least only appear occasionally.