Scariest Time Of My Life
5 April 2005
It's been nearly one year since I underwent open heart surgery for a 5.6 CM aortic aneuysm. At the time of my surgery, I was 46 years old and I am a female. My surgery occurred on April 9, 2004 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. This was by far the scariest time of my life. I had no idea that such a time-bomb was ticking inside of my body.
My journey began as a routine physical on January, 2004. I decided to change primary care physicians as I was not pleased with my current one. I met with my current doctor and went through my medical history. Among other things, the new doctor listened to my heart and asked me if I had time to have an EKG. After the EKG, he inquired whether I could stay and have an echocardiagram. Not thinking there was anything wrong, I agreed. Several hours later, I received a call from the new doctor requesting that I contact him immediately. Of course, I was worried and had to go through an evening wondering what was wrong.
The next morning I contacted his office and was informed that my doctor wanted me to undergo a trans-esophogeal echocardiagram (TEE), along with a CT scan and a nuclear stress test. I went through the TEE first, then the nuclear stress test and finally the CT scan. Imagine my surprise when the new doctor contacted me and said I should be evaluated by a cardio-thoracic surgeon immediately. My doctor gave me the news that I had a 5.6cm aortic aneurysm, in addition to having a defective heart valve. I was absolutely stunned by the news. My new doctor gave me the name of a top-notch cardio-thoracic surgeon with the Cleveland Clinic and instructed me to follow-up with him immediately.
I contacted the surgeon and met with him in early February, 2004. The surgeon ordered more tests and consulted with me about my prognosis. I was told to avoid stress and not to do anything that would cause added stress on my heart. All I wanted to do was stay in bed and cry because I was so afraid the aneurysm was going to dissect before I was able to have surgery. And then I worried that I would not survive the surgery. This time had to be the most stressful time I have ever experienced in my entire life.
Prior to being diagnosed and prior to the surgery, I experienced no symptoms whatsoever. I am not overweight (138 lbs.) and I am by no means extremely tall (5'3"). Heart disease does run in my family but I am unaware of anyone having aneurysms.
As I mentioned, it has been nearly one year since my surgery. I feel fine except for the fact that occassionally the incision area feels tender. I see my cardiologist every three months for follow-up visits. I currently take Toprol XL (100 mgs) per day.
The aneurysm has been repaired but the valve has not. The cardio-thoracic surgeon felt that my existing valve would suffice until such time as it really needed to be replaced. The surgeon explained that if he had replaced the valve, there would have been more leakage from the new valve than there was from my existing valve. Therefore, he recommended that I wait about ten (10) years before having it replaced. I am checked regularly to see if I have developed aneurysm in my abdomen and thankfully thus far have not.
My dilemma began shortly after the news about the actor, John Ritter. My diagnosis was the same as Mr. Ritter and I thank God every day that mine was discovered. Mr. Ritter wasn't as lucky. It is extremely important to undergo physicals.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Peggy Nichols
© Copyright 2005 Peggy Nichols
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