I am a 38 year old Male. I have a lovely wife, Melinda, and a beautiful 3 year old, Rachel. I also have a Bi-cuspid aortic valve and an ascending aorta that is measuring 6 CM. Surgery is on 6/7/00, having it on 6/6/00(D-day) didn't seem right. I have never been on meds for the Heart.
After reading several of these postings, I realize how stupid I am. I have had no symptoms, other than some shortness of breath. Surely this could wait until after the summer. I have a yard to mow, a garden to tend to. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
I've known about the valve since I was a kid, I had my first Cath at 14. My Doc said, "Jeff, live a normal life, but sometime between 30, and no later than 40, you will need this fixed." He was right on. I am putting my life in the hands of Dr Gyan Khicha of Wichita Surgical Specialists. Everyone says he is the best in town. I will make it through this. I have had Crohns since I was 16, had a resection in '98 and have never felt better. Now this.
I intend to cheat death, and with the help of the Supreme Being, Dr's, and coumidan, hold it at bay for a long time. Send positive thoughts my way. My wife and family are so upset, every time this thing comes up, everybody is crying. Enough of the crying. I am actually so lucky that my primary care physician schedule the 2D echo, and that I got to a cardioligist. It had been '96 when my last 2D was done, and my EX-primary care physician only mentioned a leaky valve. Could the enlargement/dilation of the ascending aorta just started?
I need to get back to work, tomorrow is my last day for a while, and I have a lot of loose end to take care of. I will update after surgery/recovery. Peace be with you all.
Update 10 Jun 2000
Just a quick note to let you know Jeff Summers surgery went Great. No complications and is going to be released on Tuesday. We greatley appreciate everyones thoughts and prayers.