“There is in all visible things… a hidden wholeness.”
In 2013 we discovered I have a leaky aortic valve in my heart, known as Aortic Regurgitation. An EKG and treadmill test were done at that time and a status of moderate leakage was the diagnosis. I was told this is not uncommon but we need to watch it closely. This past May during my physical my family physician and I agreed it was time to have a cardiologist run some tests and get their evaluation. After several tests it has been determined the leakage has continued to deteriorate and the left chamber of my heart has begun to enlarge. I now have a better understanding for my lack of energy and motivation over the past 4-5 years. So, the cardiologists, surgeons and my family doctor consider me to be a good candidate for Aortic Valve Replacement surgery.
Needless to say this was not in any plans I had. I have consulted family and friends. I have also talked with others who had the surgery. So, on December 5th, 10 weeks from today, I will undergo surgery to have the valve replaced. I will be in ICU for 1 to 2 days and in the hospital for 5 days, unless I’m a problem patient and get booted out. Technology has advanced to the point where the success for these surgeries is much more promising both during surgery and the quality of life after surgery. I’m banking on that!
Not sure what my recovery will be like. Have been told to expect at least 2 months before I begin to get my energy level back up. I will be under some restrictions for a while, including no dancing girls in the hospital. Bummer! Have a few things I’m in the process of doing such as end of live directives and making sure my will is done. Looks like I will have plenty of support and help from family and friends during my recovery. I’m not sure what my blogging time will be like and how much photography I’ll be doing. I consider you family and an important part of my life so I will try to keep you informed!
