Life is Full Of Surprises!

[Bike Writer]

I've prepped myself mentally and physically for knee surgery Monday. Friday I visited the cardiologist expecting to get a clearance for surgery. NOT. Now that the "stunned" is a bit worn off I'm posting here. Instead of knee surgery I'll be looking at heart valve replacement. Seems that my heart mummer has worsend considerably in this last year and knee surgery is too risky until I have the valve replaced. It's been a rough few months here. I'll be meeting with a heart surgeon this coming week and be setting up a date for surgery.

Geez, when it rains it pours.

[Catrin]

I've prepped myself mentally and physically for knee surgery Monday. Friday I visited the cardiologist expecting to get a clearance for surgery. NOT. Now that the "stunned" is a bit worn off I'm posting here. Instead of knee surgery I'll be looking at heart valve replacement. Seems that my heart mummer has worsend considerably in this last year and knee surgery is too risky until I have the valve replaced. It's been a rough few months here. I'll be meeting with a heart surgeon this coming week and be setting up a date for surgery.

Geez, when it rains it pours.

OMG! Thank goodness they found that before the knee surgery, hang in there! Sending warm thoughts and healing prayers your way.

[OakLeaf]

Oh man. So sorry to hear that! Hope they get you fixed up soon and without problems.

[Pax]

Wow, what a shock! Hope it all gets sorted out and you feel better asap.

[Grits]

I'm sorry you got that unexpected news! In the hopes that hearing of good outcomes makes you feel better, I will share a couple.

I have two friends, both in their late 40's, early 50's, who got the same news. One went with the replacement option that does not require taking coumadin (pig valve instead of artificial, I think?) because he is very active and did not want to be on coumadin. He is doing great and was back to his kayaking, wave boarding, etc. by the summer after he had it done in Jan. The doctors ended up being able to repair my other friend's valve instead of replacing it. He had it done in the spring and just did 75 miles on the MS Ride in New Bern.

Many of these are done, and they achieve very good outcomes. Best of luck!

[Bike Writer]

I'm sorry you got that unexpected news! In the hopes that hearing of good outcomes makes you feel better, I will share a couple.

I have two friends, both in their late 40's, early 50's, who got the same news. One went with the replacement option that does not require taking coumadin (pig valve instead of artificial, I think?) because he is very active and did not want to be on coumadin. He is doing great and was back to his kayaking, wave boarding, etc. by the summer after he had it done in Jan. The doctors ended up being able to repair my other friend's valve instead of replacing it. He had it done in the spring and just did 75 miles on the MS Ride in New Bern.

Many of these are done, and they achieve very good outcomes. Best of luck!

This is good to hear, thank you. I have a niece who is only 4 years younger than I am and her husband and I are the same age, he had 4 way bypass (at way too young of an age!) in December and was back with his golf league this summer. The surgeries aren't the same but both are open heart so he will be giving me pointers along the way.

[Crankin]

Keep us posted, Bike Writer. It's best this was found now, and not when they were operating on your knee.

[roadie gal]

When it rains it pours, doesn't it? It's good that found it now, rather than later when it was causing you problems with your heart or lungs!

Good luck with the surgery!

[ZenBiker]

Hang in there Bike Writer. I had my aortic valve replaced a few years ago (when I was 49) and it's amazing how much better you feel when everything is working like it should! I went with a porcine valve because of the Coumadin issue, fwiw.

[Bike Writer]

Wow Muriene, your dad is a rare individual! When I had the restaurant I had a chef who was also your dad's age and he built a second home up north by himself. However that was NOT after just having major cardiac surgery!

Craknin your DH sounds like one determined man!

Redrhodie, that's not something I've ever thought of, however chronic pain can do that to people, I'm glad he's enjoying a much better quality of life.

Zen Biker, it's encouraging to hear your story. I'm delighted you've had that much success.

Hebe, Thursday I'll be going in for the day but they said to pack a bag in case I have to stay overnight. Next Friday is the big day for the valve replacement, Oct 5.

Thanks to all for your encouraging stories and well wishes.

[Bike Writer]

That cath went great yesterday! Yay! No blocked arteries, this means that next week the surgeon will have the valve replacement to be concerned with only and won't be doing any bypasses. Since they used an artery in my wrist and not my groin I even went on a short bike ride today about town. It was homecoming parade today and I rode my bike to the bank since the streets were closed off, anyway, that was my excuse to get out for a ride.

Next Friday is the big day and I'm 100% certain I won't be riding a bike the next day.

[Melalvai]

I know losing the election was pretty upsetting, but do you think to yourself "I'm glad I don't have to worry about city council stuff with all this going on" sometimes?

[Bike Writer]

I know losing the election was pretty upsetting, but do you think to yourself "I'm glad I don't have to worry about city council stuff with all this going on" sometimes?

Oh yeah I do! Some things are blessings in disguise.

[OakLeaf]

So far so good! I'll be thinking of you next Friday.