John's Profile

I guess it's time to make some entries. I have known I had a heart murmur since as far back as 1980. I did not know I was to keep an eye on it over the years. I may as well say it now; I'm not one to spend a lot of time in the doctors office. I had ignored symptoms for many years. There, that's my medical history. fast forward to May 2015. I had been having some shortness of breath and weakness along with a little diziness. I found out a year prior that my blood pressure was up and needed to be addressed. assuming my symptoms were caused by my high blood pressure, I finally went in May to a new doctor as my current doc was ready to retire. The new GP put me on lisinopril. During the visit as she listened to my heart she heard the murmur and sent me to get an echo. The echo showed my problem and the cardiologist started preparing for me to get fixed. My passage is down to a .7cm2. All this came on pretty quick. I was somewhat in a tailspin trying to figure out what to do next. I did a whole lot of research in a short period of time and am satisfied that the decisions I have made at 56 years of age concerning a porcine valve and OPS as opposed to other less invasive surgeries is the right choice for me. But all the science and technology aside for a moment, my real help has come from this website. While my faith remains in God, I firmly believe that He can and has used all those here at HVS.com to keep me positive and focused on what is at hand. Thank you to all for your prayers and uplifting posts'. I can't say I am excited about OPS but I am much less excited about the alternative. And, since it has to be, I am comforted to know that through this community, I am not alone in my journey.