Penny's Profile

61 biological age, 37 in my head and, I thought, my heart. Way too young, fit, healthy and active to have this! Born in London, lived in South Africa for 25 years, moved to Scotland 15 years ago. Married to my fabulous husband Steve for 17 years, my gorgeous daughter Georgie lives next door to us with her husband Bruce. I am blessed. First diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 10 years ago but always resolved in a few days without any meds. Regular visits to cardiologist and EchoCG reassured no need for concern. Until October 2009...I started a bout of AF that didn't stop. By November 13 I admitted myself to A&E and was confirmed with congestive heart failure. They dried me out and tried to slow my heart rate down but my consultant was quite cavalier about it and discharged me after 5 days with the same meds that I had been on for the last month. I fired that cardiologist and was guided by friend to get a 2nd opinion from Mr Frank Wells at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. After a couple of diagnostic tests (TEE and angiogram)my surgery was set for February. I had wanted a minimally invasive technique but Mr Wells had given me advanced warning that he didn't go that route - I was to have the full works! Once he went in he found not just a mitral valve leak which he expected, but also a moderate to severe leak in the tricuspid valve which the TEE hadn't shown and would have been overlooked with minimally invasive. Both valves were repaired successfully and also Maze procedure for AF (not quite as successful) on February 26.