John,
I just wanted to say "thanks" for having the courage to share your story (I just completed todays journal). I sincerely wish you a continued speedy recovery and hope that you begin to feel better very soon.
My wife and I learned about 4 yrs ago that our son, now 16, was born with a congenital heart defect, a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation. Today he is fairly healthy and wouldn't know just by looking at him that anything is wrong. But the doctors have all warned that his day too will come when a replacement will be necessary. He is fully aware of his circumstances and handles it in stride, but has had his ups and downs. He used to love football and played until his diagnosis 4 years ago. After that, his cardiologist said no more. Other adjustments have been made to his lifestyle as well that typical 16 year old boys enjoy, but again, he's accepted it.
However, my wife and I privately fear when his day will come. Of course the longer he can delay the more that technology and medical advances are on his side. I know that surgeries like this are a much more common place than they were a decade or two ago, but when its you or a loved one going in for "heart surgery" you can't help but worry.
Thanks again John and Happy Holidays to you, Nora, Gracie and the hounds!
Regards
I just wanted to say "thanks" for having the courage to share your story (I just completed todays journal). I sincerely wish you a continued speedy recovery and hope that you begin to feel better very soon.
My wife and I learned about 4 yrs ago that our son, now 16, was born with a congenital heart defect, a bicuspid aortic valve with regurgitation. Today he is fairly healthy and wouldn't know just by looking at him that anything is wrong. But the doctors have all warned that his day too will come when a replacement will be necessary. He is fully aware of his circumstances and handles it in stride, but has had his ups and downs. He used to love football and played until his diagnosis 4 years ago. After that, his cardiologist said no more. Other adjustments have been made to his lifestyle as well that typical 16 year old boys enjoy, but again, he's accepted it.
However, my wife and I privately fear when his day will come. Of course the longer he can delay the more that technology and medical advances are on his side. I know that surgeries like this are a much more common place than they were a decade or two ago, but when its you or a loved one going in for "heart surgery" you can't help but worry.
Thanks again John and Happy Holidays to you, Nora, Gracie and the hounds!
Regards
