Hunting is out for me this year

[Josh]

I really didn't want to post this at first but here goes...

My blood pressure has been steadily climbing for the past year and I finally went to see a doctor about it last week.  He gave me some blood pressure medicine and told me I needed to follow up with a Cardiologist because my heart murmur had gotten louder ( I was born with a systolic murmur and a bicuspid aortic valve).  I went to see the Cardiologist on Monday and he did an echo and told me that my aortic valve needs to be replaced with open heart surgery.  Because of my age he told me I would have to get a mechanical valve so that means I will be on Coumadin (anticoagulant) for the rest of my life. I was hoping I could hold off getting the surgery until the new year but he told me I needed to have it done by the end of October.  I am getting married October 9th and he told me to go ahead with that, go on my honeymoon, and come back and get the surgery.  He also told me that the rest of my heart is fine and I should make a quick and easy recovery from the surgery.  It still scares me since it IS open heart surgery.  I think the worst part is I am not gonna get to hunt this year and there's no telling how long it is gonna be before I can draw a bow or even make a bow.  Bow building/archery are such a big part of my life now I can't imagine a life without it.  The good news is I will be able to catch up on my reading of all the back issues, LOL.  Bad news I probably won't be able to flint knap any more because of the blood thinners I will be on for life.  Sorry for writing all this I really just wanted to let you guys know.  Most of you I consider pretty good friends even though I haven't even met most of you face to face.  Wish me luck.   

[El Destructo]

My Prayers are going out for You my Friend..I too was born with a Systolic Murmur...along with three more of my Siblings...but We have been more Fortunate...Ours have never gotten worse...mine doesnt ever bother Me ...unless I get really Upset....pissed off....or scared...then It lets Me know that it's still there....

You will do just fine Josh...Young and Strong as You are...you will bounce right back...and remember...the Deer will be there next Fall...and the Bow...well just think how special it will feel again when you get to make another one...

And remember to kiss that Bride of Your for Me on the 9th too...Behave....Take Care....and God Bless

[Josh]

Thank you Mike.  I know you are going through tough times yourself and you have been in my prayers as well.     I just can't stop thinking about them having to crack my chest open and then stop my heart for the valve replacement... The doctor told me that the surgeons do them all the time, I should be just fine and I have a less than 1 percent chance of dying on the table but it is still scary as heck.  The only plus is I am marrying a Cardiac Nurse so there is that.

[NTD]

Josh,
  I'm very sorry to hear this and the Danforth family will be praying for you.  As Mike said you seem strong as an ox and young enough that I'm sure you'll recover fine.

[El Destructo]

It ain't the Same as it was 30 years ago...they used to cut the Sternum...and then Bend the Ribs out to expose the Heart...now it is a lot less Invasive...and the Bypass Systems are all Computerized now...a lot less Human Error there too...I know that You are Afraid...but I have Faith that You will do just Fine...sux that a Pig Valve is out though...but You are too young for that Option....unless You want to do this 3-4 more times in Your Long Life..........

As for My Life...yeah this Year has been full of Ups and Downs for Me also...but You just Worry about YOU....And everything will work out...have Faith

[Josh]

Thank you very much Nate, means alot man.   

Yeah Mike I wanted the Pig valve at first till the doctor told me it was out of the question.  I wanted it so I wouldn't have to take the Coumadin.  But I would rather get it done once than to have to go through it again down the road..  He said the mechanical valves are designed to last hundreds of years but in someone as young as me my heart would tear the pig valve up in a few years. 

[medicinewheel]

... and there's no telling how long it is gonna be before I can draw a bow or even make a bow.  Bow building/archery are such a big part of my life now ...

I believe if you try not to make a bow each day, but take you're time and enjoy your doings, go slow and in small steps, also if you shoot a nice lighter bow a few arrows a day and concentrate on each and every arrow it'll help you to find back to 'normal', find back to yourself!
All the best to you and your future family from across the big pond...

[nugget]

It is good you are getting it repaired. The medical field has alot of advancments today. Valve replacement is like routine surgery now. I wish you a speedy recovery, a long life, and happy mariage. You should be able to shoot build and knap with the right precautions.

[HoBow]

Good luck man!  Praying for swift recovery.

[RG]

Same here Josh no hunting or building bows for me this year Long story  but am looking foward to when I can get back in the groove
Think it will be just like riding a bicycle we will step right back in Good luck with the surgey I know all to well what the Docs can do
these days Plenty of prayers will be sent up from our house

Ron

[Josh]

Thanks for the support and prayers Frank, TJ, Jeff, and Ron.   

[BearG]

Good luck with every thing.  Will be praying for you brother

[jonathan creason]

Good luck, Josh.  Praying for a speedy recovery here.

[adb]

Good luck, Josh! Try not to worry. It's not "routine" surgery, but valve repacements are very successful. I've spent the past 25 years in the OR at our local University Hospital, working in the Anaesthesia Department, specializing in bypass surgeries. We do two a day, five days a week, year round. Morbidity and mortality rates are very low, and recoveries are relatively short, usually home within a week. You'll be sore, but if you're otherwise healthy, you'll bounce back fast. You'll also feel better, as your aortic valve regurge will be gone. Hang in, try not to worry, get married, take this hunting season off, and you'll be back next year!

[Josh]

Thanks Adb.     Makes me feel a little better about it.  Thanks for the reassurance.