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As a 10-year old I had rheumatic fever which left me with two damaged heart valves. Then at the age of 49, I got a mechanical aortic valve. Shortly after the surgery my heart went into atrial fib. During the following years I had 7 cardioversions. The shortest lasted 3 days. The longest almost 2 years. After that I got an ablation which was unsuccessful. So for the last 20 years I have permanent atrial fib (24/7) which of course limits my physical activity, but I learned to accept that. I take Warfarin of course, in addition to meds to slow down the heartbeat. I'm also on medication to keep the blood pressure in check. I'm now 77 years of age, walk every day for about 30 minutes (albeit a bit slower and my husband needs to adjust to my 'speed'!) and keep a positive outlook on life. I appreciate what I can do and do not focus on my limitations.
Replies to "As a 10-year old I had rheumatic fever which left me with two damaged heart valves...."
Hi @truus1106, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So glad you were able to join the conversation. Happy to hear that you choose to focus on the positives of life and not the negative.
Have you or your physician considered another ablation at all? Also, can you share how you found this group?
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@truus1106. Good for you. You have come a long way. Your positive attitude is very inspiring. Thank you so much.
In this difficult time, it's very easy to focus on the limitations, when I get that way, I have to remind myself that I have to be grateful for what I have....my wonderful children, my friends, my family, and I can still take care of myself. I may not navigate as fast as I used to but I'm putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. I saw a card that says the glass is half full... And there's still room for some volka!!