Dalymount if it is any consolation to you my wife was in the same boat 2 years ago.She had a heart attack and did not realise it.She went to her GP(Sam Nasser of tax dodge fame) complaining of a pain in her collar bone.He examined her,came out to me in the car and told me to get her to the Blackrock clinic straight away.They quickly diagnosed that her Aortic valve was not working right.It cost 550 Euro for the tests,but it was the best money I ever spent.
She was transferred by ambulance to the Mater private and was operated on 3 days later.The surgery took about 4 hours and she was released from hospital 8 days later.She could not drive for 6 weeks and did not go back to work for 4 months.By the way the same surgeons that work in the Mater private do all the cardiac work in the main Mater hospital so you are in good hands.The only reason she was in the private is because her co pay VHI for us.The level of care is the same in both hospitals.
Like yourself her problem was hereditary and all her family including nieces and nephews and our own daughter had to have tests carried out to check their hearts.Her younger sister was found to have the same problem.She had her Aortic valve replaced 3 months later.All the others were clear.
I can honestly say the wife is like a new woman since the op.So do not be worried about it.You will come out the other side like a new man.I am quite sure you will be back cheering your beloved Boh's at the first home game of the season with a new roar in your voice.
Best wishes
Martin