Heart failure December 17,  2016  5:10pm EST

Hi. In May of 2015, I had an aortic valve replacement.  I had no idea I had a problem until I went in for surgery to have the hardware removed from my spine.  The anethesioligist told me I was in the 3rd pahse of the disease and told me to see a carrdiologist immediately when able.  I did and the cardiologist sent me for an angiagram on a Tuesday. On Wednesday the cardiac surgeons office called and asked if I could come in the following day for surgery.  I did and I was very lucky to have a quick recovery with little problems after.  Now, on a regular scheduled cardiologist appointment, he asked that I get an echocardiagram before my appointment with him.  I did and when I saw my doctor, he greeted me with the news that my Mitral Valve was not in good condition and asked me to have another angiagram which I did.  On my return visit, my doctor told me that I would need surgery.  He didn't know when exactly because of sosme type of measurement they too and I was at an 8 and they don't operate until you're at a 10.  I gues I was in a state of shock because I didn't understand what that meant and I did ask questions.  He said I was in heart failure and I had fluid in the right and left side of my heart.  He told me the danger signs.  Does anyone know what the measurements stands for?  He said it might be 3 or 6 months before I will have the surgery.  He has no way of knowing  My life is on hold and I can't make any plans.  Thank you for any input.