About Me (In My Own Words)
UPDATE 2:
I'm 4 weeks out of surgery and feeling good! The surgery went great and recovery has been quite smooth. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Dewar and everyone I dealt with at Bridgeport Hospital. It's amazing what they have you doing that first week in recovery, and what I'm already capable of and feeling comfortable with now four weeks out. I hope to continue to update as I begin cardiac rehab and continue recovery.
UPDATE 1:
I've decided to go with the Mechanical valve for my aortic valve replacement!
I've met a ton of great people who are sharing their experiences with me, and I'm trying to set myself up as well as I can pre-op for recovery and Life w/Warfarin.
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I'm in my final countdown to surgery with Dr. Michael Dewar. Still counting myself as lucky to have discovered this, pre-symptomatically.
I had a normal blood screening as part of an annual physical, and had cholesterol numbers high enough that I opted to start on a statin and get a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan. In the results of those scans, my cardiologist identified something the scan wasn't even looking for: an enlarged/bulging Aorta. Fast forward a week and half a dozen scans, and I have my diagnosis and am making decisions on how to proceed surgically with my valve replacement.
Because I am only 42, I am skeptical about choosing the tissue valve replacement, as I would certainly need additional surgery in about a decade.
The mechanical valve option has the potential to last "forever" but also requires that I take blood thinners for the rest of my life. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHOSEN THIS OPTION / are living with blood thinners (Warfarin seems to be the most common choice, and my surgeons reco).
There are also several hospitals/surgeons who specialize in The Ross Procedure around me. A more complicated surgery that has the potential to last a lifetime WITHOUT blood thinners.
I'm talking to as many people and as many cardiologists/cardio curgeons this week as I can, and hoping to make a decision by Friday.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
FAIRFIELD, Connecticut
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My surgery date is:
November 23, 2023
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Michael Dewar
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My hospital is:
Bridgeport Hospital
