About Me (In My Own Words)
I was lucky because the day I was born, the OGBYN was out and the delivery doctor on call happened to be a cardiologist who immediately diagnosed me with aortic stenosis.
I have visited the cardiologist for a checkup every two years for the last 31 years. It was always the same - "your aortic stenosis is mild and will require surgery in your 30s/40s." It was the same story until 2011 when my cardiologist in Houston diagnosed me with an aortic aneurysm. Still, no action needed to be taken at the time.
A few months ago, I scheduled my routine appointment, this time at UofM in Ann Arbor where I currently live. This time, my cardiologist explained that my aneurysm had now grown to 66mm-well in the risk range for rupture. It is now time to remove the aneurysm and replace my aortic valve.
I have always known that one day, I would have to go through this. I have generally prepared by making sure I have short term disability insurance and adequate healthcare coverage. I am not only lucky to be near the UofM, but also to work for the state where I receive excellent benefits.
Despite knowing that this would have to happen at some point, the news hit me and my family hard. I go in for my surgery in less than 4 weeks and in that time, I must decide what type of valve I want and figure out what it means to be on blood thinners for the rest of my life. I also learned that when I wake up from surgery, I will be in the ICU with a breathing tube and chest tubes. I also am trying to understand what it really means to have my heart stopped and put on a heart - lung machine.
I am terrified and anxious. What if my heart doesn't start again? What if I dont wake up? What will I do when I cant talk or move because I am on a breathing machine? I also fear the sense of being in and out of consciousness- I dont like the idea of losing control.
So here I am, trying to grasp what is going to happen in a few weeks and hoping to learn more about the procedure and from those who have been through the same experience.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Ann Arbor, MI
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My surgery date is:
June 24, 2019
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Valve Repair
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Jonathan W. Haft
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