About Me (In My Own Words)
Today, Tuesday May 29, 2018, is the 5th day post surgery. I remain in the ICU due to a complication.
I am 45. My BCV and assending aortic aneurism is from a congenital birth defect. This has been monitored for 20+ years. In the past year, and in particular the past couple months, my symptoms became very pronounced. Since my last echo 2 years ago, the AS progressed from mild to severe.
Initially the surgery was thought to have gone very well. However, my heart has failed to fully “wake up.” It appears it is complete heart block and that I am pacemaker dependent. I hoping to consult with the electrophysiology team today. It appears that I may have had indications of eletrical issues prior to surgery—a possible bundle branch block in my left ventricle. I’m very concerned about having a pacemaker and impact on my active lifestyle. I hope to continue to be able to exercise, run, play tennis with my girls, swim, etc.
Other than the pacemaker complication, recovery from full open heart surgery seems to be going well. Pain management is generally under control. I started walking the morning after the surgery. Each day walks have increased. Yesterday I did 10 laps around the ICU. Unfortinatly I’m unable to stray too far from ICU due to my pacemaker dependency.
Hoping to have updates on next steps later in the day today as the surgical and EP teams should all be back in full force after the holiday weekend.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Raleigh, NC
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My surgery date is:
May 24, 2018
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
Pacemaker Implant
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Thomas Caranasos
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My hospital is:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
