About Me (In My Own Words)
My cardiologist has been following my aortic stenosis for several years with periodic echocardiograms. I am now severe, but remain a low risk asymptomatic patient. I exercise daily including walking and/or swimming.
I am still researching surgical options and trying to determine whether I am eligible for TAVR and whether TAVR makes sense for me given my age and otherwise good health. I have found options including clinical trials and will see what evolves.
Any reports from low-risk patients in the 65-70 age range who had TAVR?
In the summer of 2018, my cardiologist told me about the EARLY TAVR study that is designed to see if early intervention in low risk patients who have severe aortic stenosis but are asymptomatic has a benefit compared to those who wait for symptoms to develop. I enrolled and was placed in the clinical surveillance groups.
My symptoms began about a month later and progressed since then. At that point, Dr. David Daniels, who enrolled me in the EARLY TAVR study, concluded I should have a TAVR.
The surgery occurred December 14 at the California Pacific Medical Center and I came home on December 15. My symtoms and the underlying murmer are gone. I had mild discomfort on the night of the 14th but as I write this 31 hours post surgery, I am not experiencing any discomfort. Indications from post-TAVR echocardiograms indicate the valve is performing well. I came home about 27 hours after surgery and have already resumed most normal activities.
I am fortunate to have a primary care physician who sensed a problem several years ago, a cardiologist who followed the progression of the stenosis, and a skilled surgical team that installed the new valve.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Lafayette, CA
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My surgery date is:
December 14, 2018
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. David Daniels
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My hospital is:
California Pacific Medical Center
