About Me (In My Own Words)
My heart valve issues were first identified when in my mid-20's. The first indicator was a murmur that was detected while being treated for IBS. I was referred to St. Luke's Cardiovascular Consultants in Kansas City and an echo-cardiogram revealed a prolapsing mitral valve with mild to moderate regurgitation. A later echo-cardiogram also revealed a bicuspid aorta valve with very mild regurgitation. Both were said to be congenital conditions. I have been closely monitored in the subsequent 28 years. In 2005/2006 test results on the mitral valve became a concern and I was tested quarterly. After three quarters of poor results it was determined that surgery would be scheduled if the fourth quarter results were equal or worse than previous. Miraculously, the fourth quarter results came back significantly improved, within acceptable tolerances and have more or less remained there for eleven years. In fact, test results in late 2015 were the best of the previous 20 years. However, April 2017's echo-cardiogram results were vastly different. Regurgitation was documented as well into the severe category and the left ventricle had dilated for the first time ever, and right at the line beyond which permanent damage could occur. A TEE was performed on 4/27/17 that confirmed two things: 1) my aorta valve is truly structurally bicuspid but is working efficiently and will likely never need correction and 2) my mitral valve results from the echo-cardiogram were correct, that a chord has detached from the anterior flap and nearly immediate action is necessary. I understand this is a more rare and difficult mitral valve surgury than what is most common. Hoping to maximize the possibility of a repair, my cardiologist has provided a referral to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. As of this writing I am awaiting scheduling of an appointment with the thoracic surgery team at Mayo to begin evaluation.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Overland Park, Kansas
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I was diagnosed with:
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Replacement
Mitral Valve Repair
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My hospital is:
Mayo Clinic
