About Me (In My Own Words)
My name is Heather Kelly, I am 51 years young and have AS. I have come the the time when I need to have Valve Replacement. It was found at a routine Dr Visit about 6 years ago via a heart murmur heard. It has progressed to severe and is time for surgery. I will have surgery on Feb 4th, 2022.
I have been living in Kentucky for 12+ years now. I am originally from Florida and may be moving back... who knows. I have been married 29 years and have 2 sons. One 27, married with a sweet wife and two wonderful children now, 2.5 yr & 6 mons. Our other son is 14 almost 15, he keeps us going for sure. I have always, my entire life, been very aware of my heart. I cannot explain it but I often felt it beating and at night in bed I listened to it beat. Fast forward to recently; my primary doctor hear a murmur at a routine physical. He wanted to have it checked just to be sure it was nothing to worry about. I got the call that I had been diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis. I was terrified at first but was referred to a Cardiologist for further testing. The Cardiologist had me in for Echos yearly. We watched it and it went from mild to moderate and then in 2021, severe. My husband and I both had Covid in Feb/Mar of 21 and it was awful. He was hospitalized and scared us to death but he made it without ventilation and just O2 for 3 months post hospital. My son then was also hospitalized for it in August of 2021. He did better than dad and came home on O2 for only 2 weeks. So now we come to this fall and winter. I went for my ECHO and my new Cardiologist wanted to run further tests because it showed severe. I went for TEE (that was an experience) and found that I was actually born with it and I had a bicuspid valve. (perhaps that is why I was always so aware of my heart). He then scheduled me for a Heart Cath and thank the Lord all was very good. No blockages and he said my arteries were completely clear. He referred me to my surgeon Dr Subranmanian at Tri Star Centennial in Nashville TN. We absolutely loved him when we met him and his knowledge and experience is amazing. He put me and my husband completely at ease. At our consultation I told him, "If I am not comfortable on how this visit goes, I am heading to Cleveland Clinic." He completely understood then later found out he did his fellowship there. Anyway, we had a second visit with him for questions and he answered them all with complete thoughts and never once stopped listening. He sent me for CT Scan and Carotid Ultrasound and both went very well. He said my Carotids are clean as whistles and looked textbook. We scheduled my surgery for 2/4/2022, next Friday. I set that date because my father passed away with severe heart issues at 52 years old and he was always afraid to have any surgeries for his heart. His birthday was Feb 4th, and I chose that date to honor him in a small way, a way to live for him in a sense, without the fear he had. I have done extensive research, watched videos of procedures and listened to peoples stories. What an eye opening time in my life. I am amazed at this site and its founder. I am ready, I am thinking positive, I am laughing and I am planning for after surgery. I would like to ask a question to other AVR members: I am wondering why those of you who have had AVR, which valve did you choose and why? I have both Edwards Inspiris and the Corcym Perceval to choose from. I have opted out of Mechanical and TAVR simply because I am 51 years young, pretty healthy and want to set myself up for future valves if I need them. Trusting in God almighty! Any input is helpful to me... I thrive on informed decisions. Thank you all for reading and look forward to meeting you.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Bowling Green
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My surgery date is:
February 4, 2022
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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. Sreekumar Subramanian
