Patient Story of Jennifer Winslow

My Story

About Me (In My Own Words)

Greetings all! I have come to this site on and off for the last 5 years or so reading your blogs and finding strength in all your success stories. And also as a means to read as much as possible about this wonderful world of heart valves and replacement surgeries! I only hope that I am as brave and strong as each of you when it is time for my surgery.

I was diagnosed with BAV at the ripe age of 3. I was closely followed by a cardiologist growing up. I paid less and less attention to it as I became an adult. About 12 years ago, I had an episode and went to my cardiologist and he indicated that my valve had gotten worse but it still wasn't surgery time yet. I have been seeing him semi-annually since then. He predicted that I would have surgery within two years. Well here I am 12 years later and once again my valve has gotten worse. This time, my doctor says it is time. I knew this day would come eventually but it still hit me hard. I really hadn't been feeling that much worse. I work out at least 4 times a week and do a very mild version of cross fit. So yes, I was in shock when he gave me the news. My first step is to go have a transesophageal echo on January 7th just to verify my measurements. I am struggling with my thoughts on whether I think this will confirm the measurements or if they aren't as bad as we first thought. Part of me wants them to be wrong but then part of me just wants to get this over with.

My question to all of you (well actually 2 questions):
1) Who has been low risk but did the TAVR? I did see the one gentleman's story about thinking he wanted TAVR but his surgeon had different thoughts. Years ago, my cardiologist told me about this procedure and we both hoped that I would last long enough til when this procedure was available to low risk. Well, that day has come!

2) Has anyone had valve replacement surgery of any kind in Houston TX? I live in San Antonio but my cardiologist has always stated that he would send me to Houston.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my post and answer my questions. Now that I have been told my time is here, I'm sure I will be on this site more often.