About Me (In My Own Words)
I was diagnosed about 10 years ago with a bicuspid valve at Cleveland Clinic when I was living in Ohio. I remember as a young child, my doctor told me I had a heart murmur but never really paid attention to that until I had my first echocardiogram and was diagnosed.
Fast forward to today, I’m coming up on 5 years of living in Silicon Valley and earlier in 2020 I had several episodes of shortness of breath while walking around in Puerto Vallarta. I decided to inform my doctor when I returned to California and he ordered another echocardiogram. My primary care physician immediately had me meet with a cardiologist to go over the results.
The cardiologist explained to me about the different levels of stenosis and mentioned that I was right on the cusp between moderate and severe stenosis because of calcification of the bicuspid valve. He said nothing to do at this point but to let him know if any symptoms appeared and let's check the heart again in about a year.
The week of August 24th, I remember it was hard to get out of bed. I was very lethargic and even getting up to go to the kitchen or my office to work but very taxing. By the time I sat down, I was huffing and puffing. I sent a note to my cardiologist explaining my symptoms and he ordered another echocardiogram which revealed that the heart function was starting to weaken.
All of the sudden the week of August 31st, I had undergone the echocardiogram and was getting blood work drawn and scheduled for an angiogram that Friday. Was a bit apprehensive about the angiogram but came through that with flying colors and no issues with any coronary artery blockage.
My cardiologist came and visited with me while I was in recovery from the angiogram and explained the valve replacement surgery and recommended a cardiothoracic surgeon in San Francisco that I would meet with the following Tuesday.
So my heart valve story begins and on October 6th, I'm scheduled for surgery.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Redwood City, CA
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My surgery date is:
October 6, 2020
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Jeremiah Allen
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My hospital is:
Kaiser Medical Center San Francisco
