About Me (In My Own Words)
I have a diagnosis of aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation. Recommended valve replacement. As part of the prep I had an angiogram, which revealed 100% blockage of the right coronary artery. The doctor said that my body had grown natural bypass branches of the blockage, and that blood was still flowing. Still, my surgeon recommends a bypass to repair that artery. This means I am not a candidate for any of the less invasive valve procedures, and I will be having open heart surgery.
My surgery was scheduled for Jan 13, 2023. Then on Jan 2, I experienced chest pain that I'd never felt before. My wife brought me to the ER. They determined that I hadn't had a heart attack, but they decided to admit me and move up my surgery date. So I was admitted from the ER, and they hooked me up to IV Heparin. I ended up waiting a week, with various surgery dates scheduled and then unscheduled at the last minute. My surgery was Monday, Jan 9, with a different surgeon than the one I'd met. That surgeon was on vacation, so I met a new doctor at the last minute, Dr. John Swanson. He was very skilled and had great bedside manner, so I have no complaint about switching at the last minute.
I had my AVR with an Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve, using the largest size they have. I guess I have a big aorta. Dr. Swanson also did a single CABG of the right coronary artery. He inspected my aortic aneurysm and said it was very minor, and that he was not concerned.
One day in ICU, 3 days in a regular room, and they sent me home on Friday, Jan 13. It was faster than we expected! My home recovery has also been blazingly fast. Of course, the first few days and week or so, I was slow. Going upstairs in my house required a rest once I got up there. By now I can do the stairs completely normally, and I'm walking 3 miles a day in about an hour. My heart feels very strong. People say I have much better color than before.
My only complaint is that the skin on my chest surrounding the incision is very sensitive and prickly. Apparently this is common nerve damage and it will take about a year to resolve.
I feel that this repair has given me a new lease on life. I feel strong and through exercise I hope to feel even stronger. It's been a great thing for me. Medical science has delivered a miracle.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
San Leandro, CA
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My surgery date is:
January 9, 2023
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Pulmonary Regurgitation
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. John Swanson
