About Me (In My Own Words)
Hi Everyone. I was born with a bi-cuspid aortic valve. I have been asymptomatic my whole life until just recently. I am 62 years old. After always hesitating going “full-throttle”, at 55 my new cardiologist told me that I was in excellent shape and not to hesitate to work out to the max. I did for several years but started to notice it was hard to catch my breath. But I was still surprised last year when an echo showed that my valve was calcified and my stenosis became severe. Over just a one year period. So since September the reality has set in that I need to make a decision on surgery.
I have been considering TAVR because I feel that advancements are in the exponential zone and that in 5 or 10 years science will allow a replacement valve to be placed less invasive my and for longer term. My dad and his 4 siblings are all in their 90’s and still live in their own homes - so perhaps that’s a decent possibility for me (with the right valve!). So I am also considering the Ross procedure, but I might be one of the oldest patients to try it. I have two prospective surgeons, and they both are leaning toward conventional surgical replacement (SAVR). However, Dr Williams also specializes in TAVR and believes that my valve anatomy supports that procedure.
So here I am on this sight trying to learn about people’s experiences, and to ultimately share mine.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Staten Island, NY
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I was diagnosed with:
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Matthew Williams
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My hospital is:
NYU
