About Me (In My Own Words)
Like most of you here in the group I have been dealing with a very serious đź«€ medical condition and I have to have heart surgery on December 10th!
The background: I wear an Apple Watch when I work out, which comes pre-programmed with the Health app, which monitors my heartbeat on my wrist. The app detected an EKG atrial fibrillation in my heartbeat and notified me with an alert on Monday 4 October. The app gave me the option to send the data to my doctor (I had stored my PCP’s info). My Doctor’s office called within minutes and told me to dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, and to explain that I was sent there on Dr’s orders with the smartwatch’s EKG reading.
I ended up in Mass General Hospital ER with Afib, and technically, I had had a tiny stroke called a TIA caused by the atrial fibrillation, which sent a blood clot into my brain. The MGH team was able to start dissolving the clot but it required me to stay overnight and might have even admitted me for surgery right away if my condition worsened. It was all very sudden, shocking and scary.
The following day, the blood clot was dissolved enough so they let me go home. The doctor’s had gathered enough information to determine that I have a defective aorta that I was born with (Bicuspid Valve with only two flaps, instead of the usual three), and was also diagnosed with Severe Aortic Stenosis: which means that my aorta is severely restricted. You all probably know these terms already.
The good news is I am fortunate to have some of the best medical options in the world here in Boston. I just met with the cardiologist this week at Tufts Medical and had my Angiogram to determine exactly what type of surgery I will have later this month, Well I will have open-heart surgery to replace my aortic valve along with a Ablation to correct the side issue of Afib. As you can all image since most of you have been down this round I am terrified so any word of advice or what to expect would be greatly appreciated. I also as told because of my level of fitness and muscular structure some addition pain could be expected but I should bounce back quickly.
Thank you all for the support!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Boston, MA
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My surgery date is:
December 10, 2021
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Maze Procedure
