About Me (In My Own Words)
In 2019 I was getting my 50 y.o. physical when my primary care physician heard a heart murmur. She ordered an echocardiogram and in October 2019 I received the diagnosis of Stenosis Bicuspid Aortic Valve and an Ascending Aortic Aneurysm. Needless to say, I was shocked and scared. Nobody in my family history (that I could find) ever had any congenital heart disease. I immediately started doing my research to learn as much as I could about my diagnosis. One of the hardest, but at the same time luckiest part for me, is that we found my heart disease early, which meant my doctors had to take the watch/test and wait approach because my valve and aneurysm were mild to moderate, and everyone's defective valves progress at different rates. In January 2022, I received the news that it was time for surgery. In the beginning, I was asymptomatic, but by the end of 2021, I was feeling the effects of my closing valve.
I had decided to have my surgery performed at Cleveland Clinic, which was an overall amazing experience given the reason I was there. I was a candidate for the minimally invasive valve replacement and an aortic aneurysm repair. Come to find out, once my valve was removed during surgery, it was confirmed that I had a Unicuspid Valve. I was discharged from the hospital the day before my 53rd birthday and flew home to California. I am currently attending cardia rehab and happy to say that I am feeling great! For this first time in my life I am able to run and exercise with my new valve and wow, what a difference it makes!
I'm grateful to be on the other side of my surgery and for fellow heart patients, like yourselves, that have been so brave and candid while sharing their stories along the way. You all made a difference and helped me through the most difficult time of my life. Thank you!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
-
I am from:
Thousand Oaks, CA
-
My surgery date is:
March 31, 2022
-
I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
-
My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
-
My surgeon is:
Dr. Doug Johnston
-
My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
