About Me (In My Own Words)
I was diagnosed with "mitral valve prolapse" in my early 20s, which explained the "flutters" I sometimes felt with my heart. In my late 30s, while living in Colorado, the "flutters" seemed to increase in frequency and strength. A cardiologist ordered an echocardiogram and changed my diagnosis to aortic bicuspid valve and told me I'd have to have it replaced someday--probably when I was in my fifties. I continued with life as usual and didn't think much about it, honestly--other than continuing to take antibiotics for dental visits, of course! My husband, son, and I moved to the DFW area in August 2014. It was quite an adjustment for all of us! Little did I know what a challenge/blessing it would turn out to be! An echocardiogram (with yearly physical)in March showed severe aortic stenosis with my bicuspid valve narrowed to 0.8cm so the search for a cardiologist happened more quickly than expected. On April 1st, my new cardiologist explained what this meant and recommended I have the valve replaced within the next three months. (Having already researched "aortic stenosis/bicuspid valve" like crazy--I knew this meant open heart surgery. Hello, Anxiety!) A CT scan and heart cath followed in April. My husband, John, and I met with a cardiac surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center in May to discuss these results. Even though we had already decided a tissue valve was the best choice for me, we still brought up the Ross Procedure. The doctor gave us some background/current facts about it but told us that he didn't perform that procedure. He asked if we would be comfortable with him reviewing my case with Dr. Ryan, his colleague in Plano, to see if I would be a candidate for the Ross Procedure. If I proved to be a fit for it, he recommended that we visit with Dr. Ryan in order to make the most informed decision possible. As it turned out, my condition made me a good candidate for the Ross Procedure, and after meeting with Dr. Ryan and lots of discussion with him, John and I decided this would be the better option for me due to the potential longevity of the results. Surgery was set for July 6, 2015. For the first time in this process, I felt peace. What a blessing to have this procedure as an option, with a surgeon so experienced with it, and an outstanding Heart Hospital to boot! So, there's my story. I'm 43 and having open heart surgery in less than a week. (Well, hello, again, ANXIETY!! 😬)
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Northville, MI
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My surgery date is:
July 6, 2015
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Repair
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
Ross Procedure
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