About Me (In My Own Words)
My name is Lilly. I am 72 yrs old born on 9/27/1951. I was born with double pneumonia, and was a 'blue' baby. I lived in an incubator for the first several months of my life. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur when I was a small child.
This is the time line of events I wish to share:
6/6/2006: I was first diagnosed with a 4.8cm aortic root aneurysm at 54 years old due to BAV.
2/20/2007: Due to an Aortic Aneurysm, my entire ascending aorta was replaced with Dacron @ Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. My natural Bicuspid Aortic Valve was not replaced at that time. Surgery was performed by Dr. Craig Miller. It was a very good experience. (however I did not return to him for my second surgery, because he recommended a mechanical valve in November 2014). I was initially informed by Dr. Miller that I will need to replace my aortic valve in about 15yrs. However, 7yrs later, I was diagnosed with severe stenosis of my aortic valve with a mean gradient of 59mmHg, which meant I will require surgery as soon as possible.
11/22/2014: I decided to change my surgeon. I chose Dr. Sharo Raissi, who is a pioneer in his field, an excellent surgeon, with over 36 yrs of experience, specializing in Congenital Cardiac Surgery. I found him on http://bicuspidfoundation.com. Dr. Sharo Raissi is affiliated with American Board of Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery. I was thrilled to be his patient. He did not recommend a mechanical valve at my age. I had spoken to several of his patients who have BAV, and listened to their stories about their issues. They had highly recommended him and ensured me I was in excellent hands. He is caring, compassionate and an excellent surgeon! Dr. Raissi recommended an Edwards Sciences bovine tissue valve, which will last approx. 17 yrs. At 63 yrs old, this will allow me to live until I am 80....who can ask for more! At 80 yrs old, I can then receive a valve-in-valve procedure to replace the worn out valve, need be. I'm so happy! My fear was diminished.
12/10/2014: I had my second open-heart surgery @ St. John's Medical Center in Santa Monica, CA. Surgery was performed by Dr. Sharo Raissi. It was an excellent experience, thanks to him! The hospital was also excellent. He carefully removed my diseased valve, and replaced it with a 23mm Edwards Sciences bovine tissue valve. I was informed my Bovine valve will last approximately 17 yrs. It was a ~12 hr surgery, which required removing much of the scar tissue from the first surgery, cutting and customizing the previous Dacron part to fit the new valve. He kept in touch with me via text everyday for 3 months after surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Raissi. He saved my life!
Today: I am happy to report that I am doing very well! I am working full time with no problems. I can speak, walk and exercise with no shortness of breath. I don't require any medication except for a daily baby aspirin. Sometimes I still cannot believe it. If anyone has any questions, I am happy to answer them. It greatly helps when you can speak openly about your situation. I truly believe it eases the pain. I am proof!
Sincerely,
Lilly
email: lilac927@comcast.net
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Orcutt, California
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My surgery date is:
December 10, 2014
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Valve Repair
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