About Me (In My Own Words)
I have not had surgery as of yet. I have been diagnosed and am waiting on a referral to a cardiac surgeon for a second opinion.
3/16/21- My appointment with Cardiac Surgeon is on March 31.
My story began March of 2020 when my Primary Care Physician and I were discussing as to whether I should be on cholesterol medication. My cholesterol numbers had been high the last couple of years. We agreed that if I had a CT Scan and it revealed low or no plaque I could forego medication. A couple of days later the country was lockdown for the COVID virus. So fast forward to January of 2021 I was finally able to have the CT Scan. Well, the results came back and I have no plaque however I found out that I had an Ascending Aortic Aneurysm of 4.0 cm. I met with a cardiologist and I was sent for an echocardiogram. The results of the echo confirmed the aneurysm and also revealed that I have a Bicuspid Aortic Valve. I was then sent for MRI's of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, nothing else significant was discovered. The cardiologist wants to watch and monitor the situation. I had an Uncle that had an Aortic Dissection which I never considered relative ( to my health ) until my diagnosis. My next set of MRI's is scheduled for March 2022. In the meantime I have an appointment scheduled with a Cardiac Surgeon to gather more information on March 31, 2021.
For me, the big question is "Why wait"? I am petite 4'10", no plaque, low blood pressure and am in good physical shape. I'm a daily walker. The only physical signs are some palpitations, flutters and being winded on stairs. I would prefer to go forward and put this behind me.
If any one would like to share their experience of 'the wait' period or the size of their aneurysm when diagnosed and at the time your surgery took place, I would appreciate it.
UPDATE; April 1, 2021
Yesterday I met with Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Heather Currier. I liked her tremendously: personable, great communicator, and confident she discussed my diagnosis in depth. She answered my questions and put my fears aside. We are going to monitor my aneurysm and BVA. My next MRI's are still scheduled for March 2022. Afterward I will meet with Dr. Currier to discuss the results.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Chapin, South Carolina
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I was diagnosed with:
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
