About Me (In My Own Words)
I was just diagnosed with a Bicuspid Aortic valve with a 1.1-1.2 stenosis and no regurgitattion about a month ago I September 2015 by ultrasound. I am 42 years old female, I live in Murrieta, California (just outside San Diego), am 4"11 and 112 lbs. I am an active person and eat extremely healthy (organic, gluten free, dairy free and non GMO). I really have no other health problems other than mild to moderate Asthma and seasonal allergies. Right now I'm in a watch mode by my doctors Dr. Vaughn Starnes (CTS) and Dr. Larwence cardiologist at USC Keck medical center. I'm getting monitored once a year by ultrasound. I am happily married to my husband for 21 years and a proud mama of 2 children, a 15 year old girl and 10 year old boy. I went through both of these pregnancies not knowing about this condition and had both my kids via planned c-section because of my tiny stature. I had no complications during pregnancy. My heart is functioning in perfect condition, considering my heart valve condition. I have very little symptoms of dizziness occasionally and am a little short of breathe exercising if I get my heart rate to high. My heart is not enlarged or thickened and I have a normal ejection fraction of 68% right now and my aorta is measured at a 2.5 normal, blood p is normal and I've always been on the very low side. I have a high total Cholesterol but also a high HDL good. I eat a lot of coconut oil and eggs so I've cut them out hoping to reduce my total number. So again, I'm in watch mode. My USC Dr. Vaughn Starnes cardio thoracic surgeon projected me for surgery at 10-15 years but my other USC cardiologist Dr. Tracey Lawrence projected 5 years but said it could be 1 year because she has noting to compare me to (scary having to always wonder). I am in the process of now getting both my kids check at Rady's Children's hospital for my defect. Praying hard and giving it up to God that they don't have it! They both play club soccer and are super athletic! I am obviously scared and this is all new to me. The thought of open heart surgery terrifies me! One of my biggest phobias is surgery and death, so this is been a daily struggle for me.one of my biggest concerns is the chance of getting an aneurysm, which is about a 50-50 chance with my BAV condition. I heard sometimes they are missed on ultrasounds, so I'm wondering what tests I should have to stay on top of this? Maybe an MRI or CT every 3-4 years? Any insight or help from anyone is greatly appreciated! Thank you and May God bless you all going through this! Godspeed healing to you all!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
I am from: Murrieta, California
