About Me (In My Own Words)
I am preparing for aortic valve replacement surgery and would like to develop a support network for myself and my family.
A heart murmur was discovered in 2016 in a routine annual physical. A TTE was performed. Aortic valve was “normal trileaflet”. In July of 2018 another annual physical revealed it had worsened (stethoscope). TTE result was alarming and they gave me a CT scan immediately! I was diagnosed with a “functionally bicuspid” aortic valve with moderate to severe regurgitation. Having no symptoms at all makes it all feel very surreal. Over the last 5 weeks I arranged appointments at Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Venugopal Menon, underwent several tests (TTE, TEE, Stress-echo and MRI) and have scheduled surgery for Sept 26, 2018 with Dr Gosta Pettersson for valve replacement. I am a 50 year-old male still in the prime of his career enjoying being a first-time grandfather! Open heart surgery comes a BIG surprise!
I am electing to do this now so I can pick the timing and the team! I know already I will be a future valve-in-valve guy, so let’s get the proper stuff installed now, right?
I admire and am inspired by those of you out there who have more complicated journeys than my own as well those who have already taken the leap!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Kewadin, Michigan
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My surgery date is:
September 26, 2018
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
