About Me (In My Own Words)
16 years ago I had a heart attack just before getting anesthesia for a cholecystectomy. I was 4 months post pregnancy, with a DVT and pulmonary embolism. I found myself being flown through Life Star to a large city hospital and being diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy and uncovering a bicuspid aortic valve. I have been monitored annually with my cardiologist since.
Over the years I have tried to stay very active. I was running for many years, even doing a half marathon once. I also bike and participate annually in a cancer fundraiser called "Closer To Free" where I ride over 60 miles.
Now after celebrating my son's sixteenth birthday in January of this year, I am 45 years old having symptoms of the progressive aortic stenosis they have been monitoring. I am short of breath walking up one flight of stairs and when I lay down. Palpitations are frequent, as are the chest pains and the fatigue is severe. My cardiologist says its time to talk to a surgeon.
So I am just starting this replacement journey. I have appointments with 3 surgeons over the next few weeks - one of which is Dr. Stelzer in NY, who I found through this website. While I have known for 16 years i would need to have this replacement done, now that it is very close to happening I am quite nervous.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Durham, CT
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My surgery date is:
September 23, 2021
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Ross Procedure
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