About Me (In My Own Words)
15 years ago, my cardiologist told me I had a minor leak in my aortic valve, and not to worry. Although I had routine follow up visits, my cardiologist never conducted any follow up diagnostic procedures.
Fast forward to this year, during a follow up with the nurse practitioner, I advised I had been suffering with chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and fatigue. I asked about the leaky valve and the lack of diagnostic follow up. She replied in a very condescending manner that if I wanted an echocardiogram, she would order one. My wife and I were less than pleased with her demeanor as we requested the echo, which was completed four days later. Two days later,
I received a call from the medical assistant who said the valve leak was severe, and that they had scheduled a TEE scope. You can imagine my shock and anger to be given this information by phone, by an unknown medical assistant with no additional information.
After the TEE scope and a heart catheter, my cardiologist advised I would need surgery.
I did some extensive research, found Dr. Mehall, who spent a significant amount of time with me and my wife.
On September 27, 2018, Dr. Mehall successfully conducted a port access open heart surgery to replace the aortic valve.
After one week in the hospital, I was sent home. I had difficulty breathing and was extremely fatigued. During a follow up visit, Dr. Mehall’s PA ordered more lab draws, and noted I was very anemic....a test not previously performed. After a couple of weeks on iron ( not good on the tummy and digestive process), I started cardiac rehab.
I finished week one of twelve and can’t wait to fully recover😀
04-07-2019
6 months post OHS, and just had a follow up with my cardiologist, who placed me on a halter telemetry unit for a few days to monitor my LBBB. He said the new valve sounds great, but scheduled another echocardiogram to check my EF, which dropped from 78 to 48 after surgery. Still feeling fatigued in the evening, but ecstatic my chest pain feels better.
Wishing all you heart warriors Healthy days ahead ❤️
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Colorado Springs
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My surgery date is:
September 27, 2018
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. John Mehall
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My hospital is:
Penrose St. Francis Hospital
