About Me (In My Own Words)
I discovered aortic stenosis in April 2023 through a routine CT scan for stable lung nodules. I have a heart murmur caused by a congenital mitral valve condition from birth. I am currently asymptomatic. I am 83 years old and healthy. After two echocardiograms over 6 months the condition has become severe. I chose the TAVR process for repair. A little more than a week ago I found out that TAVR will not work for me because of my "anatomy" as one of the cardiology team explained. I asked about delaying surgery for 6 months but the surgeon explained the stenosis is moving fast and early intervention is the better choice for my condition. I scheduled the surgery.
Any advice or comments would be appreciated.
Update: Surgery was done and now I am almost 5 weeks past. No pain, feeling great. Just waiting for that 6 week time so I can become more active. Cardiac rehab starts April 15.
Update: Now 10 weeks since surgery. I am in cardiac rehab and it is actually fun. It will be 36 sessions and I have completed 3. Still feeling well. I have had no pain or other after effects. So lucky. Wishing you all well.
Update: Now 19 weeks past surgery. Echocardiogram Monday showed my new valve is working perfectly and heart is clear of stenosis except a bit around the mitral valve ...a problem I have had since birth. If stenosis continues I may have to have a hopefully non invasive procedure sometime in the future? But I knew that going in.
Cardiac rehab is complete. I am doing well and have joined the healthplex so I will continue my exercise. The echocardiogram showed no stenosis in my new aortic valve or my aortic root. My mitral valve which was operated on still has some stenosis but no diminishing in function. This one I have had all my life and have been told we will check it every 6 months. I am 84 ow and will not hesitate to do surgery on it if and when it ever becomes necessary. Mom made it to 102 and that's my goal.
My Hospital was not Cleveland Clinic. Hospi was Presbyterian in Albuquerque.
Now 9 months
post surgery. Aortic valve and root perfect. My cow valve is working well. No blood thinners. Mitral valve will be checked in January. So far so good.
Not related is a back balance problem which I am going to a balance class and the gym for. Feeling good otherwise🙋
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More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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My surgery date is:
February 19, 2024
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Sirish Parvathaneni
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
