About Me (In My Own Words)
I am 54 years old. I have been a special education teacher for 30 years. I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve in 2006, after experiencing bounding pulse (hard pounding heartbeat) that kept me awake for about four years. It took that long to get a diagnosis. My cardiologist has been monitoring my aortic valve and heart with yearly echocardiograms. Each year the valve had moderate regurgitation, and there was not a change from year to year except that the aorta had enlarged some, and there was no change in the heart. This year was different. I was called back to see the cardiologist after my echocardiogram in December 2010. At my appointment with my cardiologist on January 3, 2011, I was told that the regurgitation or leakage was now considered moderate to severe and there was now some dilation of the heart. The cardiologist told me it was now time to replace the aortic valve and that the surgery will take place in about 8 to 10 weeks. I was able to get an appointment with the heart surgeon that performed my mother-in-law's aortic valve replacement and bypass surgery several years ago. She was very pleased with him and recovered completely. I am confident he is the right choice for me.
3/19/11: When I went for my presurgery consultation with my heart surgeon, he said I had an aortic aneurysm. This part of my aorta (aortic root) was removed and replaced and my bicuspid aortic valve was repaired. I had a very good outcome, thanks be to God and my wonderful surgical team.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Walton, Indiana
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My surgery date is:
February 28, 2011
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Repair
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. David Heimanson
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My hospital is:
Indiana Heart Hospital
