About Me (In My Own Words)
My heart valve story:
I was born a month premature and had open heart surgery at 7 days old. I had a PDA surgery and during that time the doctors discovered I had a BAV. SO, my whole life I knew I would eventually need aortic valve repair or replacement.
I was a healthy young athlete through college. Fast forward 20 years from then with zero check ups. I'm now 44 years old and have severe aortic stenosis and an ascending aortic aneurysm at 4.8cm dilatation. I've had symptoms for a little over 2 years and didn't attribute them to my heart condition. So, now I have severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. I have never learned how to be so patient with so much on the line, My life. Since 2/6/22 my "last straw" before seeking help, I have been through quite a bit. In the last 6-7 weeks I have been to the ER twice, 2 doctors visits, 4 blood labs, 2 CT scans and an x-ray, an echocardiogram, a TEE and a Catheterization of the heart. I've spoke with one surgeon and I have a second opinion this Thursday 3/24/22. Hopefully God has it in his plan for this surgeon to be the one doing my surgery. And, fingers crossed he will agree that the Ross Procedure is right for me. And, may it also be in Gods plan for this surgery to be scheduled ASAP, because my conditions are definitely symptomatic.
Update: 3/24/22
I am beyond happy to announce that I will be having the "Ross Procedure" done by the legend himself, Dr. Paul Stelzer of The Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. It was a long, emotional and educational consultation, but I left his office feeling at complete peace that I will be in good hands. And its scheduled for 13 days from now. From my first ER visit on 2/6/22 to the surgery table in 8 weeks. What a crazy ride its been. Cant wait to begin the recovery process.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
West Grove, PA
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My surgery date is:
April 6, 2022
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
Ross Procedure
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