About Me (In My Own Words)
I had my congenital bicuspid aortic valve replaced in 2011 at Cleveland Clinic at age 54 with an Edwards-Carpentier pericardial bovine tissue heart valve by the very bright Tomislav Mihaljevic, MD (now CEO of Cleveland Clinic).
Late October 2023, I learned at my Cleveland Clinic cardiologist appointment that I have entered into severe aortic stenosis. Since then, I have met with Doug Johnston, MD, chief of the division of cardiac surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. (He was previously the vice-chair of Cleveland Clinic's cardiovascular and thoracic department.) Because Dr. Johnston listened to my health journey since my first replacement and reviewed my blood metal allergy sensitivity test results (indicating high reactivity to nickel), he has chosen to replace my current one with Medtronic Freestyle Full Root Bioprosthetic valve (porcine) that contains zero artificial ingredients. He plans to use titanium wiring instead of nickel wiring. He also plans to do an aortic root replacement.
My aortic valve "redo" surgery is scheduled for April 8, 2024 (solar eclipse day). I wake up grateful for the abundant care, protection and graces that our God gives everyday.
Many prayers of gratitude to Leonardo Rodriquez, MD, interventional cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, for his thorough and attentive annual assessments, and Imran Ahmad, MD, my local interventional cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL, who also provides amazing guidance and care.
A "shout out" to my loving family - my husband, Phil, my two adult children (Dana and Eric), their spouses, my darling two grandchildren, and my siblings and many supportive friends.
Adam's book, website, and community is awesome! Don't hesitate to buy his book!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Aurora, Illinois
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My surgery date is:
April 8, 2024
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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