About Me (In My Own Words)
Hi everyone! I’m 58 years old and pretty healthy except for my aortic heart valve. :( Ugh! I felt sick this past Monday…very dizzy and short of breath, drove to Orlando and am now an inpatient at AdventHealth Orlando. I knew I had a congenital bicuspid aortic heart valve (found out at age 37 when I almost passed out on my way to work)which was diagnosed as only mild stenosis in the past; however, unfortunately this past Thursday a new echo showed my valve to be severely stenotic. I have been feeling very lightheaded and was short of breath so my husband and 17 year old daughter drove me to Orlando to the ER here at Adventist. I had a cardiac cath and TEE today with Dr Basiem Barsoum. I have to say Dr Barsoum and his team did a fantastic job. Everyone was so caring and sweet to me. Also, I had no pain with either tests and they were done very efficiently. I also met the amazing Dr Kevin Accola last night. I love his confidence and caring bedside manner. He truly is THE expert in valve replacement and I am grateful he is able to get me in his schedule for surgery next week. I feel so much better after meeting him and discussing my case. My surgery was tentative for Tuesday but now is moved to Wednesday. But, he’s definitely worth the wait!!
I still can’t believe I am sitting here waiting for more test results and getting ready for major OHS next week…It seems surreal. As noted before, I am so Glad I found this website and community! Very inspiring. I’m trying to stay positive and keep the terrible anxiety at bay…
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Port Orange, FL
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My surgery date is:
April 24, 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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