Thomas's Profile

I was born with a congenital heart defect. I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve. I was followed by a pediatric cardiologist and saw him for all of my yearly checkups. I would get the same answer each year- things are ok and no big changes, see you next year. Since 2000, I have been treated by a cardiologist here in Knoxville, TN. I would get the same okay after each visit and a see you next year. My PCP, Dr. Jeff Boruff, called me one day and reminded me that I needed to get my echo and my blood work, (he normally does the echo and the cardiologist reads it). I went into his office for the echo and three days later he called me with the results. He told me that my AV leakage was severe. Now I know why I was feeling tired, could not do some of the things I used to do and having issues sleeping! He wanted me to see the cardiologist as soon as possible. I saw the cardiologist, Dr. Marietta, and he ordered several tests. I had a second high-resolution echo, stress test and CT with dye. All of the tests confirmed that I was in the zone for the AV replacement. Dr. Marietta referred me to Vanderbilt Heart Institute for a second opinion relating to the timing of the AVR. At Vanderbilt, I saw Dr. David Slosky. He confirmed that I needed the AVR and we should do it within weeks, not months. He suggested I have Dr. Michael Petracek perform the AVR surgery.