Katheryn's Guestbook

Katheryn - Thinking of you, today, and sending positive wishes your way! We know you're going to do just great. We'll be anxiously awaiting your post-op good news!

Katheryn, I too was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (at the age of 16), only to learn at the age of 50 it was actually a bicuspid aortic valve. Today, now 4 1/2 years post-surgery, I feel wonderful and free of restrictions with my Edwards bio-prosthetic valve. You will do great! Tip: don't stress about the surgery (you sleep through it). Focus instead on your recovery. Get up and walking as soon as you can in the hospital. Walk the hospital floor. The nurses and your doctor will love you for it! You'll feel better about your recovery and you'll sleep better. Also, I highly recommend you sign-up for cardiac rehabilitation for as long as your insurance will allow (I did 8 weeks, I think). This is essentially a "workout class" conducted at/nearby a hospital and overseen by medical staff. They will guide you through your recovery and offer encouragement should you need it. Best of luck on the 21st! Let us know you you're doing when you can.

Hello Katheryn, prayers for you for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. Will keep you in my prayers and don’t forget to update us when you feel up to it. Blessings

Katheryn, my story is almost identical to yours. I was diagnosed when I was about 40 with a mitral valve prolapse. When I was 55, an ultrasound found out that what I really had was a bicuspid aortic valve with stenosis. Docs in Charleston, SC said no big deal...but may have to have it replaced. Move forward 20 years. I had my aortic valve replaced with a bovine tissue valve on March 31, 2015. Surgery produced very little pain in recovery. Took about three months to get back to semi-normal. Now, at age 79, I am in excellent health, walk two miles each day, and feel as good as I did at 50. Thank God for modern medicine. Hope your surgery goes as well as mine. My surgery was performed by Dr. Alan Winston at the NE GA Health Center. Best of luck.

Hey Katheryn, Wow. You have quite the story. Fyi, my valve defect was mis-diagnosed exactly like you. I was originally told I had a mitral valve prolapse. I ended up having a bicuspid aortic valve. I had surgery 14 years ago and I'm doing great now. So you know, we just held a patient webinar for BAV patients. Here's an hour of great patient information and live "Q&A" with two leading BAV specialists. I hope this helps!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DdQCE6ZO1s