About Me (In My Own Words)
My Bicuspid Aortic Valve was diagnosed at age 56 in July 2019. I have had a heart murmur my whole life which was always classified as benign by every physician I saw. At that time I was told it would be 10 years before I would need surgical intervention.... 6 months later I developed worsen shortness of breath, and fatigue like I have never known before! I was 6 weeks into recovery from a total hip replacement! My Cardiologist ordered an MRI of my heart which showed severe aortic stenosis and an aortic root aneurism. I was referred to Cleveland Clinic by my local Cardiologist and had surgery 2 months later, during the beginning of the Covid 19 Pandemic! My Stenosis was classified as urgent and I had surgery with no family / visitors! I received an Inspiris Tissue 23 Aortic valve replacement and repair of Ascending Aoric Artery Aneurism. I was terrified but knew it couldn't wait... my husband was allowed with me till I was taken to surgery, he saw me briefly when I was taken to ICU and still intubated! I was in ICU 24 hrs then transferred to a step down unit! I actually talked to my Daughter on the phone the evening of my surgery! My husband was in a hotel a few blocks from the hospital and I texted him from the hospital. He received updates from the hospital a couple of times a day! 5 days after my surgery I was released to the hotel with my husband! I had a follow up with my Dr 2 days later and was D/C to go home that day! I really pushed myself because I needed my family! This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do! I'm Six weeks out and still dealing with shortness of breath and fatigue... I'm told it will just take time! I hope that is true!!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Madison, WV
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My surgery date is:
March 24, 2020
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Dr Lars Svensson
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic