Amy's Profile

I was diagnosed with a 9.3 cm thoracic aortic aneurysm and a failed aortic valve on October 31, 2008. In addition to a longtime condition of supraventricular tachycardia, I had been suffering from shortness of breath and very low energy. I was a healthy appearing 40 year old, and almost got sent out the door by my cardiologist with the warning to stay away from chocolate and coffee. I later learned that a resident working the cardiologist thought he heard something weird and together they decided on a echocardiogram. I was asked to stay to see my cardiologist again after the echo. I was given the diagnosis and told that there was a chance that I would have to have surgery in Houston given the size of my aneurysm. However, Dr. Glenn Barnhart of Swedish Medical Center believe that he could perform my surgery. Three days later, I had my surgery. I elected to have a mechanical valve put in, given my age. Warfarin management has been relatively smooth. I feel great, and for the most part it's not something I really think about. I am very relieved that it was discovered when it was and am grateful to my skilled surgeon.