Beth's Profile

Hi, I have a genetic bicuspid aortic valve. I've know about this for a while and I see the cardiologist every 6 to 9 months to monitor the valve. My dad, William E. Kline had his bicuspid aortic valve replaced with the first human heart valve surgery at Fairfax Hospital in September 1987 by Dr. Quentin MacManus. Twenty years later in 2007 when the human heart valve was failing he had a mechanical valve replacement. I went for my 9 month check up with my cardiologist, Dr. Mattson on November 20, 2020 and she said you need to have the valve replaced. She recommended Dr. Massimiano in Maryland. I've had a CT scan and a Heart Cath in preparation for the surgery this Wednesday. I go for my hospital prep tomorrow. I'm a little bit nervous but having seen my dad go through this procedure I am amazed at how far this surgical process has evolved in the last twenty years. I'm ready to do this surgery and stay on this side of the grass for a few more years.