About Me (In My Own Words)
Approximately 5 years ago my family doctor detected a heart murmur during a routine physical. I was referred to a cardiologist for an echocardiogram. The test indicated narrowing of the aorta but nothing critical. The following year I repeated the test and found a slight decrease in the opening but no cause for alarm.
During the past 3 years my husband Ed had a fall due to the lack of stability from his numerous back surgeries. His fall required two surgeries during the next two years. The last surgery, an ankle fusion required a year of rehabililitation and pain. Ed passed away suddenly without warning on January 3, 2010.
Finally this spring I realized that I had not been keeping up with my medical needs and went into the doctor for a physical after 3 years. Fortunately all was well, except for the murmur had grown appreciablely louder. That sent me to the cardiologists for another echocardiogram, later followed by an angiogram and catscan. The diaganois is that I was born with only two leaflets on the Aortic Valve not three. They have calcified and they are only minimally opening. In addition the Aortic is enlarged and a portion needs to be repaired. I have opted for a tissue valve replacement at this time and this will allow me the opportunity to return to an active lifestyle.
At this time I am seeing two cardiothoracic surgeons. I have tentatively scheduled surgery on Oct 6 with J Nilas Young at UC Davis. I have a consultation on Sept. 20 with Allen Morris at Mercy Hospital. Based upon the second opinion I will set the actual date for the surgery.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
El Dorado Hills, California
