CHALAH's Profile

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: October 9, 2019

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About Me

I was diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis in 2016 during a pre-op appt for cervical stenosis surgery. My cardiologist has been monitoring it since. Because I hadn't been having symptoms, they didn't feel surgery was necessary. I started to be symptomatic a few months ago - really hadn't felt well even longer - I had contacted my cardiologist actually in Aug '19 - but, there were some communication problems, and didn't get into see him til about a month later. He said my aortic valve was now the size of a pin hole and I needed the surgery as soon as possible. He made an appt w/ a surgeon for the next day. The surgeon looked at all the tests and is confident that I would be fine to schedule the surgery for a month later. He is also scheduling additional tests. I'm VERY nervous about this surgery - but know people who have gone thru it and were fine, and so, I know I'll be fine too, but, it still has my anxiety up. I've been reading other people's stories on this site and it's helping with the anxiety - so, thank you, Adam Pick, for creating this!!
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    I am from: Lakeland, United States
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    My surgery date was: November 13, 2019
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    I was diagnosed with: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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    My surgery was: Aortic Valve Replacement
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    My doctor is: Dr. Andres Medina
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    My hospital is: Lakeland Regional Hospital

Upcoming Surgeries

Lauren M
Mitral Regurgitation
November 3, 2026
Amy ODonnell
Mitral Regurgitation
November 5, 2026
Kate Griffith
Aortic Regurgitation
November 6, 2026

Surgeon Spotlight

Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.