About Me (In My Own Words)
Hello Everyone!
My name is Chase, I am 25 years old, and I was diagnosed with Aortic Valve Regurgitation in November of 2020. After completing an echocardiogram that confirmed AVR my physician told me that I had to get surgery right away. I was told my best (and essentially only option due to my age) was the mechanical valve. I couldn't believe what I was hearing at the time, I felt really good and thought I was healthy. After getting a second opinion from a cardiologist, I was told that I did not need surgery yet but that we would monitor it annually with echocardiograms to make sure my LVIDd and LVIDs were under specific values. On May 7th I got my annual echocardiogram and it seemed that it turned out good, my cardiologist told me that I wouldn't need surgery yet and we would keep monitoring. I decided it was in my best interest to get in touch with a surgeon, Dr. Aldea at UW medical center. On May 15th, I went in for an Angiogram with CT contrast to see if I was eligible for a minimally invasive valve repair but was told by Dr. Aldea before the test that I was unlikely to be eligible for the MIVS and that I would need surgery within the year. Although confused by this diagnosis, I am set to see Dr. Burke see if I am eligible for the Ross procedure. I have done a lot of research on the Ross procedure and I feel that it is my best option because I don't want to be on blood-thinning medication for the rest of my life and I like the idea of having a natural valve. The Ross procedure I feel would be better suited to my lifestyle, as I love to camp, hike, and cook and want to have as few limitations as possible. I am really grateful for this community, the experiences that have been shared have been so helpful to me and have assured me that I am not alone!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Seattle
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