About Me (In My Own Words)
I am 46 years old, Uk national living in UK.
My story began thanks to my qife insisting on me having a prostate exam when I was 40. Despite the doctor saying i was too young to be concerned about prostate conditions, he stated that he could only locate 1 kidney during the Ultrasound.
Subsequently I saw a kidney specialist, who during the medical assessment casually informed me I had a heart murmur. He assumed I knew because he said it was very pronounced and was shocked that it had not been identified before.
Subsequently I was diagnosed with BAV.
Initially i was told the murmur is pronounced, but the regurgitation is mild, and I would likely need surgery in my 50s.
However with issues getting medical care during covid, I have recently been advised that my regurgitation has increased, and my heart had started to dilate to compensate.
Initially my local hospital suggested they would attempt a valve repair, and if that was not an option they would insert a mechanical valve.
I spent several weeks cogitating options, and luckily spoke to a colleague who coincidentally had the same condition and had surgery mid 2021. He advocated the Ross Procedure being a clinican himself, and referred me to a new consultant in London.
The Ross Procedure is a longer surgery, and my cardiologist was not happy with my choice. However the surgeon is experienced in the Ross procedure, and is a paediatrics surgeon too. I feel like I am now in the best hands, but i still have huge anxiety.
The surgery date is approaching, and covid restrictions mean I will not be able to have support in the hospital prior or post surgery.
I am inspired by this community and other similar sites.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Shoreham-by-Sea, United Kingdom
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My surgery date is:
February 7, 2022
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I was diagnosed with:
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Ross Procedure
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Conal Austin
