About Me (In My Own Words)
I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve a few years ago when I was in the hospital to have my first child and underwent an echocardiogram for a seemingly unrelated issue. At the time, I was noted to have trace aortic regurgitation. Over the last 7 years, I have been going for my yearly echocardiogram.
All seemed fine on my last echocardiogram in February 2018. Then, this past November, after turning 40, I began to experience shortness of breath on exertion with lightheadedness. At first, my physicians did not think it was my aortic valve regurgitation as it was rated as mild just months before. After many visits to specialists, multiple tests, and even an emergency room visit, it became clear that my symptoms were related to my aortic regurgitation which is now rated as severe. My left ventricle is dilated and my ejection fraction is 45%. So now, I am scheduled for open heart surgery in a few weeks. My surgeon thinks he may be able to repair my valve. He will decide in the operating room. If he can not, he will put in a mechanical valve and I will be on warfarin for life.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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My surgery date is:
February 6, 2019
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Valve Repair
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Ammar Bafi
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My hospital is:
MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute at Washington
