About Me (In My Own Words)
I received a mechanical valve with an aortic root replacement. My Mom and my Grandfather had the same areas of weakness in their heart and vessels. I monitored my ever growing aortic root for several years knowing that my genetic predisposition was winning. I finally reached the aortic root aneurysm growth numbers that made the operation a necessity. It has taken me almost 3 years to really acknowledge what I went through and start to tell myself that it is OK to concentrate on myself and healing. I have raised three amazing sons, three amazing doggies and one amazing husband. Our last son went off to college this year and I have now been able to realize that I can concentrate on myself. I chose a mechanical aortic valve because I did not want to endure another operation in my 70s or 80s. I almost immediately regretted my decision as I heard my valve click open and shut especially at night. It has taken me almost 3 years to come to terms with that and probably the main reason that I can live with it is that I truly believe that my surgeon, Dr. Robert Still, in Jacksonville, Florida performed a beautiful reconstruction of my aorta and valve. I have wanted to reach out to others in my situation that may be confused about coumadin, may hear their clicking or may just need to know someone else has gone through the same stuff..but had children still in their home and they could not devote any proper time to heal themselves. The coumadin can be tricky, but I highly recommend getting a home testing kit especially for paranoid patients such as myself! If anyone out there decided on a mechanical and is second guessing after your surgery due to clicking or coumadin issues..Please reach out to me. I have wanted to create a support group for mechanical valve patients in my town. I think anyone who has been affected with valve disease..needs to have others to lean and learn from...
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Jacksonville, Florida
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My surgery date is:
July 13, 2013
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I was diagnosed with:
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Robert Still
