Elizabeth's Profile

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: October 24, 2017

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About Me

Heart murmur first noted to me in March 2014. Sent for Echocardiogram which showed bicuspid, moderate aortic stenosis. (Surprise!) Annual echo's were steady until Aug 2017 at which I've now moved to the severe category. I've had a left and right cardiac catheterization and cleared for surgery. In the process of selecting a surgeon and navigating insurance to get the best fit for me. I anticipate surgery in the next 2-3 months. I'm nervous but hopeful to move forward with the inevitable surgery. I'm also a 20 year diabetic and carry more weight than I should so I'm anxious about that as well and how it will affect surgery and recovery. I'm grateful to have found this community to help me prepare and see what others have experienced. I've had lots of uneasy feelings about this whole process. Trying to remain positive as I share more with family and friends about my upcoming surgery.
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    I am from: Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
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    My surgery date was: February 28, 2018
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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. Brian Castlemain
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    My hospital is: Heart Hospital of NM

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.