About Me (In My Own Words)
In January 2015, while having an annual physical, my primary care doctor heard a heart murmur which led to the diagnosis of “aortic insufficiency or leaky heart valve.” Following the diagnosis, I was referred to a cardiologist to conduct 6 months echocardiograms to determine the strength of my heart and the severity of my leaking heart valve. In the past three years, I have had a multitude of medical procedures that have concluded I DO NOT have any other underlying medical conditions.
Now that I have scheduled surgery with Dr Lars Svensson of the Cleveland Clinic on April 5th, I expect to have implanted a new FDA approved (July 2017) aorta valve. This new era of heart valves is expected to last longer than a traditional bovine (pig or cow) heart valve.
Especially important for my children, my heart valve condition is not hereditary.
Following my heart valve surgery, I anticipate to be in ICU for 12-48 hours. Following my stay in ICU I will be hospitalized 2-3 days. Once released from the hospital I must wait 5-7 days to be cleared to fly home by April 15. From my reading, the biggest challenge for me will be my recovery. Estimates range from several months up to one year depending upon the outcome. Being in good health, my expectation is I will recover within a few months. Upon returning home, all post-surgery care is conducted by my cardiologist.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Palm BeachGardens, FL
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My surgery date is:
April 5, 2018
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
