About Me (In My Own Words)
On 03/11/2019, I found out after a trip to the ER after running numerous tests, that I had an aortic aneurysm. I had been sick since mid November 2018 with a cold, allergies or sinus, I didn’t know which, and no medication helped. A week before I went to the hospital, after my early morning workout on the treadmill, I would be short of breath, wheezing, coughing then finally on 03/11 in addition I started having chest pains. But it only lasted maybe 15-20 minutes then it would clear up. On 3/11 I decided to call LiveHealth and after hearing all my symptoms, the doctor told me to go to the ER immediately because I may have blood clots in my lungs. After spending 8 hours in the ER, and numerous tests, A CT scan revealed the aortic aneurysm, no blood clots and I was diagnosed with exercise induced bronchospasms. They sent me home with a prescription for an Inhaler - 2 puffs before and after I excercise and they advised me to see my Regular doctor. So I thought the Inhaler worked, no big deal. I couldn’t get in to see my doctor until 05/02. When I saw her she told me the Inhaler should not be used all the time. She prescribed Singulair and Flonase for asthma/allergies. Only use the Inhaler as a rescue Inhaler. She also referred me to a cardiologist for the aortic aneurysm. I saw him, Dr Kurtz on 06/02. He sent me to have an echocardiogram on 06/19. Based on those results he referred me to cardiac surgeon Dr Munns for my 1st consult on 07/05. He sent me for cardiac catheterization 07/19 and it confirmed Ascending aortic aneurysm, Moderately severe aortic insufficiency with moderately heavy calcification in the aortic arch. Based on this Dr Munns thinks the best treatment would be a Bentall procedure with replacement of the aortic valve. Dr Munns has suggested a tissue valve but he can do either one I choose between a mechanical valve or a tissue valve. I’v Never been sick in all these almost 60 years and now being faced with OHS was overwhelming at first. I’ve been doing a lot of research, reading this website and others and watching YouTube videos with lots of prayer, and now I’m more comfortable and accepting of all that I’m getting ready to go through on 08/26/2019.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Peoria
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My surgery date is:
August 26, 2019
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Repair
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. James Munns
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My hospital is:
OSF St Francis Medical Center
