JC's Profile

In 2020, I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve by my cardiologist. At that time, it was determined that a valve replacement was about 3-5 years out. Last month, chest pains brought me back to my cardiologist and it is time for the replacement valve and a bypass surgery of the LAD. It is mid October 2024 and I am waiting for the surgery date (I had to drop in a date to post this, that is not my exact surgery date). I am 56 years old and have always been physically active so this whole situation, aside from the physical symptoms, has me in an unhealthy mental space. I thought I would be more prepared mentally for this inevitable surgery. I am everyone's problem-solver and now I need to rely on others and I am not very good at that. I am trying my best to come to a place of acceptance with this because I cannot recover from this surgery alone. I am worried about my quality of life post-surgery too. I am not ready to sit on the sidelines. I will update my story after the surgery date is confirmed. Until then, I will be exploring this site and reading other stories. Thanks. Update: October 25, 2024 I met with Dr. Williams at Mt. Sinai in New York today and Dr. Chen. I am opting for the Ross Procedure. Dr. Williams and Dr. El-Hamamsy are performing the valve surgery and bypass. This is great news. The not so great news is that my surgery date is December 18th. That feels like a lifetime away. Overall, I am relieved to have a date and a plan, know the players, and better understand the procedure. I feel further along in the process and confident in the surgical team and well informed. Now it is time to take care of my physical health and mental well-being between now and December 18th. It is all going to be okay - better than okay. I am grateful ... scared, but grateful.