About Me (In My Own Words)
My story began around 2011 when an aneurysm was incidentally discovered on my aorta during a separate test. It was measured at a 4.5 and I was put on antenol to keep blood pressure low as well as told we would need to monitor it. I was also tested for bicuspid which came back as a regular trileaflet aortic valve with slight regurgitation. First five years went by without any change and then the following year the aneurysm grew to 4.6. Then the following year the aneurysm had grown to 4.8. My cardiologist ordered a CT scan to get a more accurate measurement which confirmed 4.8. Sadly my cardiologist passed away and I got lost in the system passed around to whichever cardiologist was available. The aneurysm remained unchanged for the next few years and then once again I was passed onto a different cardiologist. After my last echo this new cardiologist is recommending surgery due to a change with my aortic valve. The regurgitation had been worsening over the years and it is now on the moderate to severe side with my left ventricle showing enlargement. The cardiologist has recommended me to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I have been getting some tests done ordered by my cardiologist before actually meeting with Mayo. He ordered a CT, TEE, and angiogram. At the same time Mayo has referred me to Dr Gabor Bagameri and he wants me to come up to Rochester to meet with one of the cardiologists on their team. He also wants me to have a TTE, Cardiac CTA, and a pulmonary test done. This confused me a little seeing how these tests differ from what my current cardiologist is having me do. I am also not overly comfortable with my new cardiologist and am seeking to establish a new cardiologist with a separate hospital. Those close to me at home are wanting me to possibly seek surgery locally which I will discuss with my new cardiologist. I have been researching all over and that is how I found this amazing website. There is a great community that has been established on here full of people sharing their own personal experiences of similar heart journeys. It is very informative and I have also viewed several videos on YouTube with Adam talking to some of the top Doctors and Surgeons. I am getting pulled in several directions while trying to figure out what is in my own best interests. I am hopeful that in end I will make the right decisions and my life will go on for the better. Thank you for welcoming me into the community!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Des Moines, Iowa
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Aneurysm
