Julia's Profile

I am a 48 year old female with a couple of heart problems. Six years ago I suffered a Ventricular tachycardia at work and fainted. Luckily I came to and was whisked off to the ER to double-check my symptoms. While in the ER, my first cardiologist diagnosed me with LQTS. He transferred me to another doctor whose specialty was electrical problems with the heart. I was quickly set up with an ICD and off I went on my way to lower my stress and deal with a pager under my left armpit for life. After 5 years, the battery on my defibrillator had run down and it was time to remove or replace. Since I hadn't had any episodes of my defib going off, I was given the choice reluctantly by my doctor to remove it, but I felt I was still too young and wanted my "plan B" if something went wrong. December 9th, 2016, I went in for the routine, 20-minute surgery and awoke three days later in the ICU. During the surgery I had a severe allergic reaction to something and my body starting shutting down. My heart was still beating, but my brain function was questionable and my organs were questionable. It was an incredibly tough time for my husband and family, but I made a full recovery (or so I thought.) During my follow-up appointment with my cardiologist, he noticed a new heart murmur and ordered an echocardigram and referred me to another cardiologist in his group that specialized in valves. So from January to this day, I have mitral valve prolapse and will need surgery to repair or replace it. I have no symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue, so it's been a journey or "really?!?" and "why me?" I don't know when surgery is as I am beginning my search for a surgeon who will look at all my issues and guide me to the best surgical options. I imagine surgery will be in August or September, so lots of time to educate myself but also lots of time to be anxious.