Karen's Profile

Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: March 7, 2019

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About Me

I received a mechanical valve 14 years ago and the valve is no longer working properly. Now I have to psych myself up to go through open heart surgery a second time. I can remember all of the unpleasantness of my first surgery which is going to make this very difficult. However, the will to keep living is strong and I know I have to do it. Besides, both my parents are still alive and I don't want to have them suffer the loss of a child at their age. My husband recently lost his sister to cancer and I don't want him to lose me in the same year. I want to see my grandchildren grow up, and to continue to be there for my children when they need their mom. And last but not least, I have three little dogs who would be heart broken without their surrogate mommy. 😙
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    I am from: Apple Valley, California, United States
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    My surgery date was: January 25, 2005
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    I was diagnosed with: Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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    My surgery was: Aortic Valve Replacement, Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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    My doctor is: Dr. Gibson
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    My hospital is: St Mary's Regional Hospital

Surgeon Spotlight

Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.