Karen's Profile

In 2012 my neurologist suggested an echocardiogram. His tech administered this in his offices. This echocardiogram found some problems with my heart and my primary care doctor recommended me to the Heart Center at Huntsville Hospital. I met with the cardiologist, now my cardiologist, Dr. Enrique Velasquez. He looked at the echo and didn't seem concerned and scheduled another visit for the next year. In 2013 the echo showed significantly more stenosis to my aortic valve but still in the waiting mode but this time I had a six month visit. All was good at that visit and I had another check with another echo at another six months, Aug. 2014. This time I knew it was serious as the echocardiogram tech kept apologizing for pressing down so hard but she said she had to for serious cases. I saw my cardiologist at the end of August and he said it was time for the surgery; I needed it within 6 months. So I had a cath and a TEE and was scheduled to see a surgeon, Dr. Shaf Holden, who I liked very much. He is going to perform a mini-sternectomy to replace my aortic valve with a tissue (bovine) valve. This will take place next week, 9/25. I am nervous but know this has to be done. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. LOL Have to have some fun.