About Me (In My Own Words)
I am a 39 year old mom of two boys, ages 6.5 and 3. A year after my first son was born, I was told I had a heart murmur, which ultimately led to the discovery of my leaky, bicuspid aortic valve. Until the last few months, I have been asymptomatic. Recently however, I have noticed shortness of breath after walking up the stairs or even while doing something as simple as squatting down to empty the washing machine. I feel like I have butterflies in my chest when I lay down to read to my boys at the end of the day, and I often have to catch my breath while reading to them. A few weekends ago I felt like I was going to pass out in a store and had to sit down to catch my breath. Oddly, I feel the most energized while working out, and for several hours thereafter. I do Crossfit 3 days a week and cardio 1-2 days. What the heck!? Why can't I walk up a flight of stairs?! I'm Irish, so I'm naturally stubborn and very good at ignoring and pushing away the bad feelings I have been having. But lately, I just feel tired all the time and recently I fessed up to my husband and my doctor about all of my symptoms. Fast forward to today, and we are just home from meeting with the surgeon. I am scheduled to have my valve replaced on May 16, 2017. I think I'm still in denial. Hoping to find some clarity and acceptance during the next few weeks.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
-
I am from:
Dedham
-
My surgery date is:
May 16, 2017
-
I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
-
My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
-
My surgeon is:
Dr. Kammal Khabbaz
-
My hospital is:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center - Boston, MA