Kirshbaum's Profile

The diagnosis was completely out of the blue! Only a bit of lightheadedness that I was concerned about that I thought I should check out, as it was getting worse. I am 57 years old, female, always superfit and health conscious, no cholesterol problems, mostly plant-based diet, just a bit of fish, eggs and rarely cheese. However, at the time of the echo told that I had a severely stenosed and calcified aortic valve and needed to see the cardiologist on the same day. The radiologist was surprised when I told her I never get out of breath. The operation was quite an ordeal as I had to go to another city in Australia and stay there for two weeks - 5 days in hospital and then find somewhere to stay with my husband until I got the all clear to come home. I had to go back to theatre (operating room) a second time before I woke up as I was bleeding too much - and into the pleural cavity, two big clots were found. Just uncomfortable for days, weeks and months now, but walking, swimming and even cycling now. Due to go to work soon and I am not looking forward to that - still feel pretty hazy (at 6 weeks).