Lee's Profile

I was diagnosed w heart murmur when I went into nursing school. Starting in 2018 my heart murmur became more louder , aortic stenosis . I was followed the stenosis became moderate severe stenosis. Last fall being outside my heart rate elevated to over 152, increased shortness of breath . I was going up elevated steps in a football stadium. Next day while walking track level ground my heart rate elevated again more shortness of breath too. I also noticed sudden weight gain over 10# plus swelling in both ankles, legs& abdomen. Also just short of breath walking down my hallway at home too. I reached out to my cardio team , saw staff also got put on diuretic and was determined had to do some tests. Had Stress test , then Rt heart cath. The Heart cath also found left heart failure & mild pulmonary hypertension. Was referred to Cardiac surgeon Dr Stephen Bailey. Dr S Bailey said I was a good candidate for TAVR , it would improve my quality of life. My Heart cath Dr R Khalil told us after rt heart cath if aortic valve got replaced TAVR it will improve the other findings. Got a call Christmas Eve morning while visiting our daughter & grandchildren that I need a left heart cath + coronary angiogram to determine TAVR or Open heart valve replacement. My TAVR was done at Allegheny General Hospital with Both Dr Stephen Bailey & Dr R Khalil cardiac surgeons During my procedure. I developed Left Bundle Branch Block briefly but back to sinus rhythm . Heart Valve placed onto Recovery Room . From recovery room to Cardiac step down ICU unit over night. Later before bed that night just having a TAVR I was up walking by myself . Discharged home next day late afternoon. After a week I started and completed 37 sessions of Cardiac Rehab , 3 times a week( loved the program& staff, plus many new folks I meet) . I continue to exercise at a local gym 3x a week plus riding an exercise bike at home my other days. So thankful for a successful TAVR procedure!