About Me (In My Own Words)
I was diagnosed at the age of ten with a heart murmur and BAV. I have been monitored with yearly echocardiograms. I am quite active and cycled 300 miles through 3 countries in Europe in 2015. I became increasingly symptomatic in early 2016, unable to ride my bike without getting dizzy and feeling faint. Now every day tasks are diffficult due to chest pain and shortness of breath. Even sleeping is a problem. My cardiologist referred me to a surgeon in Worcester, MA who indicated that I was fine. I refused to accept that opinion. My primary care doctor referred me to Dr. Fingleton in Fall River, MA. He indicated that I was absolutely a candidate for BAV replacement. We discussed my options of a mechanical valve, tissue valve and the Ross Procedure which he felt I would be an excellent candidate for. Because he does not perform that procedure he referred me to Dr. Stelzer at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC. At that time it was also discovered I have an aortic anyerysm. After my consult with Dr.Stelzer, I knew that the Ross Procedure was the option for me and i felt without reservation that he was also the right surgeon for my procedure. Long story short, you know your body best and how you feel, just because one surgeon says you are fine you do not have to settle for that answer. Seek out other opinions.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Rhode Island
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My surgery date is:
December 9, 2016
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
Ross Procedure
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Dr. Paul Stelzer
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