Lisa's Profile

I did not know I was born with a BAV until my mid 40s. They knew I had a heart murmur since my early 30s, but it was mild and an echocardiogram showed it was benign. In about 10 years it became very loud and I was sent to a cardiologist who diagnosed the BAV. I had annual echos and MRAs to monitor the valve and aorta, and watched it progress from mild, to moderate, and now severe. My husband and I had an 8-day cruise planned for October 17-25 and my cardiologist said it would be fine to wait until after vacation, but to go ahead and get all the pre-surgical testing done beforehand. My MRA and TEE went well, with nothing unexpected . . . other than the severe aortic stenosis. Then came the heart cath. When I woke up my doc was talking about three arteries blocked 60-90%. My vacation was thus cancelled and surgery has been scheduled. I am very nervous about this, as I'm sure everyone would be. I have my pre-op carotid test, pulmonary function test, class, and pre-op bloodwork next Friday 10/24. I am so glad to find a community who knows exactly what I'm going through. To seem so healthy on the outside, but to have a ticking time bomb inside.