Patient Story of Liz Walker

My Story

About Me (In My Own Words)

08/24/22 i was told that my cardiomyopathy , leaky valve ,EF rate had gotten significantly worse. i could feel that for about a few months before, as i didn't want to work out anymore and was always tired. Then i got covid , and 3 weeks later i couldn't breathe, and went to my cardiologist dr. mohin, who immediately got me in to see Dr. Chikwe. it all happened so fast and i was told that i needed aortic valve replacement and my aortic artery fixed as well. I honestly felt like it was a miracle that i was sent to Dr. Chikwe , because she was amazing with me from the very start, and so was her whole team, especially Vivian herNP. i felt like i was in the best hands i could ever be in. i was so scared and had so many fears, as i had never had a surgery before in my life and this was a big one!!!! i Cant believe how busy Dr. Chikwe is and yet when she met with me or talked with me she was always so calm , and gentle , and explained everything to me with such grace and patience. I kept calling her an angel in my head. well, it turns out that i also had an aortic aneurism that she fixed while in surgery. Thank God!!!!!!!!!!!! literally can't thank this incredible doctor enough for giving me a second chance in life! Im amazed with this whole process and how many lives she must have saved! I'm truly grateful for being on the other side of this and healing up! I'm 3 weeks today from my surgery and i feel great. i have little things i feel with my heart, little zingers and a zap or flutter here and there , i think those are nerves re connecting again. I'm gaining energy everyday. I'm going on walks around the neighborhood, slowly but I'm doing it. i get tired from too much conversation or activity and need to rest a lot, but I'm on my way to healing and having a normal life again. it will be new , and different in some ways, but at least i have that chance ! i said good bye to a lot and i have a lot of hellos to welcome! hope this helps to get someone through all the fears that come about. I'm excited for the future!