Lynette's Profile

I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve disease almost 7 years ago. The echo's were always slightly calcified up until 8 months ago when it was diagnosed as severe. I was told to make peace with it for awhile. I would need a new valve maybe in a year or less but to put it in the back of my mind and don't worry about it. Yeah, right! I would mention different symptoms, especially a persistent cough when lying down at night and my cardiologist and primary doctors said that wasn't a symptom. I've talked to other doctors and read reputable websites of hospitals that list this as symptom. I felt totally blown off since the diagnosis. My last ultrasound the numbers were higher so I asked to have the TEE and catheterization. I finally met with the surgeon I wanted on my case and he totally agreed it was time. So I had a bovine aortic valve replacement and Maze procedure since I had atrial fibrillation, on Sept. 8,2015. All the reading I did on Adam's website and his book prepared me so much better than any of the Doctor's. I would have been so much more afraid than I was but I was well informed and the surgery has been a success and I got out of the hospital a week ago. I am recovering pretty well, I think, but I keep reading and hearing about walking. I am up most of the day and the friends visiting tell me I am moving around so fast. I have some pain and now some pain in my left shoulder blade that is annoying. I see my surgeon on Wed. and will discuss walking with him. I plan on going to cardiac rehab when I am given the green light. I am very grateful for Adam's book and this website. I look forward to communicating with all of you. I will be seeing my cardiologist on the 24th but then plan on finding a new one. She was great for awhile and then she just made me feel I was over reacting and after the catheterization and TEE she told my family I just needed to make peace with it for awhile. The surgeon said my valve was more of a univalve and highly calcified. He said he saw these very rarely and it was a good thing I got it out when I did. I'm happy and blessed to be alive and know I will feel so much better in the future. The surgeon told me it was really a rare and nasty looking valve and I would notice changes for the better in my life....down the road!!