About Me (In My Own Words)
I've always been a very active person and at 66 yrs could could keep up with 30 somethings! I started noticing fatigue and SOB with minimal exertion. A visit to my Cardiologist and an Echo confirmed Moderate AS. Within 7 months my symptoms increased and an Echo confirmed I'd progressed to severe AS. My surgeon who was highly recommended by fellow Nurses suggested a short incision (3.5 inch) Thoracotomy and not a minimally invasive procedure (Surgeon preference). My surgery was predicted to take 4 hours but took 6.5 hours because he had to enlarge the aortic root to give me a 23mm valve. He was hoping for a 25mm. Post op I had to be transfused a unit of blood and have remained anemic which is another challenge. I am on Metoprolol XL100mg, Digoxin 0.25mg and Lisionopril 10mg to control my blood pressure and slow my heart rate, prevent AF. I've never had AF. It's been tough cause I've had some really high BP spikes and drops in my BP that leave me dizzy. I'll be cutting back on the Metoprolol to 50mg a day cause I started the Lisinopril and that might be the reason for the BP dip, too much of a good thing!!! The anemia complicates the picture with some of the rapid heart rates attributed to low iron and not medication. The supplemental iron has done a number on my stomach and I can no longer take the pills!!! I'll be seeing a Hematologist for eval re: iron infusions UGH!!!! It's discouraging cause I want to get on with my active life and it's slow going!!!! 1 month post op yesterday and I'm moving forward slowly with some setbacks that my Doc says are to be expected. Looking forward to being part of this group, sharing and encouraging each other to keep positive!!!!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Shoreham, NY
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My surgery date is:
July 13, 2020
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My hospital is:
NYU Langone Health
