About Me (In My Own Words)
In 1987, during an annual appointment at my optometrist, my blood pressure was abnormally high. The optometrist suggested that I follow up with my PCP, which I did. I was diagnosed with HBP and began taking medication for it. At my annual check-up with my PCP in 1990, a heart murmur was detected. I was told I should follow up with a cardiologist.
After my visit with the cardiologist, it was determined that I had a bicuspid aortic valve that showed signs of calcification. After that diagnosis, I had an annual Echocardiogram. During my annual check-up in September, 1995, my Echo showed some abnormalities that my cardiologist said he wanted to check by doing a heart catheter test. The test was performed early in October, 1995. The results of the test showed that my aortic valve was heavily calcified and aortic function was severely impaired. It was recommended that I meet with a heart surgeon for an aortic valve replacement. After meeting with my surgeon, it was suggested, considering my age, 48, and otherwise no other health issues, that the Ross procedure would be the optimal choice for me. I agreed and on November 7, 1995,
Drs. William Fiser and John Ransom performed the Ross procedure on me.
Since then I have had annual Echo’s and plan on many more. The echo results have shown some leakage on the aortic and the autograft valve but not to point where it is limiting heart function. I will continue to have the annual echoes and hopefully have several more years without a reoperation. I am now 72 now and have not looked back since my surgery, I just look ahead. 2020 will bring my silver anniversary of my surgery.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Sheridan, Arkansas
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My surgery date is:
November 7, 1995
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Ross Procedure
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My surgeon is:
Dr. John Ransom
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My hospital is:
Baptist Health-Little Rock, AR
