Margaret's Profile

Hi , I am 67 years old and found out in 2023 through a minor calcium score test that I had moderate to severe aortic stenosis. As I had no symptoms I was in for total surprise to go through additional tests and confirm I had an aortic bicuspid valve! The past year I have researched and listened to so many podcasts on heart valves and my issue specifically. What was really shocking was realizing I needed surgery and could not have the TAVR procedure. I left my cardiologist's office and got in my car and started to cry. The reality of the serious condition was overwhelming. I live an hour south of Cleveland,Ohio and at that moment I decided that if I was going to have to do this the only place I wanted to be was The Cleveland Clinic. I retired on April 1st and will be having surgery on July 10th. I met my surgeon last month and I'm confident I'm in the right place. I've read so many people's journey with surgery and it's been very inspiring. Some days I just try not to think about it. Praying and hoping that things go well and my recovery is the best it can be .