About Me (In My Own Words)
I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve in Singapore when I was about 25 and living overseas. Before that, doctors always noticed a murmur and said it was a mitral valve issue. Since then, I've had annual echos and check-ups with my cardiologist and was relatively symptom-free for 30 more years, though I was always told I'd likely need a aortic valve replacement someday. I'm now living in the Washington DC area. After tests about 2 years ago, my cardiologist said my valve was stable and that I may actually outlive my need for a replacement. So, I was surprised to learn at my last work-up in November that my aortic stenosis had gone from mild/moderate to severe, and it's time for surgery. I'm still mostly symptom free though I do have twinges of chest pains and some arrhythmia But, my pickleball friends who I play with a few times a week will be very surprised when they hear I'm having open heart surgery next month! Though I've been offered the option of a mechanical or biologic valve, my cardiologist recommends a mechanical. TAVR isn't an option, so either way I'm looking at a sternotomy. So, I'm opting for mechanical and a lifetime of blood thinners. I was terrified to learn I needed OHS, and was in denial for about a month when I couldn't even talk about it. But, after meeting with my surgeon, pouring over this website (thank you so much, Adam and everyone here!), watching a lot of videos (including an actual ON-X valve replacement surgery), talking with friends who have been through OHS, I've come to terms with the reality, and now have a surgery date of March 28 at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. I'm still freaked out, scared but trying to stay calm, and definitely not looking forward to it, but grateful for anesthesiology and advanced medical technology, and supportive family and friends.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Takoma Park, MD
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My surgery date is:
March 29, 2023
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Michael Robich
