About Me (In My Own Words)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve as well as an ascending aortic aneurysm (5.0) in the spring of 2016 (age 38).  The surgery took place soon after on 6.21.2016.  I had the Bentall procedure to correct the aforementioned issues.  I have a St. Jude mechanical valve.  I take Coumadin daily, and have now officially accepted it as a life long vitamin.  It's not as scary as the web makes it out to be...just   monitor your INR regularly.  [*side note: I've split my finger down to the bone and treated it like I would have pre-op, applying pressure, etc.  All was fine.]  After being discharged from the hospital, I returned three days later due to pericardial effusion.  This was a tough time.  I was hospitalized for seven more days after already being in the hospital for eight days after the surgery.  I was scared for a minute.  Let's just say I prayed A LOT.  Now I'm almost to my one year anniversary date - I can't believe it.  God is good!  Thank you to all of you who have posted your personal stories - they gave me strength when I thought I didn't have much left.  A special shout out to you Adam - I am so thankful for this wonderful website you created.  Powerful!                                      
                                    
                                                                                                                                    
                    
                        More Info About Me & My Heart
                        More About Me
                                                
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                                    I am from:
 Oak Hills, CA
 
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                                    My surgery date is:
 June 21, 2016
 
 
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                                    I was diagnosed with:
 Aortic Regurgitation
 Aortic Stenosis
 Bicuspid Aortic Valve
 Aortic Aneurysm
 Atrial Fibrillation
 
 
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                                                                        My surgery was:
 Aortic Valve Replacement
 Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
 
 
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                                                                My surgeon is:
 Dr. Tuan Lam
 
 
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                                                                        My hospital is:
 St. Jude - Fullerton, CA