About Me (In My Own Words)
First Surgery (BAV with bovine valve in 2013, plus 2nd surgery June 2025 (Ross Procedure): Found out that I had a congenital bicuspid aortic valve at age 32 after having my second child. Had mild aortic stenosis and regurgitation at that time. Progressed to moderate stenosis several years later, and as of my most recent echo (Oct. 2013), I now have severe aortic stenosis--and my bicuspid valve will need to be replaced next month at age 46. Have always tried to live a healthy lifestyle and been very active, so this came as a bit of a surprise to me and my family.
Update: At 11 1/2 years since my last surgery, my Trifecta bovine valve began to fail. (It actually lasted longer than it did for most people!) Researched to see if I was a candidate for the Ross Procedure since I did not want to have more open heart surgeries after this 2nd one! Set up a consultation with a surgeon at Northwestern in Chicago, but ended up having to move more quickly closer to home and found an excellent surgeon, Dr. Ashish Shah, at Vanderbilt Heart in Nashville, who has successfully performed numerous Ross Procedures. I am almost at four months post-op now and am grateful to be doing well!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Tennessee
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My surgery date is:
June 2, 2025
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Ross Procedure
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Dr. Ashish Shah
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My hospital is:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
