Maureen's Profile

Original Post: 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. Had BAV successfully replaced Nov. 2013 with a prosthetic bovine valve. UPDATE: For some reason, my updated information dissappeared after revising in 2025! So after having my BAV replaced with a Trifecta Bovine valve in Nov. 2013 -- I really did not have any significant issues with my aortic valve until late 2024, early 2025. I understand that the Trifecta valve, which was the up and coming valve that was branded as a top prosthetic valve, did not end up having the best track record. Fortunately, mine lasted 11 and 1/2 years though, which was longer than most. By April 2025, the valve was very stenotic and unstable -- and after doing the various testing and researching the Ross Procedure -- I ended up having a successful surgery in June of 2025 at Vanderbilt Heart with Dr. Ashish Shah. The Ross Procedure was the best option for me -- and thankful that it went well! While I wish it could have been done earlier when I had my BAV replaced the first time, I understand there have been many more developments and more expertise in this procedure since then (not that there weren't centers of excellence before now...) and am thankful that this was an option as I really don't want to have open heart surgery again if I can help it!