Nicole's Profile

I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve and had my first surgery to repair the valve at the age of five. In November of 1983 I had my first artificial valve implant surgery. I received a B-jork Shiley valve and began my life on Coumadin. From what I recall the ticking didn't bother me and I adjusted immediately. Just a few short weeks later I was pretty tired and my parents to me in for a check-up. To everyone's disappointment it was discovered that my valve was leaking. I had my third open-heart surgery March of 1984 by Denton Coley. It was a great success. Much to everyone's surprise I have two children and have led a pretty active life. In 2012 it was decided that my mechanical valve was no longer able to perform adequately. In October, 2012 I had my 4th surgery and received an Edwards Lifesciences pericardial valve. Good-bye Coumadin! Unfortunately I haven't been feeling well for a while and have been seen by many specialists searching for a reason. I learned last week that they consider me to have a patient prosthetic mismatch. I return in a few weeks to find out what that means. I really hope someone on here has some wisdom for me.