Patricia's Profile

Diagnosed with Biscuspid Aortic valve disease 1990. When I was 37 I was diagnosed with BAV. At the age of 37 (64 now)I still felt I was invincible and I didn't have any symptoms so therefore there wasn't anything wrong with me and I never gave this another thought. I have some asthma so when the shortness of breath began to raise its ugly head, I attributed this to the asthma. I have 2 half marathons under my belt with my last one when I turned 60. Numerous 5k's and 10k's. After turning 60, I had to start walking instead of running because of the shortness of breath but still thought it was the asthma. Last year I began to notice my chest would hurt when i would start my walk and thought it was the albuterol and kept on walking and pain would subside. This past April, I set out for a brisk walk and chest began to hurt but I kept thinking it would stop, but when the pain radiated up into my jaw, I did stop and thought something must be wrong. I still did not go to the doctor, didn't want to be a hypochondriac. However it scared me enough that I didn't want to do out and walk anymore. I realized that once it got to the point of not being able to climb a flight of stairs without SOB and chest pain, I needed to see the doctor. My echo showed severe aortic stenosis and was advised to not do any physical activity until they could get my surgery scheduled. I had the AV replacement on June 8th and today I feel awesome. I did not realize how bad I really felt prior to the surgery but so thankful for my awesome surgeon. I still am a little apprehensive about pushing myself but I would like to work up to walk another half marathon. My best to every out there with upcoming surgeries and to those who are in recovery, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you will feel awesome