About Me (In My Own Words)
I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, however I did not know this until I was in heart failure at 66. I have always been an active and healthy person , so this was a shock. I had my first AVR open heart surgery at Mission Hospital in Asheville NC. by Dt Groh. He put 25 bovine valve and pacemaker in and the recovery took months. I ended up with pericarditis, emergency ER visit because my BP crashed from the Metoprolol medicine, then I had frozen shoulder because of my pacemaker! I was told the valve should last 10-15 years. (it lasted less than 5).
In February 2022, I started having severe symptoms of heart failure again. I ended up in emergency AVR surgery with Dr. Makkar at Cedars-Sinai on 3/31/22. I was fortunate to be able to have the TAVR procedure the second time around, and a 29 bovine valve and stint was put in.
My recovery has been amazingly easy. What a difference in the two experiences. I am now 71 years young with an optimistic and positive attitude and I hope to have a minimum of 10 years with this happy valve.
I've had Lyme disease since 2015 and through most of my healing journeys I have chosen to combine an integrative approach to wellness. My best advise to anyone going through health challenges is to just put one foot in front of the other until you feel the sunshine on your face again. Peace & Love
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Oahu, HI
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My surgery date is:
March 31, 2022
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Pulmonary Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Pacemaker Implant
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Dr. Raj Makkar
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My hospital is:
Cedars -Sinai
