About Me (In My Own Words)
I was first diagnosed with a heart murmur in 2009 at a routine physical. An echocardiogram showed I had “moderate” aortic valve regurgitation and the plan of action was to just keep an eye on it with regular echos. I started to experience undiagnosed arrythmias around 2012 or 2013 which would last a couple of hours and then clear up. Following a stress test and echocardiogram in August 2017, my cardiologist observed that the regurgitation was worsening and referred me to Dr. Brinkman at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano which is in Plano, TX, just north of Dallas.
The arrythmias had steadily increased in frequency and severity and a heart monitor confirmed it was AFIB.
Dr. Brinkman was excellent, ordering another echo, confirming the regurgitation was now becoming severe and diagnosing a highly probable bicuspid aortic valve. Over two different sessions he explained everything he could about my situation, fielding and answering my many questions no matter how many times I circled back around to the same questions over and over. We decided to proceed with surgery which consisted of a surgical Maze procedure and the replacement of my aortic valve with a biosynthetic one.
The surgery lasted four hours, I spent 6 days in the hospital where all aspects of my care were outstanding. Four and a half weeks later I was able to walk 3.5 miles and still feel good the next day. To be fair, after 3 weeks this was not possible but i noticed quite a difference once I reached the four week mark. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Brinkman and the Heart Hospital Baylor Plano and am very optimistic that this surgery was timely and was just what was needed to set the stage for the best possible future.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
McKinney
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My surgery date is:
November 14, 2017
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Maze Procedure
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