Rachel's Profile

During a routine school health check up when I was 5, they discovered a murmur, which later revealed I had been born with a bicuspid aortic valve. I didn't experience any issues until I became very unwell at the age of 20. I contacted Endocarditis. I spent two months in hospital with intravenous antibiotics, which cleared the infection, but unfortunately, the infection had caused severe damage to my aortic and mitral valves. The result was surgery - they managed to fix my mitral valve, but they needed to replace my aortic valve. My surgery was a success and I was incredibly grateful. That valve lasted 10 years. It started to deteriorate, and I needed to have another replacement. They gave me another tissue valve, as I wanted to have children, and I knew this would mean another surgery down the line. This valve has lasted 15 years and endured pregnancies and C-Sections and multiple stresses. I now have severe regurgitation, an Aortic Aneurysm and LBBB (Left bundle branch block). My third surgery is now scheduled for mid March. I'm a veteran, but it still shakes you a little, but I have deep faith and I know I have great surgeons and doctors. I hope I'm able to help others with any questions or concerns they have and I hope to connect with others here x