Rosemary's Profile

I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve as a child after experiencing severe chest pain and blacking out. In my late teens my GP gave me the name of my diagnosis and said that I should be followed by a cardiologist. I promptly put it in my wallet and didn't give it much of a thought. Twenty five years later, after having three children naturally, my current GP heard my murmur in a health screening physical for our medical insurance. She said I had a loud murmur and asked if I knew that. I pulled out the now yellow slip of paper with Bicuspid Aortic Valve written on it. My GP said that I needed to see a cardiologist and so this journey began in earnest in 2007. A few years later and after a few echocardiograms and MRIs an ascending aortic aneurysm had developed. I am in the wait and watch phase with an aneurysm last measured at 4.7 cm. My valve has not been assessed recently but was last considered to have mild stenosis and moderate regurgitation. I believe I am asymptomatic but do feel tired probably more that I should be. I enjoy hiking, biking, and running. I have notice my running speed has slipped in the last few years but I do tolerate biking and spin class well. I have met with two surgeons to talk about my condition. They believe I am not in window for surgery as yet so I am in the watching phase. I am very fortunate to live where there are great medical facilities to choose from.