About Me (In My Own Words)
I have had a congenital bicuspid aortic valve monitored for 14 years. In mid January I was told by my family doctor, Dr.Christine O'Connor, that an echocardiogram performed in my cardiologist's office (Dr George Stallwood) has revealed that the aortic stenosis is severe, with moderate regurgitation. Dr. Stallwood has confirmed this, and has referred me to Dr. Victor Chu, a cardiac surgeon. He is also setting up another echocardiogram to be done in the hospital. these findings are consistent with an increase in symptoms that I have experienced over the last year. Mostly, shortness of breath upon exertion and chest discomfort. I live in Brantford, Ontario, Canada (Toronto area) .
update- I had a Ross procedure and aortic graft on April 10 by Dr. Richard Whitlock, followed by a week in ICU, a week on the ward, and a week at home. My cardiologist was concerned about symptoms, so he had me go back to hospital on Tuesday (day before my birthday). It seems that during the Ross procedure 4 weeks ago, some sort of injury compromised my tricuspid valve. The chords on one of the leaflets has given way, and severe regurgitation is impacting my recovery. I head back to the OR for a second open heart surgery on Monday May 8 - exactly 4 weeks after the first surgery. Prayers welcome!
update May 2025: After persistent shortness of breath etc, and after many tests and referrals to specialists, I am now told that my right ventricle was likely damaged during the first surgery on April 10, 2023. While at rest, imaging looks acceptable, however as soon as exercise is introduced my right ventricle just kinda stops working, and my mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitate severely. The donor valve that I received during the Ross procedure is stenosed. I am currently being worked up for a heart transplant, as the unpredictability of the right ventricle, the length of time it would take to treat all 3 valves, and it would be a re- redo make the surgery far too risky. Two Drs have suggested that I get a second opinion from the Cleveland Clinic. Any treatment done outside of Canada would cost me out of pocket.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Brantford, Canada
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My surgery date is:
December 31, 2025
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
Pulmonary Stenosis
Tricuspid Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
Pulmonary Valve Replacement
Tricuspid Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. unknown unknown
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My hospital is:
London University Hospital, Canada
