Sonya's Profile

I was disgnosed in 2002 with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve after having my first son. I'd lived 31 years with a Congenital Heart Defect that was undetected. I had yearly physicals in my younger years, had multiple surgeries that required clearance, and my CHD was found at my 6 week postpartum check up with my OB. I was monitored by my cardiologist yearly for the next 17 years. In late 2018 I began feeling increased symptoms that included feeling dizzy, short of breath and constantly fatigued. I called my cardiologist for an early check up. That turned into an echocardiogram appointment. The results of that appointment showed my stenosis was severe and my aneurysm was beyond the level for surgical intervention. Two months later, I was in the hospital having Open Heart Surgery at 48 years old. I'm coming up to my 6 year anniversary of surgery and feeling good. I completed cardiac rehab and then continued my recovery with yoga in a studio that supported both aerial and floor yoga practices. I began building my strength here and I learned to trust myself and my body. I've continued walking, practicing yoga and added functional strength training to my routine 2 years ago. This is a journey that changes as we travel. I'm grateful to be on the healing side of surgery and thankful to be alive to serve others on their own journey.