About Me (In My Own Words)
I spent last year, losing weight and getting healthy with regular cardio workouts on my elliptical machine. I lost 85 pounds through diet and exercise. I am in the best shape since High School and have been contemplating taking up back packing again.
In December, my new GP diagnosed me with a heart murmur and a bounding pulse. He sent me for an echo which indicated a Bicuspid Aortic Valve with severe regurgitation.
I was referred to a cardiologist. My cardiologist ordered an angiogram of both sides of my heart.
I was disappointed that those test results were never really explained to me either at the hospital or in my follow up visit (I saw the NP, not the doctor). The end result was however that I have been referred to a surgeon.
I have decided to have the surgery done by Dr. Knight in Rochester. This is about a 2 hour drive from home, but they do many more heart valve surgeries up there than here in Elmira, NY. Its been a difficult 4 weeks waiting for the bureaucracy of two hospital systems to get the necessary information transferred, but I finally have an appointment on April 1. Hopefully the Covid virus doesn't turn this into an April Fool joke!
I am 58 years old and the angiogram did indicate that my heart and arteries are in good shape. I have been watching videos and reading about valve replacement. My big upcoming decision of course will be a tissue valve or a mechanical valve. The idea of being on blood coagulants for the rest of my life is daunting, since I have a few potentially dangerous hobbies, I would rather not let go of.
One year later and 1 year post operation, everything has gone great. My recovery was ahead of schedule and today I have no adverse affects of the valve surgery. I go et my INR checked once a month and of course the click clack is there. I couldn't be happier with my result so far.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Horseheads, New York
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My surgery date is:
May 7, 2020
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Peter Knight
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My hospital is:
UR Medicine - Strong Memorial Hospital
