Steven's Profile

I am 54 years old. I live in Rhode Island and work for a division of General Dynamics in Massachusetts. I have 2 kids, a son who is 26 and a daughter who is 21. I like to garden and I also really enjoy having an aquarium. Well, actually two and two more in the works. I have always had a heart murmur and for the past 20 to 25 years my primary physician has sent me for an echo every few year. Never an issue until my echo in 2016. When the doctor got the results she told me I really need to see a cardiologist. This caught me by surprise, but I went. And in February of 2017, the cardiologist diagnosed me with a bicuspid aortic valve. First time I ever heard that term. Well long story short, not only do I have a BAV but also aortic stenosis. In February it was moderate to severe, but when I went back to see him in August it had gotten worse. He told me I really should consider replacement in the next 9-18 months, so I said I would like to do it in the spring. And here I am. My surgery date is April 10th and I am going to Brigham and Women's hospital. My surgeon is Dr. Prem Shekar. That's my story.