Susan's Profile

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis

Member Since: February 7, 2015

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About Me

2 years ago, I was planning a trip to Italy, with my two best friends, to visit my nephew , who is a Chef at a Tuscany Resort. I was having some intense heart papitations , and decided to see a Cardiologist , just to check if I was ok . I thought I might have A-fib. She ordered a monitor and Echo. When I came back for results, she said " I have good news and bad news. good news, no A-fib. Bad news. You have Aortic Stenosis , which is moderate now, but will progress, and someday you will need Aortic Valve Replacement. Well, that day has come. Last Echo showed 0.5, critical. Never been sick a day in my life, can't remember last cold I've had. No symptoms for AS. And they tell me I need open heart surgery ??? Took me 6 months to finally accept it. Lots of fear and anxiety. But was introduced to this website, that has helped with info, and meeting new friends facing the same problems. Hopefully, we all come out the other end, healthy, happy, and full of hope. My new favorite word.
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    I am from: Novato, California, United States
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    My surgery date was: March 18, 2015
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    I was diagnosed with: Aortic Stenosis
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    My surgery was: Aortic Valve Replacement
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    My surgeon is: Dr. Luis Castro
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    My hospital is: Sequoia Hospital

Upcoming Surgeries

Sandy Laine
Aortic Stenosis
July 14, 2026
Patrick Wraight
Aortic Regurgitation
July 29, 2026
Jennifer Riordan
Aortic Regurgitation
July 29, 2026

Adam's Video Library

Adam's Video Library

Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam's video library.