Susan's Profile

I just turned 53 years old and have known about my bi-cuspid aortic valve for some time and have had annual visits and then bi-annual visits with my cardiologist. I've had regular echo-cardiograms to monitor the level of stenosis and was in the moderate range for a long time. My last echo this past May showed that the stenosis was now severe. I've now been told that surgery is necessary to replace the valve. Since then I've had a TEE (trans-esophageal echocardiogram), a heart cath., and a CT scan. The TEE showed I have a "true" bicuspid aortic valve that has narrowed to .53 cm , but all the chambers are normal size, my ejection fraction is 60-65% and there no other abnormalities. The heart cath showed my arteries are perfectly clean, and the CT scan showed no aneurysms, but the ascending aorta was slightly enlarged although still in the upper normal range. I've decided to have a tissue valve replacement, even though they typically don't last past 12-15 years, I'm hoping that if I need another replacement in the future, the TAVR will be an option for me. I just didn't feel comfortable with the negative aspects of the mechanical valve. My surgery isn't scheduled yet, but will take place sometime next month, probably the week of July 15th. As far as symptoms go, I don't feel like I've had any dramatic symptoms. I think it's all been very gradual. I have had shortness of breath during physical activity for some time now but just attributed it to being out of shape or getting older. I've had increased PVCs, though I've had them on and off for most of my adult life. I've realized that I have been unconsciously limiting my physical activities for some time now. (instead of walking down our long lane to get the mail, I would just wait and pick it up while leaving the house in the car, coming up with excuses for not going to the gym or for walks with friends, etc.). My cardiologist said I will feel so much better once this surgery is over and I'm hoping that is the case!