Susan's Profile

I was born with a bicuspid Aorta valve, Coarctation of the Aorta, and an Anuerysym on the Descending Aorta. In 1969 I had surgery to fix the Aneurysm, I was 7 years old. I knew one day I would need to have the rest done but I was told probably when I was in my 70's or older. A year ago on my Echo I had a peak gradient of 64. I went for my annual Echo on June 17, 2016 expecting to follow up in September as usual. That was a Friday. Instead I got a phone call first thing Monday morning telling me I needed to come to the office. The news was not good. The peak gradient had increased to 91 with severe stenosis and calcification, infact it's so bad it's essentially a unicuspid valve and I had to have the Aortic Valve replacement now, I am 53. During my MRA and MRI they found nodules on my thyroid, then an ultrasound revealed that I will need a biopsy. However, that has to be put on hold until my heart is fixed and I have fully recovered. My Cardiologist said it had to be done now. I am still finishing all the testing and PAT and if they don't find anything else I will have the Open Heart Surgery in 21 days on August 11, 2016. I am terrified, and I can not sleep. On August 2nd, My surgeon called and changed my surgery date to August17, 2016.