Tamiko's Profile

In November of 2020 I went to establish a new doctor for general care. The doctor performed the usual exam, and when she listened to my heart, she told me I had a murmur, and immediately had an EKG performed on me. The EKG results were alarming to her so she sent me to a cardiologist and I had an Echo done which confirmed I had Severe Aortic Stenosis. In April 2021 I had a second option at UW Hospital in Seattle, WA where Dr Aldea confirmed my original diagnosis. The difference is Dr. Aldea said I could, and should have surgery within the next 6 months....max! I was so happy to hear that I had a choice in terms of when I would get surgery....my original cardiologist told me that I needed to show symptoms before they would do surgery and to come back for a follow up echo in six months. I am having a bio valve put in, with minimally invasive surgery. I am 55 years old, a professional coach, with two adult daughters. I chose the Bio valve over the mechanical valve because I do not want to be on blood thinners, and I was concerned about the "ticking sound" that the mechanical makes, and the emotional effects of the noise. I have always been very active, and would like to continue running, cycling and golfing. My questions to the community are: What was your recovery like in hospital, and how long until you were able to really begin to exercise after surgery? What kind of support will I need after discharge from hospital, and for how long? Thank you to all for sharing your stories.....cannot tell you how helpful it is to hear and see other people going through the same surgery as I am.