Therese's Profile

Following a routine physical exam in my late 20s, I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve. After years of monitoring, I am now in need of a new valve. I didn't really ever think this would happen. Where did the 30 years go? I thought I was going to die at any minute after getting the news. So many questions needed to be asked, my head was spinning. After much research (thank heaven for the Internet), I learned I wasn't alone with this disease and that I wasn't going to die immediately. I've had a cardiac cath to confirm the valve size and check the rest of my heart. I'm in great health except for the valve. I'm confident in my surgical team and that God will take care of me. I'm going to go on my "trip of a lifetime" and enjoy every minute of it. I'm going to get rid of this defective valve and move on with my life. I look forward to being able to exercise like a 30 year old fitness junkie and actually being able to breathe, not like a 55 year old with a bad valve who wants to be a 30yo. I am so going to beat that stair machine at the gym!