About Me (In My Own Words)
I am 65 y/o. When I was 40, my PCP heard something he didn't like and referred me to a cardiologist. The cardiologist diagnosed me with bav and aortic dilation, but wasn't too concerned for the immediate future. Fast forward 25 years thru watchful surveillance and my most recent echo showed a severely stenotic bav (.8 av area) and aorta has grown to 4.3 cm shown on the recent cat scan. In the past year particularly, I have noticed it takes much more effort for me to do things, takes a lot more resting, and at times am out of breath. The cardiologist's NP called to tell me it was time to replace the valve and they would repair the aorta at the same time. Actually, I was relieved in a way, since I've been dealing with this for 25 years....altho it has been more front of mind during the past 5 years as things were progressing from test to test. Knowing that my next appt was scheduled in Dec 2025, the NP scheduled an appt immediately with the cardiologist. When I visited with the cardiologist, he scheduled me for a nuclear stress test. The cardiologist was well pleased with the results of that....he phoned me immediately afterward and said things went great. So it now appears nothing is scheduled to happen. Im told we don't want to do surgery too early because there may need to be another valve replacement 15 years from now. I understand. But I also know my quality of life has diminished in the now and present. So, my confusion and concern exists because if we delay surgery for a short time, why not get me through it sooner rather than later? It has become as much a psychological thing as a physical thing.....which doesn't seem to be considered. (As a side note, 4 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have been under watchful surveillance for that for approx 20 years. Surgery scheduled. Weeks before surgery the surgeon called and said his pathologists had relooked at the biopsy slides. In fact I did not have cancer, it was read incorrectly. Great news, yes! However, I had still gone through all the psychological stuff about having cancer etc etc. Relieved yes! But still wonder if and when I will be rediagnosed. Until then, more surveillance.) All said because once again with the bav and aneurysm, it seems waiting is in order after being told it is time for surgery. I know I should be thankful but it is hard knowing it is imminent based on the test results
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Stephens City
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Aortic Aneurysm
