About Me (In My Own Words)
My name is Valerie. I am a 59 year old female and was diagnosed with mitral stenosis about 16 years ago. Years ago, when I was in my 20's during an employee physical, the physician asked if anyone had ever told me I had a heart murmur. I said "no" and that was the end of it until some years later.
I had no symptoms until one night when I became short of breath and had swelling in my left ankle. My family doctor ordered an echocardiogram and referred me to a cardiologist. That is when I was diagnosed with mitral stenosis. The damage was caused by childhood rheumatic fever. Textbook case I was told as that disease has been pretty much eradicated!
I was put on medication and told that a valve replacement was in my future but it could be many years away. My doctor would monitor my valve with regular checkups and annual echocardiograms. I was pretty much asymptomatic and continued a normal, healthy lifestyle.
Then two years ago, my echocardiogram indicated a downturn and the valve had become worse. My cardiologist wanted me to seriously consider the valve replacement while I was in a healthy condition and before my heart became damaged.
I bit the bullet and had the surgery in July 2007 and they replaced my damaged mitral valve with a St. Jude mechanical valve. I made a full recovery and even returned to my job on a part time basis in 8 weeks. I do not regret this life saving surgery for one minute!
I was concerned about being on anticoagulants for the rest of my life, but have not had any problems in keeping my INR in range. My insurance recently approved the purchase of a hospital grade home INR monitor which is wonderful!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Parkersburg, West Virginia
