Alicia's Journal

Brady Busch  Hello Alicia,
I probably couldn't have written a better description,of what was happening in my life,a few years ago.With me though,there was some warning to prepare,after a murmur was noticed.
This is a good place to ask the when,where,who and how's about heart surgery.
Things will come together.

Jennifer Fuller   I’ve known I had a BAV for a long time, but didn’t think it was a problem. Despite shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, etc. I didn’t put 2 and 2 together. My doctor recommended I see a cardiologist when she heard my murmur getting worse. After two years of doctors and tests, I had OHS to replace the valve. It’s been almost three months since surgery. The whole situation was very stressful and scary, but I’m doing really well in recovery. You’re going to get through this.

Alicia Simmons  Thank you Brady and Jennifer for sharing. It is scary and I feel so overwhelmed by all this going on.

Sue Maize  Hi Alicia! Welcome! I’m so glad you found this community and I can imagine how shocking that news was for you. I’ve known about my BAV for over a decade and I was still shocked when I found out before Christmas that i needed surgery already. It’s A LOT to take in and that feeling of being overwhelmed and anxious, difficulty sleeping, is something most of us on here know very well. I can say that I do feel much better now, a month later after joining this community and getting the support and information I needed to better understand what was going on with my health and what was ahead. I would encourage you to look at the videos Adam has posted and do your research. This is a great community and you can feel free to ask any questions and just be real about what you’re experiencing—the informed support here makes all the difference. You’re not alone. 💕

Grace Mason   Hi Alicia, I recently had surgery for a bicuspid aortic valve and aneurysm. I had 20 years of being followed before my surgery but it was still scary and overwhelming to hear it was time. I can say it was not nearly as bad as I imagined it would be. These types of surgeries have advanced alot and there are different options sometimes. If possible get more than one surgical opinion because different surgeons prefer different approaches. Read as much as you can find(this blog is a great resource, from people and the general search) to help prepare a list of questions for your doctor's.

Antoinette Weale  It is natural to feel scared but they are really good in guiding you through the operation and recovery period, do as told I believe and speak up if you feel something is not ok. They are so experienced and advanced with these surgeries now, mine was 30 years ago with not that much research yet but it’s ticking away nicely. Wishing you all the best 💛