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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: September 15, 2019

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Amy Kenney posted an update

6 years ago (September 15, 2019)

I recently was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. I have a bicuspid valve and have to have the replacement done with open heart surgery. I have also had afib for the past 5 years. I am a young 65 yr. old woman. I am otherwise very healthy. I am very... Read more.

Rose Madura

Hi Amy. I understand your anxiousness regarding OHS. I too was terrified but knew it was something that I needed to get better. 2+ years later, I realized just how bad it had been. I feel so much better now. Know that the waiting for the surgery and asking yourself... Read more.

Amy Kenney

Thank you for your comment. It does help to reassure me. I will ask the surgeon if he can do an ablation at the same time. Not sure if he does that procedure. Now I will do some research on the maze procedure.

Shannon Gray

I understand so well... fear dominated my life for the months leading up to surgery and it is a beast. Find ways to help your mind and body relax... yoga, meditation, focusing on your breath, or any other activity that helps to calm the mind ( knitting?). Take time to... Read more.

Civita Fahey

Hi Amy.. we all heal differently. I had my surgery 2.5 years ago at 55 and as Rose said, you will fall asleep and wake up when its over. Its not easy, but it is doable. I had no pain after surgery, unless of course I coughed or sneezed and... Read more.

Amy Kenney

Thank you. I seem to be going up and down. It's just been a week since the news and am trying not to panic. Not sure if reading all about OHS is helping or making it worse.

Civita Fahey

It helped me tremendously to read the successful stories. Talking to others who have gone before me was also helpful. If you liked to talk send me an email formia0711@gmial.com and we can exchange numbers. I'd be happy to talk.

Amy Kenney

Hi Civita! It is a weird coincidence that you had your surgery on my birthday. This site is helping to reassure me. Apparently this is my new norm. I haven't quite accepted it yet. Still hoping that the Tee will say I'm not needing surgery yet. I am probably in... Read more.

Joy Vera

Hi Amy. I wonder if your cardiologist didn't spend much time explaining because the surgeon would be better at doing that. You'll be meeting with the surgeon prior to the surgery & it would be good to write down all the questions you have for that appointment as Shannon recommended.... Read more.

Barbara Wood

Hi Amy, having a history of afib, you do want to discuss with your cardiologist having a maze procedure ( ablation) at the time of your surgery. If he advises it then you will want to find a surgeon who is able ( & experienced ) to do both -... Read more.

Amy Kenney

I have been thinking that possibility over. Luckily I usually only have afib 2 or 3 times a year on average, and hadn't got to the idea of an ablation yet. I am still wondering why my cardiologist said that I have to have a AVR at this point. My... Read more.

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