Beth's Journal

I made it! My bio prosthetic Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve is in! Also had the aortic annulus enlargement to fit it! Discharge echocardiogram was so cool seeing it function so beautifully! The worst part was wheeling into the OR and then the first night! After that, recovery was so fast and discharged on day 4. No regrets doing it despite being asymptomatic! Surgeon said the severe stenosis/ calcification / fibrosis was life threatening and was way past time! I have lived over 7 years with asymptomatic severe bicuspid aortic stenosis. Struggling with some hypotension and a resting heart rate around 100 and anemia from the surgery! If you are hesitating as I was don’t.....it is scary but do it! I think I was told over and over how great of a job my world recognized surgeon did! Thank you Dr Hani Najm and Cleveland Clinic Staff!!!

One week until we leave for Cleveland Clinic! Any packing suggestions! Ordered a wedge already and bought shirts that button up the front! All moved into the new house! It is a ranch and will help with my recovery. I am exhausted!

My head is spinning I have so much to do before my aortic annulus enlargement and bicuspid aortic valve replacement at Cleveland Clinic. We are moving on August 13 with my surgery to follow two weeks later. I have to be well for the birth of our first grandchild in early October. Hence, the rush to get this done. I feel great with no symptoms and exercise regularly so this is very hard to agree to. I have lived with aortic stenosis for almost 7 years due to a bicuspid aortic valve. The doctors don’t want to wait any longer. I had a repair of a coarctation of the aorta as a child so I have lived with congenital heart disease my whole life. I don’t even know what to ask all of you just please give me suggestions as what I need to do to prepare for this!