Update posted on...

January 20, 2015

http://www.necn.com/news/new-england/Report-Shots-Fired-at-Brigham--Womens-Hospital-289168721.html

Did y'all see this? Shooting in the cardiovascular center at B&W hospital. So sad!!!
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Jim Hernandez  Totally tragic, my heart goes out to Dr. Davidson and his family tonight. One of our heart sisters ha ... Read more
TEE test and anxiety
Journal posted on January 10, 2015
After meeting with my cardiologist last month, I had a TEE test completed. That sure wasn't fun! I did not fall asleep after the initial meds were given through my IV, so they doubled it... and I was still awake for the entire procedure. I was definitely more relaxed, but vividly remember everything... and the gagging! That was possibly the most uncomfortable procedure I have ever been through.. definitely was worse than the two amniocentesis procedures I had with my pregnancies! My initial echo had shown me to have moderate regurgitation, but the TEE showed it to be at the mild level. I have mitral valve prolapse as well and my aortic, mitral and tricuspid valves were all listed as "myxomatous". I asked the doctor what this meant and he just said that there was a weakness in the tissues but that the tricuspid and mitral were both functioning fine. Has anyone else head of this word to describe their valve(s)? I refuse to google anymore... because google has caused entirely too many panic attacks. Speaking of which, I feel like since my diagnosis in early December, I have been consumed by anxiety and depression. I started taking anti-depressants and am waiting for them to kick in. I feel a constant worry about all of this and obsess over reading and researching as much as possible. I feel like it is more the aneurysm part that has me so turned upside down. I am trying so hard to figure out how to deal with my "new normal" and accept this as part of me and move on... but I am still very much in the "why me" phase and worrying that every single palpitation, twinge or pain means something significant. My cardiologist does not have the best bedside manner and the very first thing he said to me when he walked in the room... before even introducing himself was "you're not panicking over THIS, are you??" and looked at me incredulously. I told him that yes, I was, and he plainly told me not to and that my husband, who works on an offshore oil rig, was at much more risk than me and that if I wanted to worry about something, worry about that. I have a second opinion coming up with another doctor in the area who is a specialist in CHD in hopes that she will understand the make up of bicuspid aortic valve/ aneurysm a little bit more... and hopefully be a little bit more compassionate. I do want to thank everyone on this site for already being so supportive and informative. I am so glad I found this group!!!
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Jim Kelly-Evans  Kimberly, so sorry to read about your horriffic experience with your TEE. I had one in December and, ... Read more
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Clare Auten  Yes. I agree the TEE was the worst. Sorry your cardiologist has a lousy bedside manner. Mine did the ... Read more
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Wiliam Height  Couple of thoughts after reading: another cardiologist or 2nd opinion is first order. I had the sam ... Read more
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Cheryl Batzing  Kimberly, I had a very similar experience with my TEE...not very fun and I was awake the entire time ... Read more
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Tammy Pilcher  Kimberly, I'm sorry you had such a horrible experience! That would be a nightmare for me too! I'm g ... Read more
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Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Kimberly, sounds like you are taking all the necessary steps and I hope you find a cardiologist you a ... Read more
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Daniel Spurgeon  I went through the same phases as you, and also dove deep into the research. Depending on the diamet ... Read more
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Joseph Ballett  Hello Kimberly,it's to bad you had to run into a doctor with bad bedside manners, I hope your second ... Read more
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Kimberly Biddick  Thank you all so very much for the insight, support and kind and encouraging words!! I appreciate it ... Read more
  HI Kimberly, I just wanted to drop you another note, as I felt bad when I read your post and can so r ... Read more
Update posted on...

January 4, 2015

For those of you with Aortic Aneurysms... have you received any advice on whether or not you should avoid air travel? I have seen a few blurbs mentioning the pressure may not be good for the dilated aorta. My doctor said "no restrictions", but I want to make sure I am doing what is best for my body.
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Jim Kelly-Evans  Haven't been warned about air travel , only heavy lifting.
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Jen S  My ascending aorta and aortic root are both considered "dilated" at 3.8 cm but my cardiologist said I ... Read more
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Daniel Spurgeon  The only restriction I received while I had my aneurysm was no heavy weightlifting. Remember modern ... Read more
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Clay Rowe  Mine is 5+ and I flew across county a couple of times this summer. Doc said ok.
Newly Diagnosed
Journal posted on December 29, 2014
I am a newbie here... I was diagnosed at the beginning of the month after my doctor heard a murmur and requested an echo to check things out. After an echo, CT and TEE test, I have been diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Mild Aortic Insufficiency, Mitral Valve Prolapse, and an Ascending Aortic Aneurysm currently at 4.2cm. I am asymptomatic, so being told that I now have heart disease has come at quite a shock to me. I am having the hardest time dealing with the thought of having an aneurysm and the terror and anxiety has been overwhelming. Everyone's response to my diagnosis is "you're too young!" at 32 years old... although I realize I have had my BAV since birth. I am a stay at home mom of two little boys, ages 4 and 7 and am married to Blake, who has been an amazing rock for me through the last month. I live near Dallas, Texas and my current doctors are at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, though I have a second opinion at UT Southwestern Medical Center with a Congenital Heart Disease specialist in February. I am enjoying reading other people's stories on here and they are giving me hope for being able to accept my diagnosis and continue on with my life. As of now, it feels like my world has completely stopped and the depression and anxiety have taken over.
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Tammy Pilcher  Hi Kimberly, it's nice to meet you! I know exactly what you mean about your world stopping. I felt ... Read more
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Adam Pick  Hi Kimberly, Like you I had a congenital BAV. Like you, I was 33 when I was told it was time for surg ... Read more
Preview
Play
This American Heart Association video features Adam Pick, who was diagnosed with a heart murmur as a child and reached adulthood without having to deal with ...
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Clare Auten  Welcome. My two youngest were 4 and 7 when I had my surgery last year. I am just a lot older than you ... Read more
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Jeff V.  Hi Kim, I was diagnosed with almost identical problems... BAV, MVP and an ascending aorta dilation o ... Read more
  Hi there! :) add me to the list of those who welcome you to read my journal entries. I am a mother a ... Read more
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Daniel Spurgeon  Hi Kimberly,
I was 34 when I was diagnosed with an aortic root aneurysm. I also have two small chil ... Read more
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Don LaPorte  Hi Kimberly, like Cheryl I live in the Dallas area too(Flower Mound) I am 47. Appears we have a m ... Read more
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Bob M  Kimberly, ditto from our heart sisters and brothers. It will be a new day when your doctor team will ... Read more
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Kimberly Biddick  Thank you all for your words of support and encouragement! What a great community this is!! I am so ... Read more
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Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Hi Kimberly, I am 37 and have heard the same feedback of "you're too young". I'm due for surgery at t ... Read more
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Jen S  Kimberly, just out of curiosity, how tall are you? I read somewhere else where you mentioned that you ... Read more
Here's my newest picture!
July 22, 2015  
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Lenore Mitchell  Gorgeous family! What cute little boys, and you all look so happy!
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Jim Kelly-Evans  Great photo!
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Kimberly Biddick  Thank you :)
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Tammi Gunwall  Lovely family!
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Tammy Pilcher  Beautiful family!
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Adam Pick  Wonderful photo Kimberly & family!
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Cheryl Batzing  Great looking family, Kimberly.
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Joan Napier  Lovely family photo!
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Don LaPorte  very nice photo.
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Lynee Casper  Lovely family, Kimberly! Lots of love there!