Kristin 's Journal

Hello Heart Valve Community - I just wanted to share my own success story and invite people an ask questions so I can help reduce fears and anxiety. I was born with congenital bicuspid aortic stenosis and a coarctation in 1974 (I am 46). I had my coarct repaired during infancy. While pregnant with my first daughter, I went into CHF and had fluid in my lungs. After a successful c-section, and at 3m postpartum, I had an aortic valvuloplasty. The valvuloplasty was extremely successful and lasted 16 years. This past July, I had my aortic valve replaced and an aortic aneurysm removed. The surgery went very well. I was in the hospital for about a week, was walking trails at 2 weeks post surgery, and returned to work 6 weeks post surgery. I was tired for. a while and would sleep during the weekends. By 3 months I was exercising regularly and felt mostly recovered. I am now 6 months post surgery and feel incredible...walking about 4 miles per day (we have an enormous goldendoodle puppy who keeps me active) and starting some strength training. My sternum is still tender, but mostly healed.