Michelle Vice - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2047 days ago

John O'Neill reacted to this

after about a month of feeling heart palpitations and seeing such an increase in my cholesterol I decided it was time to get it checked out by my doctor. I ...Read more

after about a month of feeling heart palpitations and seeing such an increase in my cholesterol I decided it was time to get it checked out by my doctor. I just figured it was stress. They did an EKG and said my heart looked perfect. The doctor then suggested to do a heart monitor for 24 hours. The monitor showed some activity that I guess concerned her so she sent me for an echo just to rule out any other issues. During the echo I was feeling very anxious. My Dad has heart issues and so did his mother. So of course, I laid there for 45 minutes running so many scenarios through my head. All of this has been done this month. With that being said, I got the phone call from my Dr. Michelle, I am referring you to a cardiologist. Your echo showed that you have bicuspid aortic valve. Now, I am doing everything I can to educate myself. I don't see the cardiologist until the 29th of January. He is also my Dad's Cardiologist which makes me feel somewhat better.

Chris Calhoun How old are you ? This could just mean that you are on the clock for a new valve- depending on many f ... Read more

Chris Calhoun How old are you ? This could just mean that you are on the clock for a new valve- depending on many factors the clock could run very slow to the point you never need it or very fast almost immediately - or any where in between - I would say most with bicuspid like me needed it done in early to mid fifties - mine at 52 years old which meant a mechanical valve unless you want it done again anywhere from 4-15 years with a biological valve

Michelle Vice I am 43.

Jeffrey Dyer I was 50 when I found out I had a bicuspid aortic valve...never would have known it if I hadn't had a ... Read more

Jeffrey Dyer I was 50 when I found out I had a bicuspid aortic valve...never would have known it if I hadn't had an MRI for another health issue. OHS was Aug 5 and things are better.

Ken M I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve and had my first surgery at age 10 at Children's Hospital Bos ... Read more

Ken M I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve and had my first surgery at age 10 at Children's Hospital Boston way back in 1960. In 1984 I had a porcine valve put in, age 34 which lasted 10 years. In 1994 that porcine valve was failing and had a 3rd surgery and they used a St Judes mechanical valve which I've had now for 25 years. Not everyone who has a bicuspid aortic valve needs surgery. Also first procedure was done so many years ago that it was considered the early days of open heart surgery and the medical advances are astonishing. I'm going to be 70 very soon, work part time, still snow ski, hike and play racquet ball or pickleball 3x's a week. I'm glad to answer any questions you may have.

Chris Calhoun My personal recommendation based on your age would be mechanical valve or if you hate the idea of the ... Read more

Chris Calhoun My personal recommendation based on your age would be mechanical valve or if you hate the idea of the blood thinners (don't it not that big of a deal) be prepared to do this more than once - and be doing it when you are older not as healthy and fit as you are now

Rob Sparling Michelle, one step at a time. Bicuspid is an inferior design. God picked you for that, just like me. ... Read more

Rob Sparling Michelle, one step at a time. Bicuspid is an inferior design. God picked you for that, just like me. But do your homework and don’t rush. The cardiologists will tell you if and when something needs to be done. What I was told was “it is like being in the highway with a flat tire. You can drive for awhile on the flat. But eventually you will damage the wheel if you don’t get the tire fixed.” Put all of this in the category of “good to know” and find a team of trusted specialists who can guide you and create a lasting relationship based on your needs and comfort level. The cardiologist is the lifelong relationship to get right and they will hook up the relationship with a surgeon when it suits. Delay things as long as you can! Keep the OEM equipment!

Marie Myers Best idea is to keep regular visits with your cardiologist. I found out that I had a bicuspid valve ... Read more

Marie Myers Best idea is to keep regular visits with your cardiologist. I found out that I had a bicuspid valve in my 20’s, and did not need surgery till age 63. I had developed an ascending aneurysm which can happen with some bicuspid valves. But I had no symptoms or limitation of my activities, such as working, playing tennis, and horseback riding. Just take one step at a time, and who knows? You may live the rest of your life with your original valve. Try not to worry yourself with what might or might not happen. Knowledge is power, Many people with bicuspid valves do not need surgery. Just gotta live your life, and monitor things as time goes on. Wishing you all the best!

Michelle Viceposted an update

2047 days ago

John O'Neill, Shannon Gray and 1 other reacted to this

Good Morning everyone, I am new here. Just found out that I have BAV and my first cardiologist appointment isn't until January 29th. I am a little worried, ...Read more

Good Morning everyone, I am new here. Just found out that I have BAV and my first cardiologist appointment isn't until January 29th. I am a little worried, but I am hoping that I can read more about this and have a better understanding. I hope each of you have an amazing day!

John O'Neill Best wishes, and I hope this site is soothing to your worries. Many people live a long time with BAV ... Read more

John O'Neill Best wishes, and I hope this site is soothing to your worries. Many people live a long time with BAV without any issues -- your cardiologist can provide more details about your specific case. Now that you know about this condition, you and your doctors can manage it.

Have a happy and healthy new year!