Nolan's Journal

Nolan Clark  Im about the same but valve is functioning perfectly fine. Any tips for a newly diagnosed (nervous) person?

Brett Kurtz  Hi Nolan. You have come to the right place. I've known about my BAV and Aneurysm for almost 31 years. Found out I had BAV at 5 and just had surgery at 36. Every year I thought this was going to be the year when I get surgery. I was very active up until a year before my surgery when I stopped all contact sports. With technology now your doctor will watch it. I had the flu really bad in Feb and that caused my EF number to drop below 50%. That was the benchmark my doctor set. If not for the flu I would still be waiting. I know it's easier said than done but just live your life and have convos with your doc.

Ron Weaver  Hi Nolan. I have a stable 4.7cm ascending aortic aneurysm(3years now) and a functional bicuspid aortic valve. I have know for 3 years and think about it everyday. I get a CT scan every year. This site has helped me tremendously. Good luck on your journey.

  Hi Nolan, for me, I will likely have to get OHS for my valve sooner than for aneurysm. As long as you have serial echos or CT, you should be fine. Cut off is 5cm for those with bicuspid so I would not worry if I were you.

Peter Eglinton  I was diagnosed with the same issues 7 years ago. It rocked my world, dominating my thoughts for 6 months or so. Then I saw a cardiologist in Boston who co-authored the main guidance on when to do surgery and related topics. He really put my mind at ease, suggesting that we could monitor the situation and that it could be 5-7 years before I needed surgery. Sure enough I had everything repaired this year. I was able to schedule it when convenient and was prepared mentally and physically. Four months post-surgery and I'm feeling great! Best wishes to you.

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Nolan I was diagnosed this past February with a monocuspid valve and an aneurysm of 5.3. I went and had surgery in May of this year. Now months later I am back to doing everything i used to do. Waiting is the worst part of this all

Nolan Clark  Thank you all! It helps to know so many other people experience the same. I immediately thought "heart issue" and thought my hobbies all had to come to an end, but I guess it all comes down to trust and knowledge. If anyone knows of great people in the Orange County, CA area, let me know!

Nicole DuPont  I was 21 when I discovered the same issues and just got the valve replaced and aneurysm repaired at 51 when the cardiologist said it was time. I was active and never had issues or any restrictions most of my life. Keep visiting your cardiologist even it’s just to check in to make sure all is well and don’t worry!