Sandy's Posts

I absolutely LOVE this site - and all the webinars and information included - THANK YOU, ADAM! I discovered this back in 2017 - and am still grateful to Marie for recommending where I could get a second opinion - Thanks, Marie! And to all for all of the answers given to my many questions! Even with all of the resources available, I remain clueless. Over the last 8 months (maybe more) my ability to walk went down significantly. I noticed it on a mile trek back in November, then in December I could not walk through large airports without stopping (I guess to catch my breath - but I am still not sure it's exactly that). On the return trip - I was arbitrarily approached and asked if I needed a wheelchair, I gratefully accepted. Thinking I was just getting older, and quite disgusted with myself - for the next trips I requested wheelchairs in advance... Luckily - I had a follow-up with the surgeon's team in May. The echo showed severe aortic stenosis. AN EXPLANATION! And maybe a fixable one. They are thinking VIV TAVR - and I'm not opposed to that - just wondering if the next valve fails while I'm still (somewhat) able-bodied, what the options will be then. The 2017 version was 23mm, and the Cath dr said he wasn't sure if I could have another VIV TAVR after this one - so that is a question. The surgeon thinks maybe the pseudomonas infections of 2024 hastened the calcification of the current bioprosthetic (cow) valve - and I'm on antibiotic (cipro) suppression for 'life' - so will the next valve fail sooner than (I) expected also? I've sent mychart messages asking those questions - just sharing here as well... I remain thankful, grateul and blessed for all the wonderful, sharing people on this site. Thank you!