Amy's Profile

I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, diagnosed at the age of 2, and the diagnosis was confirmed at age of 8 via cardiac cath. I have had few restrictions over the years and have been able to do pretty much anything I want. I’m very blessed to have had 52 years without intervention, but the warranty on those defective parts is running out and they need replacement. I am also developing an aortic aneurism which will require aortic root replacement as well. After much thought and deliberation, I will be having the Medtronic Freestyle tissue valve replacement. My surgery will be on October 3rd at the Tucson Medical Center. Update 10/21/2016 I've been home two weeks already. In some ways it seems like forever, but I still marvel at how much I've healed in the 2 1/2 weeks since surgery. I had my first appointments with my Cardiologist and Surgeon yesterday. Both seemed to think that I'm healing well and that everything looks good. I'm still having a lot of PVCs (which cause 'skipped' beats) while at the same time having an elevated heart rate. I'm on very few medications and haven't needed meds for pain for almost two weeks. I am on a monitor 24 hours a day and when I'm finished with that in three more weeks, I'll be eligible to begin cardiac rehab. I also hope to be released to drive again about that time.