Andy's Profile

Days away from my Aortic Valve replacement... I'm a young active 44 yr old. Consequently, I found out my aortic valve was bicuspid in a routine check-up on my 36th birthday... Happy birthday to me... I guess. Once confirmed by my now cardiologist, I was put in maintenance mode. I had to give up some of my more active functional fitness because there was a possible enlarged aortic root. It's been a long 7 years awaiting the news that "it is now time". I am relieved and a little frightened but always hopeful. For the most part I am asymptomatic aside for increasing PVC's and some shortness of breath laying down. I enjoy long distance running and try to put in miles every week, usually anywhere from 8-12 weekly. I can tell it is a little harder to keep up these days. I am now in severe regurgitation and have signs of left ventricle enlargement. Call me crazy but, I feel like it is affecting my cognitive function. Like once I was able to quickly pull up useless, random information, but now there is a loading wheel above my head and sometimes I just can't make words period... I wonder if that is due to the lack of oxygen... I know that is a normal part of getting older but seriously. I am looking forward to restored cerebral blood flow and possible cognitive function improvement. Even though there is not enough information to support my hopes i am hoping some of the brain fog is lifted. To be continued....