Catie's Profile

I learned of the bicuspid aortic valve at age 15 and have been watching and waiting for many years. The aortic aneurysm showed up in late 2008. Its growth is pushing the need for surgery. But my latest echo in June also moved my aortic valve from moderate to severe aortic stenosis. Gratefully, I'm still asymptomatic, but surgery is on the horizon. I've struggled with where to go. I had a long-distance consult with a Cleveland Clinic surgeon, and I've met with a stellar local surgeon. I have now landed in the hands of a senior surgeon in Cleveland, who confirms that my aortic root must also be replaced. My stomach is extremely sensitive to medications; I can take very few, and my history includes gastric erosions. Everyone concurs that I should avoid Coumadin. Therefore, my choice needs to be a tissue valve. I'm worried about any pain and heart medications I may need after surgery. I gave myself a short baby-aspirin trial this summer and had to cut it short because it tipped me into pain and a flare-up of esophagitis. I'll be facing this largely on my own, since I moved across the country to help my elderly father and currently have few connections. Flying to Cleveland September 25 with the Lord as my traveling companion.