Colleen's Profile

In 2020 my primary doctor discovered a heart murmur and a echocardiogram was scheduled for a month later. I never could have imagined that I would be diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Valve with moderate stenosis and that it meant one day having open heart surgery. The initial diagnosis indicated I had 3 to 5 years before replacement would be necessary but in September of 2021 at a second echo I was greatly surprised to hear at the age of 51 that my timeline moved from 3-5 years to before Christmas because I was unusual and went from moderate to severe very quickly. I met with my surgeon Dr. Eric Weiss a few weeks later and scheduled the necessary tests to prepare for surgery. The heart catherization which terrified me really turned out to be a simple, easy procedure for me and one that I had built up larger in my head than what occurred. I've used that knowledge to try and not let me fear control me as I move towards my date. Being 51 and deciding between mechanical and biologic valve was the next hurdle that I struggled with. I had days where I thought I made my mind up but the would back track and flip to the other side. I consulted with my surgeon's office and upon receiving more information and a lot of research on my own, I have made the decision to get a biologic valve understanding that future surgery is a high possibility. I feel I have educated myself as much as I can and am making the best decision for myself and my family. At this point surgery is in three weeks and I'm grateful that I have the loving support of my family and a great surgeon that will help me get to the recovery side and back to feeling good again.