Julia's Profile

I was born with bicuspid aortic valve and have a heart murmur all my adult life. August 2013. I was shocked to find out that I have sever aortic stenosis (area 0.8 cm^2 , mean pressure differential 32 mmHg) from the echo I did in July. My previous echo was in 2007 and everything was normal. Except for occasional dizziness when I swim very hard, I have no symptoms that would indicate anything is wrong. My cardiologist told me that I have a year to get a valve replacement. After recovery from the shock, I began to research about valve replacement choices and each one of them has some downside. I also began to search for a surgeon and a hospital. December 2013. Cardiac catheterization confirmed stenosis. Luckily, I have no other problems and my heart function is good. I read a lot of medical journals on the different valve replacement options. I am leaning towards Ross procedure. Mechanical valve is the most straightforward choice for someone my age (50), but I am concerned with the complications of Coumadin. January 2014. I met with Dr. Ryan and was happy to learned that my surgery is considered elective and I can pick the dates. Tentatively, I pick August 4th. Dr. Ryan asked me to continue my daily exercise routine but monitor any changes. March 2014. We went to Telluride for spring break for the first time in 2 years. I felt a bit tired the first day. But skiing and outdoor fresh air felt good. I didn't push it and skipped the double blacks. April 2014. I began to develop symptoms: shortness of breath, a cough which I have thought due to allergy, swollen ankles, and very tired at the end of the day. I slept a lot during the weekend and felt much better. Ankles are not as swollen either. Will meet with Dr. Ryan next week to discuss earlier surgery date. May 15 2014. Dr. Ryan performed the Ross procedure: using my pulmonary valve as my new aortic valve & use a donor valve for my pulmonary. This way I don't have to change my lifestyle: green vegetables, skiing, etc. & have a hope of not doing another open heart surgery for longer than what the bovine valve will give me. I am glad that I was a good candidate for Ross.