Julie's Profile

I'm a 43 year old mom/wife and healthcare worker that found out about 1 1/2 year ago that I needed my bicuspid aortic valve replaced but was told to wait as long as possible. I also have RA, which can complicate things and can mask some symptoms. At the beginning of November 2017, I experienced increased symptoms that alarmed me- increased shortness of breath in exertion, increasing fatigue, a cough I could not shake that ended up being cardiac related, increased resting heart rate, etc. I had a TEE done that revealed severe prolapse of my mitral valve and a chordea had broken. I went to Houston Methodist to see cardiology and interview surgeons mid-December. I chose Dr Ross Ruel and scheduled my surgery for 1/16/18. On 1/15/18 I had a cardiac cath that revealed nothing abnormal. On the Texas ice day, 1/16/18, I had my valves replaced. It was a 6.5 hr surgery. I later found out I had evidence of having rheumatic fever, probably as a child. I had a few complications- fluid needing to be drained from my right lung, some low heart rate and bp that kept me in the hospital an extra day or two (I always run low) but this was the best decision ever! And everything is resolved! I had awesome care there! Total reversal of symptoms and I feel like I was handed my life back. I feel like a walking/talking miracle! I’m so thankful to my medical team, Houston Methodist, Dr Anatole Tracktenbriot (my local cardiologist that sent me to Houston from day 1), & my family and friends that have supported me on the journey!