Kimberley's Profile

Prior to the 12th of June 2019, I was an active outdoorsy type - loved walking and boating. Playing with my labrador retriever, Missy. Mother to two children (19 & 23). Working full-time as a Director of Finance. Busy, busy, busy. On the 12th, I met my family at a local restaurant and promptly fainted. The EMT's picked me up, transported me to the hospital with my frightened family in tow. Each medical professional I saw over the next week kept looking at the tests and asking, "Are you sure this is the first time you've fainted? Do you have a history of being light headed? Any chest pain?" This was my first indication that something was “wrong”. After pleasantly educating me on heart disease, each of them made it crystal clear - there's NO waiting - you need your heart valve replaced ASAP. It's consumed the last two weeks like nothing else in my life. My home support system has embarked on this journey of learning with me, reading articles, researching doctors, learning the medical terminology, talking with other care-takers, and all aspects of my planning recovery. I met with the surgeon today (7/1/19), Dr John Garrett @ Virginia Hospital Center, and am feeling encouraged about the procedure and excited about the prospect of getting better!! UPDATED SURGERY: Monday, July 8th with Dr John Rhee