Lacresia's Profile

In 2009, while pregnant with my middle son, I went to my regular GP for strep throat. I ended up having to see a nurse practitioner that I had never seen before. During my check up she asked me if anyone had ever mentioned to me that I had a murmur. I told her no. After that I was quickly scheduled for an echocardiogram and my BAV was found. At the time I only had mild stenosis. I was 24 years old. I am now 37 and for the past 14 years, I have been followed by a cardiologist at the Arkansas Heart Hospital. I have had yearly, and more recently, bi-yearly echocardiograms, and occasional TEEs to monitor my valve. In February of 2024, at my yearly appointment with my cardiologist, I was notified my valve had moved to severe stenosis. My cardiologist said he would be referring me to a surgeon at the Little Rock Heart Hospital for a valve replacement. The only valve options presented to me were either a mechanical or tissue valve. I went home and through research found the Ross procedure. I reached out via email to Dr Paul Stelzer in at The Mount Sinai Hospital and I am currently scheduled for a Ross Procedure with Dr. Stelzer On June 20th, 2024.