Leona's Profile

When I was in my teens my regular GP heard a heart murmur. Echo diagnosed mitral valve prolapse and was told nothing to worry about. Fast forward when I was around 40 and I thought I should get another cardiologist check since the murmur is still there. Another echo and much to my surprise I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve! And that someday I’d probably have to get it replaced!. Sonogram technology had improved and become so much more accurate in those passing years! I was in Complete shock! I have been followed first every two years, then one year, then six months and three as the valve stenosed. I am now 63 so it took quite awhile to get to this point but I guess I was hoping I’d be one of few lucky ones with this condition that never needed surgery. I was surprised it was this stenosed as I have no symptoms and lead an active life with my newly retired husband and three married kids and four grandchildren. But who knows!- maybe that fatigue at night I was attributing to my age was part of it.! I researched doctors and hospitals ad nauseum😘probably both a blessing and a curse that I was a nurse in a cardiac step down floor back in my 20’s! 😬So many superb doctors and facilities out there. Just amazing ghow far cardiac surgery had progressed from years ago! I chose Dr. Girardi at NY Presbyterian Weill Cornell in NY city. It helps for me that I’m originally from NY and it is drivable from where I now live. I am a complete nervous wreck and have had trouble sleeping and eating . Glad my husband is now retired to help get me through this. So glad to have found this website with such supportive and encouraging people.