Marie's Profile

I have known about my bicuspid AV since my 20's. At age 62, a routine echocardiogram showed a 4.5x4.8 cm ascending aortic aneurysm. I had no symptoms due to my bicuspid aortic valve or new aneurysm. I was working, playing tennis, and horseback riding, blissfully unaware of the impending danger. I met with 2 surgeons, and had my procedure (modified Bentall) done locally. I now have a new aortic root, new ascending aorta, and a new bovine tissue valve. I was very fortunate to have an uncomplicated surgery and recovery, and I went back to work part time in 8 weeks. It is a miracle what cardiac surgeons can do today. Wish I had not worried as much as I did about the whole procedure! While it was no walk in the park, it was not as difficult as I had expected.