Mary's Profile

In 2013, I was diagnosed with mild to moderate Aortic Stenosis. Since then I have had yearly ECHO EKG tests as well as Stress Tests, Holter Monitor and check ups with my Cardiologist every 6 months. I experienced no symptoms of any pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc. This year my June appointment for the ECHO EKG test results went from Moderate to Severe ! Since that time, I have had several tests to "stage" my heart problem...Transesophageal Echo; Heart Catherization;, Contrast CT Angiogram of Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis, Pulmonary Function, etc. I am allergic to Xray Dyes, so these tests gave me anxious feelings, but with a heavy dose of Steroids and Benadryl prior to the tests, I did okay. I have been approved for TAVR surgery on Sept. 24, 2019 at UPMC Pinnacle, Harrisburg, PA. I am 76 years of age...born and raised on a farm where I still reside, and keep active with a large rose garden, daily walk-abouts with our dog and other activities. I am very nervous about the upcoming surgery, and have been encouraged by the posts I have read about other patients experiences. I also purchased Adam Pick's Heart Valve Surgery Guide book several years ago, and find it quite helpful. Most comforting are the many prayers of family, church and friends for God's healing miracles to me through the hands and skill of a heart surgeon and medical staff.