Naomi's Profile

I was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis 6 years ago thanks to a wonderful cardiologist who believed in testing someone at my age. The stenosis is a long term effect from Radiation therapy I had 25 years ago for Hodgkins disease. I was classified moderate/severe and 2 years ago saw a cardiac surgeon who told me to "stay away from cardiac surgeons" believing I would have 10 years or so until replacement would be necessary. One year ago an echo showed it was progressing, six months ago things seemed stable. However, I was unable to exercise and had very bad edema, also periods of dizziness and chest pain (which my cardiologist still thinks is unrelated). Three weeks ago I went for a regular checkup and things seemed to have gotten worse. My husband and I tentatively began to plan for surgery within the year. Last week, I underwent a stress echo. The results of that led to surgery within a month, so I am scheduled next week. The surgery may well have been this week but the surgeon is at the beach! Good thing, I want him well rested. I am, of course, concerned as I feel like a walking time bomb, but still at work and keeping my regular activities and taking care of my 3 children. Trying to keep calm.