Pat's Profile

I knew I had aortic stenosis when I had my other surgeries, but this time before I was to have THR my Cardiologist told me I would have died on the operating table, because my AS had become severe. Not only was my hip surgery cancelled, but I was informed that I needed open heart surgery as soon as possible. I asked about other alternatives, and the Doctor told me bluntly, "Death!" I suppose I had assumed all the symptoms of SAS I was experiencing was due to stress, pain related to my hip, and getting older. I was so consumed with the lower back, groin, and leg pain that I wasn't paying attention to my heart... until I needed a clearance from the Cardiologist that it was ok to have the THR. I knew my murmur was very pronounced, and I was experiencing dizziness and shortness of breath along with much Afib. I will meet May 2nd with a Thorasic Surgeon that specializes in valve replacement to set my surgery date. I am hoping it will be soon as fear and anxiety are taking a toll on me emotionally. I am so thankful for a wonderful family, many friends, and a praying church family that is so supportive. I am in the capable hands of a great surgeon and the ABLE hands of an Almighty God!