I am having a modified Bentall operation in 10 days. I have no other health issues. I am 65 and just learned I was born with a bicuspid valve. I have severe aortic stenosis and a root aneurysm. I admit I am terrified of not surviving the surgery.
When I woke up in ICU my first thought was “I made it.” The aortic valve replacement went really well, but unfortunately they cut through my electrical system (it happens sometimes). I have a 3rd degree heart block and had to have a second surgery 5 days later for a pacemaker. The pacemaker is very uncomfortable, but I am so thankful to be alive. I was not prepared for how much the surgery recovery process exhausted me. But, I was very diligent in my rehab and continue to walk 3-4 miles 4-5 days a week. I get a little short of breath (which I had not experienced before), when I climb hills. Overall, I would say I am fully recovered. My surgeon said without the discovery of my heart valve issue, I probably would not have lived 6 months. My older brother’s valve ruptured, and he died at age 62 without ever knowing he had an issue. I was fortunate mine was discovered. In my case, it was a genetic problem so my children are all being tested. Thank you for asking.
@@vickithress I’m going in for bicuspid valve repair or replacement, and aortic aneurysm replacement surgery this October( 2021), and the more research I’m doing, the better I feel about it. We have a family history of heart disease and sudden death, so I’ve had my cardiologist here in Atlanta monitoring my cardiovascular system for the past 20 or so years. He discovered the aneurysm this past October, I did my research, and chose the Cleveland Clinic, as they’re the best for this procedure. I am very much looking forward to the other side of this procedure, and the recovery. But, the anxiety has been intense at times.
@@JimFromMarietta Our family background is very similar, except I was unaware I had a bicuspid valve until age 65. Please LMK the date of your surgery. Praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
Outstanding presentation. Very important.
I am having a modified Bentall operation in 10 days. I have no other health issues. I am 65 and just learned I was born with a bicuspid valve. I have severe aortic stenosis and a root aneurysm. I admit I am terrified of not surviving the surgery.
How did everything go, Vicki?
When I woke up in ICU my first thought was “I made it.” The aortic valve replacement went really well, but unfortunately they cut through my electrical system (it happens sometimes). I have a 3rd degree heart block and had to have a second surgery 5 days later for a pacemaker. The pacemaker is very uncomfortable, but I am so thankful to be alive. I was not prepared for how much the surgery recovery process exhausted me. But, I was very diligent in my rehab and continue to walk 3-4 miles 4-5 days a week. I get a little short of breath (which I had not experienced before), when I climb hills. Overall, I would say I am fully recovered. My surgeon said without the discovery of my heart valve issue, I probably would not have lived 6 months. My older brother’s valve ruptured, and he died at age 62 without ever knowing he had an issue. I was fortunate mine was discovered. In my case, it was a genetic problem so my children are all being tested. Thank you for asking.
@@vickithress I’m going in for bicuspid valve repair or replacement, and aortic aneurysm replacement surgery this October( 2021), and the more research I’m doing, the better I feel about it. We have a family history of heart disease and sudden death, so I’ve had my cardiologist here in Atlanta monitoring my cardiovascular system for the past 20 or so years. He discovered the aneurysm this past October, I did my research, and chose the Cleveland Clinic, as they’re the best for this procedure. I am very much looking forward to the other side of this procedure, and the recovery. But, the anxiety has been intense at times.
@@JimFromMarietta Our family background is very similar, except I was unaware I had a bicuspid valve until age 65. Please LMK the date of your surgery. Praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
@@vickithress I’ll be up there the week of October 24, for all day pre op appointments, then the aortic aneurysm and valve repair on October 28
Interesting format!
😍