K
KarenS
Hi Everyone,
I have been "peeking in" through the window on this site long enough and decided to introduce myself. I have been amazed at the stories I have read and all the information and support this site seems to offer so many people. It feels a little strange to me to poor my heart out (so to speak) to people I don't know, yet I feel at ease and comfortable knowing so many of you are going through/have gone through a similar situation. Here's my story (as short and sweet as I can make it):
During a routine exam with a new MD, a "murmur" was detected and I was refered to a local cardiologist. I was diagnosed with moderate to severe aortic stenosis. I had no symptoms, had been teaching aerobics for 8 years and running 3-4 miles a day at that time. I was told at that time that more than likely, way down the road (or maybe I chose to hear the "way" part) I would need to do something about my valve. I thought about my heart very little and continued to lead an active life. This diagnosis came in 1997, the same year I got married. Fast forward to 2000, first baby boy is welcomed into our home (still no symptoms, seeing Cardiologist and getting echos yearly). 2003, second baby boy and still exercising, feeling great. During my third pregnancy in 2004, I was thrown quite the curve ball. During my forth month it was detected that my stenosis had taken a severe nose dive and I was in need of intervention to survive the pregnancy. I had aortic valvuloplasty performed in October 2004 and by the grace of God and at the hands of an amazing MD (second and third opinion docs were not as hopeful and recommended pregnancy termination or valve replacement during pregnancy-only done 16 times previously in pregnant women at the Mayo Clinic). Third beautiful, healthy baby (baby girl this time
) born Feb. 2005. I have always known that my valve would eventually recalcify and now I am back to the point were it is time for surgery. I meet with the surgeon on the 25th of this month and plan to have my valve replaced this winter (my cardio. is now recommending it/surgeon I saw in the summer recommended surgery then.).
I have a 6, 4 and almost 2 year old. A little more than frightened about the post surgery time and three little ones to take of. I have an amazing husband who will get time off work and family members who will help out. But as you other moms out there know, no one can possible do what I do, right??
I have some surgeon questions and valve selection issues that I will post later, as I have gone on long enough.
Karen
(there are two Karen S's on the member list...I am KarenS, no space. Thanks for reading my not so shocking anymore story).
I have been "peeking in" through the window on this site long enough and decided to introduce myself. I have been amazed at the stories I have read and all the information and support this site seems to offer so many people. It feels a little strange to me to poor my heart out (so to speak) to people I don't know, yet I feel at ease and comfortable knowing so many of you are going through/have gone through a similar situation. Here's my story (as short and sweet as I can make it):
During a routine exam with a new MD, a "murmur" was detected and I was refered to a local cardiologist. I was diagnosed with moderate to severe aortic stenosis. I had no symptoms, had been teaching aerobics for 8 years and running 3-4 miles a day at that time. I was told at that time that more than likely, way down the road (or maybe I chose to hear the "way" part) I would need to do something about my valve. I thought about my heart very little and continued to lead an active life. This diagnosis came in 1997, the same year I got married. Fast forward to 2000, first baby boy is welcomed into our home (still no symptoms, seeing Cardiologist and getting echos yearly). 2003, second baby boy and still exercising, feeling great. During my third pregnancy in 2004, I was thrown quite the curve ball. During my forth month it was detected that my stenosis had taken a severe nose dive and I was in need of intervention to survive the pregnancy. I had aortic valvuloplasty performed in October 2004 and by the grace of God and at the hands of an amazing MD (second and third opinion docs were not as hopeful and recommended pregnancy termination or valve replacement during pregnancy-only done 16 times previously in pregnant women at the Mayo Clinic). Third beautiful, healthy baby (baby girl this time
) born Feb. 2005. I have always known that my valve would eventually recalcify and now I am back to the point were it is time for surgery. I meet with the surgeon on the 25th of this month and plan to have my valve replaced this winter (my cardio. is now recommending it/surgeon I saw in the summer recommended surgery then.).I have a 6, 4 and almost 2 year old. A little more than frightened about the post surgery time and three little ones to take of. I have an amazing husband who will get time off work and family members who will help out. But as you other moms out there know, no one can possible do what I do, right??
I have some surgeon questions and valve selection issues that I will post later, as I have gone on long enough.
Karen
(there are two Karen S's on the member list...I am KarenS, no space. Thanks for reading my not so shocking anymore story).
