I got to the place where I could hardly do any exertion as I was so short of breath. An echo cardiogram showed that my aortic valve was not functioning right and needed to be replaced. I was considering opting out of surgery if they had to go in via my chest. I asked my doctor what my prognosis was and he told me I had from 6 months to a year to live. I was told I was a good candidate for the TAVR procedure so decided to have it done. I went in on a Thursday and had the procedure, was only in the hospital until Saturday when I went to my daughters home until Monday. At that time another daughter came and took me home and stayed with me for the rest of the week and then I was able to be “on my own”. I did feel better. I had the procedure done in June and went on a cruise to Alaska the first of October with another daughter and husband, I did a lot of walking with my walker on the different excursions we took and did just great. My daughter said I was walking better by the end of the trip. I never dreamed I would be able to take such a trip so I am very grateful for having the TAVR heart valve put in. I think it has extended my life too!!!”
Grateful for treatment
Recent Stories
Finding comfort in other people’s stories
By lending my voice to the conversation about valve disease, I hope my experiences can help other patients who feel as overwhelmed and intimidated as I first did, even in just a small way.
Nina Bamford’s story
Nina Bamford shares her experience with aortic stenosis. Nina recognized that her quality of life had declined due to valve disease, and sought treatment.
Linda shares to help others
After her symptoms started to worsen and her energy level dropped, Linda contacted her cardiologist and was diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis.
Susan shares her story to help others
I just thought that the shortness of breath with exercise was I wasn’t in as good of shape, my lungs had some scarring from radiation, and I had some chest tightness and I thought that was just anxiety.