My Story

Hi Everyone!  My name is Amy and I am 31 years old.  My sister, Karen, has already posted here.  Growing up, I was told that I had an innocent heart murmur.  No big deal, right?  Fast forward to January 2004.  My daughter, Gianna, was 5 months old.  I had a gall bladder attack and decided to see the doctor.  At the appointment, the doctor asked "Do you know you have a heart murmur?"  "Oh yes....it's innocent", I answered.  He sent me for an echo.  Turns out I had a bicuspid aortic valve with severe aortic insufficiency and an aortic root dilation measuring over 5.  I needed my valve and aortic root replaced right away. 

The decision to choose a mechanical valve was very easy for me.  I was more scared than I had ever been in my life, and the thought of a second open heart surgery anytime soon was just more than I could handle.  But more importantly, I had my daughter to think about.  This wonderful, perfect child, whom I love more than I could ever imagine loving anybody else, needs me.  Not just to feed her and provide for her, but to love her in a way that only a mother can.  So jeopardizing that is absolutely out of the question. 

I have seen a high risk OB-GYN about having another child.  He said.."Yes, you can have a baby."  But my cardiologist is not so hot on the idea.  So, in the end, I think that my husband and I have decided either to adopt or go with a surrogate.  (But that is not written in stone!)  I still hold out faint hope that a new drug will replace coumadin in time for me to have another baby.  In the meantime, I love reading our shared experiences.  Thank you!      

          

Comments

[Karen]

Wow. I feel like I know this story. Oh, wait, I DO know this story.

Don't lose hope for Xantra yet...there may be a coumadin replacement in the future. BUT, don't get your hopes up...you know those crazy pharmaceutical companies, busy making drugs to treat overactive bladder and erectile dysfunction. But, when that miracle drug comes to market, I'll be first in line to sell it. I'll make a KILLING! (and share some samples with you, because after all, you are family)
Love,
your sister

[Shannon]

Wow.. your story is so similar to mine! I was 34 weeks prego when I had my gall bladder attack. I ended up having it removed. Flash forward.. My daughter is 15 months old.. My inocent murmur isnt so- I have BAV also. Currently deciding on a surgeon $ valve. The big question for me, is what valve / more children. I think I am leaning towards the mechanical. I dont want to have another surgery. I am already blessed to have 1 baby. I really hope they do come out with a coumadin replacement though. Wouldnt that be great?!