Unexpected Heart Surgery

Well, I am in the hospital in Anchorage. I have had a hard time breathing lately and it turns out that my aortic valve which used to have mild stenosis(hardening) now has severe stenosis. The valve (which is bicuspid rather than tricuspid) is barely opening and blood is not pumping through well.

Today I am having an angiogram where they use a catheter to look at my heart and make sure I am good for surgery. After that I talk to the surgeon and should have open heart surgery on Monday or Tuesday. I still don't know if I will have a mechanical or tissue valve--probably mechanical will be recommended for me.

I should be in the hospital for 4-5 days. I am at Providence Hospital in Anchorage. My parents flew up today and got Quin, who will be staying with them in Homer for the next week or so. After I get out mom & Quin will come over and take care of me at home.

Phil is here with me now and will come back up for the surgery. He has to work a few days next week, but will come back up when he can and will be here when I get discharged.

You can call our house/Phil if you want more info/updates or email my parents at: dan@kachecab.com

I am a little scared, but know that this is a quality facility and I am being well cared for.

I hope to get to write more soon.

~Naomi