Terri's Story

My journey began in 2013 with worsening shortness of breath (SOB) and jaw pain on walking, stairs or exertion. First nuclear stress test abnormal/but cath was ok.

My symptoms worsened

So in 2015, extremely symptomatic-repeat nuclear stress test was normal but symptoms dramatically worse. Repeat cath revealed 90% MID RCA BLOCKAGE and stent places. Also 80% ramus. But too small for stent.

Moderate aortic stenosis

Now 2025 and January began with RSV, then flu, then COVID. These left me very weak, severe SOB, dizzy.

So finally got into cardiologist end of Feb., and he ordered nuclear stress test (was normal) and echo which took till end of July to get in.

Had history of AI, but the new finding is moderate aortic stenosis. Dr left message, will just follow in year unless symptomatic. Well, symptoms are worsening. Scared.

Barriers to accessing cardiology care

Yes, I'm 76 years old female but still run a rental business and maintain my home (not like I used to) with frequent 10-15 min rest periods.

It's almost impossible to get in to see him (military). Took almost a year this last time. I can't access the echo report to evaluate exact volume of stenosis and with my symptoms, very reluctant to delay a TAVR with symptoms. My deceased husband had AS as well and he had open heart surgery but not till he was so debilitated that he never even got close to moderate recovery and died of ruptured descending aortic aneurysm.

Treatment and care team considerations

I don't want to delay till I am so weak that it won't help much. Is it safe to delay much longer without compromising future health?

Also diabetic, CKD3a.

Any comments would be helpful and appreciated. Considering change in provider. Thanks.