Susan StrongJun 152 minAortic Stenosis: It's Not Anxiety or Old AgeWe’ve all done it — we notice something different going on with our bodies, and unless we’re in excruciating pain, bleeding profusely, or...
Susan StrongFeb 131 minMeet JohnJohn is an active member of the My Valve My Voice patient community. John's journey with aortic stenosis began when his primary care...
Susan StrongDec 15, 20211 min7 Top TAVR Questions Answered By Someone Who's Been Through ItAfter my diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis, I had lots of questions about TAVR: Will I feel pain? How long is recovery? Will I feel...
Susan StrongNov 17, 20212 minLife After TAVR: Managing Uncertainty About My Valve's FutureJust a few days ago, Nov. 12th, was my 7 year "valversary"! So much life has happened since then. I'm grateful for the life-saving #TAVR...
Susan StrongOct 27, 20211 minI Was Told I Was Too Young for TAVR. Here’s Why I’m Glad I Pushed Back.I was only 49 when I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve doesn’t open fully, restricting blood...
Susan StrongOct 6, 20211 min7 Ways to Make Life a Little Easier Before and After TAVRWhen I first learned I had severe aortic stenosis and the only treatment was a heart valve replacement, I was scared and overwhelmed. As...
Susan StrongApr 28, 20211 minLiving with Aortic Stenosis: Before and After TreatmentEven after I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, I knew I still had a lot of living left to do! Just a few months after my...
Susan StrongApr 25, 20211 minA Heart Full of Love, Healing, and GratitudeI thought I'd share something fun and meaningful that I just recently discovered. This morning I completed my first hand-sewn Heart...
Susan StrongApr 14, 20211 min3 Tips for Navigating Bumps in the Road on the Way to Aortic Stenosis TreatmentWhen my doctor first diagnosed me with severe aortic stenosis, I felt overwhelmed. Aortic stenosis is a condition in which the heart’s...
Susan StrongApr 6, 20211 minAortic Stenosis: A Caregiver's Guide from a Patient's PerspectiveReceiving a diagnosis of aortic stenosis often comes as a shock to both patients and their loved ones. And learning that treatment...
Susan StrongMar 22, 20211 minIt's Been 6 Years Since My TAVR. This Is How I'm Doing...The photo below was taken at the beautiful Hanging Lake in my home state of Colorado. Less than one year after my TAVR (transcatheter...
Susan StrongJan 18, 20212 minA Heart Team Approach to Care Empowers PatientsWhen a person is newly diagnosed with any disease or serious medical condition, he or she is often flooded both with anxiety and...
Susan StrongDec 31, 20202 minSaying "So Long" to 2020...For most of us, 2020 has been a year to which we are relieved to bid, "Good riddance!" I’m eager to say so long, farewell, auf...
Susan StrongDec 21, 20202 minThe Importance of HopeI heard a tapping on the door of my hospital room. I was 17 and had just graduated from high school, recently blindsided by a diagnosis...
Susan StrongNov 14, 20201 minMy Aortic Stenosis ConfessionThe video was captured this summer when www.Healthgrades.com asked me to share "My Aortic Stenosis Confession." If you have been...
Susan StrongOct 19, 20202 minWhat the heck is an Interventional Cardiologist?: If you have aortic stenosis, you'll want to know!Knowledge is power, and understanding your treatment options can alleviate a lot of stress. In my article on Healthgrades.com, I give you...
Susan StrongSep 28, 20201 min6 Tips to Manage Anxiety Before Your TAVR ProcedureFacing a life-threatening diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis is stressful any time, but during a pandemic? That's a guarantee for anxiety!
Susan StrongAug 17, 20201 minNot your typical TAVR patient: My storyI’m not the “average” patient who receives transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat their aortic stenosis, a condition in...
Susan StrongAug 10, 20202 minFind Your Tribe. Love them Hard.Remember as a kid that feeling in the pit of your stomach that you didn't belong and you didn't fit in? For me, moving to a new school...