Receiving a diagnosis of aortic stenosis often comes as a shock to both patients and their loved ones. And learning that treatment involves a procedure to replace the diseased valve can be a frightening prospect. As a care partner, you might be wondering what you can do to support your loved one through this process. As someone who was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat it, I want you to know this: Never doubt the positive impact you can have in your role as a care partner and source of support. Most patients I know say they could not imagine going through this process without the support of friends and loved ones. I know I feel that way!
When I had TAVR in 2014, my partner Darryl was my hero. The things he did that may have seemed simple (like driving me to appointments, taking notes, and keeping a list of questions to ask my team) meant the world to me. When I felt stuck in my own anxious thoughts about what might go wrong, he helped me picture all the ways life would be better once I had my new heart valve. And during my recovery, he helped me stop and notice all the positive changes. If your loved one has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis and needs a new heart valve, here are three ways you can support them:
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