calcified aortic valve

[hotlips1]

I'm a 48 year old female.Always been in good health until last year when I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve. Never had a heart murmur before just picked up routinely. Have had angiogram and transoesophaegalechocardiogram for comfirmation. Before April this year I will be having mechanical valve replacement. Been told unusual for someone my age to be having this done so early in life. Does anyone know anyone in my age group etc as I am finding this very hard to cope with? I know this is a major operation etc and will find the recovery process hard as I've worked as a Care Assistant all my life. Many thanks.