biscupid aorta

My 19 yr old daughter was recently in a hypertension study at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp where she learned she has a biscupid aorta.  She was told that one of the valves appears to be closing and that surgery is imminent.  I was not present when this discussion incurred. She is terrified and has no insurance.  The physician told her to apply for assistance at the hospital and to try to get insurance through work as treatment is very expensive. This was a couple of months ago and she has since lost her job and is still awaiting approval for assistance from the University of Cincinnati Hosp.  I am anxious to see a Dr with her but I do not know what to do.  No one will talk to us without insurance.  Any suggestions?

[Cleveland Clinic]

I suggest that you contact the social worker at the hospital, and other children's hospitals int he state who may be able to help pro bono. If she indeed has a bicuspid aortic valve the usual age for requiring surgery is 40s-50s, not as early in life as your daughter;s, so this may be an overcall ( that is the severity of the valve disease). If she is having symptoms of heart failure, chest pain or back pain, arrhythmias then she may be able to be seen in the emergency room and admitted for the procedure. She may be responsible for the costs, but the physical costs of ignoring or delaying surgery in cases such as these are serious and can be life threatening. Do not ignore any of these symptoms, and seek emergent medical help if they occur.