John's Guestbook

Hi John, I\'m glad you are getting a second opinion. I got 3 opinions with all the surgeons saying I needed surgery within 2 or 3 months. One of the opinions I paid from my own pocket. He recommended a surgeon that was covered under my HMO. So I had my surgery with him. I think you\'ll have peace of mind knowing you have done all your research especially since you are asymptomatic The 3 to 6 month recovery does seem like a long time before the surgery. I had my surgery on Aug 13, 2012 and time has flown by. Getting better every day. Keep posting - good luck on you journey. Regards, Lee Castro

Hi John. Read my journal. I had the surgery at age 63 this year and found it was easier than I imagined. Once I was home it was almost a constant upward trajectory. Jerry Vernhout AVR and double bypass 5/31/2012

Hey John, It\'s been a while since I have logged onto the website. I was also born with aortic stenosis.I had surgery 2-6-12 and feeling great. My surgeon used the ON-X Life mechanical valve.Check out there website. Would not hurt to get a second opinion. My surgeon was very informative and to the point. I trusted him, but more in a higher power.Take care. Robert Hartner

Hi John Welcome to HVJ. You will find this site amazing and it will help a lot. You will also make a lot of new friends that all are here to help you. There is a lot of info here to read and I suggest in getting Adams book. It will help a lot. Read some of the other journals here, you will find out we all share the same emotions. And also read DVB\'s journal. He has done a lot of research and posted it on here. I to have aortic stenosis with a thoriac anuersym of the ascending aorta. I also just found out that I was born with this 65 years ago. I do have symtoms, and I think from what I have heard it is safer to have symtoms than not to. Cause it can still be getting worse and you not know it. But I have also heard people say they dont have symtoms and after surgery find out they did just didnt know it. I would see your surgeon doctor see what he says and also get a second opionion. There are a lot of good surgeons out there, just make sure you get someone that has done a lot of them. I will follow you and see how things go. Good luck and I hope you get some good answers. If it is severe dont put it off get it all done. Waiting is the hardest part of this. Recovery will take a few months but you will be good as new. Read Mitch\'s journal at 6 months he is training for a 10k race. Good luck Mooving on up Linda H

Hi John, This website will really help you I think. I also have aortic stenosis, still considered moderate, but I am symptomatic. Funny how that works huh? I\'m glad that yours was diagnosed. Like you, my murmur kept getting more pronounced over time. My advice would be to see how you feel about the dr tomorrow and a second opinion is always a good thing. It is very normal to be scared, so read the journals and ask lots of questions, knowledge is key! Take care and please keep us updated. ...Vicki D.

Hi John.. Welcome to HVJ! You have certainly come to the right place for questions & information. Deb Z was \"right on\" when she suggested DVB\'s journals. He has done excellent journaling on his mounds of research! I also had Aorta Stenosis. My valve was replaced in July at Cleveland Clinic. I never knew I was born with a bad valve until February, & by that time, I was critical. :( I was lucky....my surgeon told me they do not usually see someone\'s valve get as bad as mine. My second opinion was when I referred myself to Cleveland since I thought my cardiologist was moving a little too slow (he was always on vacation when I was to come in for follow up appts after tests)...lucky for me.....I was right... I was symtomatic & I could tell I was getting worse.. Best of luck to you with your appointments. This journey can be overwhelming at times...but all worth it......it is your life! :) :) Regards, Connie T

Hi John, You should definitely seek a second opinion and ask every question you can think of. Do a ton of research.....this is your heart we\'re talking about! Please read DVB\'s journal entries on this site.....they are very informative about the risks of heart surgery. Godspeed and good luck! Deb Z.