About Me (In My Own Words)
Although we all expected my Aortic Valve replacement to last 12-15 years, my metabolism and the valve didnt seem to agree. So, after 5 years, I am once again about to have Aortic Valve Replacement surgery. This time will be at the Cleveland Clinic. While I am still debating whether to go tissue or mechanical, I am tending toward mechanical with the ON-X valve in hopes of not having to go through this again. Opinions and experiences of others with each are welcome.
I'll start updates soon and keep folks posted. At least this time, when it comes time to update at time of surgery, it will be my wonderful wife Darci at the keys. Darci, Sophie and Adam are treasures in my life, and certainly provide ample motivation to get through this and get back to the great life we share together. Having just been married August 29 of this year, this is one heck of a way to start our new life together!
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Early November 2010 I began experiencing a lot of pain in my right hip causing me to seek orthopedic help. After xray and MRI, I learned i have a condition known as Avascular Necrosis (AVN) in both hips - wherein the bone of the femur was dying. Fortunately, the left is minor while right was more profound, yet the hip had not collapsed. A surgical procedure called core decompression was to be performed (drill a hole up into the head of the femur to promote bone growth). As the pre-op testing was being complete just before christmas, I learned that my long standing murmur had become severe aortic stenosis. The hip procedure was performed anyway, and a cardio referral was provided with no particular sense of urgency for January 21.
Upon meeting the cardiologist, he viewed the echo and the nuke stress along with the diagnosis and said "lets not get ahead of ourselves here, it may not be correct...sit up here.." upon puttting the stethoscope to my chest, his eyebrows went up and he muttered rather loudly, "Oh!" The angio was scheduled for the next week.
Before the angio, I had talked to the cardio and a number of friends in the medical community. I already knew it likely that I have a congenital defect - a bicuspid aortic valve - 2 leaves instead of 3. The angio confirmed it. When I asked the cardiologist how long to get it done - months or years, he responded "no..weeks maybe a month and a half, you have to get this done.."
I have spent the time since interviewing and being evaluated by cardiothoracic surgeons. Of the 4 that I would consider qualified in Buffalo, there is only one facility I am reasonably comfortable with and it is South Buffalo Mercy. That leaves John Bell-Thomson and Serrie Lico, both of whom are gifted surgeons. JBT has been at it forever and has great stats but a rather direct bedside manner. Lico is quite personable and talented although he does not have the years of experience JBT does.
I have also accepted the offer of a friend to have a high level review at the Cleveland Clinic, which is in process now. In the interim, JBT felt it very important to get a date quickly, so I have a surgical date of February 24, absent contravening information from Cleveland. I have not yet made a final decision as to who and where, but will within a day of my discussion with the Docs in Cleveland
I am told that I can have a procedure called a mini sternotomy, where the incison is 3 or 4 inches instead of my entire chest. If this is the case, my recovery will be cut to a third, absent complications. They can do this as the rest of my heart is healthy and I do not have any other blockages of consequence.
Even so, the days after the surgery for a couple weeks will, I expect, be difficult. I have had several offers to recuperate at homes of family and friend which I deeply appreciate, yet I would rather just be in the familiar surroundings of home . There is no question that I will need help, and I will certainly accept it this time around.
I'll be figuring out the logistics of all this in the next few days and keep all posted. I decided to use this great blog tool so that everyone can be informed of whats going on. I welcome your calls, yet keep in mind that I wont be able to be very communicative for a few days post surgery. I will have email, cel phone and text with me by the 28th I would think.
Thanks for all your well wishes and support! The only thing I can say is that after all these tests, I am pretty sure I know that nothing else appears wrong with me..lol
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Buffalo, New York
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My surgery date is:
November 19, 2015
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic