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Thalia Foorjust updated her profile

8 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Educational Video About Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Surgeon Q&A: Bicuspid Aortic Valves, Connective Tissue Disorders & Aneurysms

Doctor Interviewed:
Dr. Chris Malaisrie

Surgeon Q&A: Bicuspid Aortic Valves, Connective Tissue Disorders & Aneurysms

Upcoming Patient Surgeries

Doris Wunsch
Tricuspid Regurgitation
May 19, 2026

Katheleen Luz
Aortic Regurgitation
May 22, 2026

James Beauvais
Aortic Stenosis
May 27, 2026

chengyi ligot a new guestbook post

20 hours ago

Diren P reacted to this

Kenneth Manson writes, "I developed a pleural effusion after my operation for an aortic aneurysm in 2007. I had a terrible dry cough and my primary care recognized it. I had ...Read more

Kenneth Manson writes, "I developed a pleural effusion after my operation for an aortic aneurysm in 2007. I had a terrible dry cough and my primary care recognized it. I had over a liter of liquid drained from my chest and within an hour my cough had gone away and did not return. I didn't feel anything when the drainage needle was inserted. I had had 3 previous open heart operations for aortic stenosis in 1960 when I was 10, then 1984 and 1994. The aneurysm surgery was done in 2007. I'm still moving thanks to the miracles of modern medicine. I ski, kayak and play pickleball 3-4 times a week. I'm very fortunate that's for sure.
Ken Manson Amesbury Ma

"

Pamela Gregory Glad they were able to give you such quick and painless relief! Wow, you have had a lot of surgeries... Read more

Pamela Gregory Glad they were able to give you such quick and painless relief! Wow, you have had a lot of surgeries. You are an inspiration for me

MaryAnne Jardisgot a new guestbook post

20 hours ago

Kenneth Manson writes, "Ken Manson Amesbury Mass

Hello I see you were scheduled for surgery back on May 6th. Hope it went well. I've had 4 open heart operation for aortic stenosis, ...Read more

Kenneth Manson writes, "Ken Manson Amesbury Mass

Hello I see you were scheduled for surgery back on May 6th. Hope it went well. I've had 4 open heart operation for aortic stenosis, congenital bicuspid aortic valve . The first at Childrens way back in 1960 when I was 10. Then in 1984 my repaired native valve was replaced with a Porcine valve that lasted until 1994 and then replaced with a St Judes mechanical valve which I have had now for 32 years this June. Have been on warfarin for those 32 years and have been very fortunate not to have any issues. Then in January 2007 I was operated on for an aneurysm on my aortic arch. I now developed another aneurysm that they are tracking but are hoping it remains stable as I'm 76 and the doctors are reluctant to do a 5th operation. And my enthusiasm for a 5th surgery is low. LOL. "

Richard Munsonposted an update

22 hours ago

Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Not sharing this ball with anyone but my dad.

Pamela Gregory Love it! Handsome boy

chengyi liposted an update

1 day ago

I am 26 years old and was born with congenital heart disease. When I was about one year old, I had open-heart surgery through a sternotomy to treat ...Read more

I am 26 years old and was born with congenital heart disease. When I was about one year old, I had open-heart surgery through a sternotomy to treat pulmonary valve stenosis. After that, I lived a mostly normal life and had very few noticeable symptoms, so I did not keep up with regular cardiac follow-up as closely as I should have.

In 2025, I decided to have my heart checked again. I then learned that I had developed severe pulmonary regurgitation, pulmonary stenosis, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and significant right ventricular enlargement. I was surprised because I did not feel very sick, but my doctors explained that surgery was needed to prevent further damage to my heart.

On April 22, 2026, I had redo open-heart surgery with Dr. Jordan Bloom. I underwent pulmonary valve replacement with a 26 mm gender-matched acellular pulmonary homograft, tricuspid valve repair with a 28 mm Physio ring, and PFO closure. The surgery went well, and I am now recovering.

My most recent update is that I developed a postoperative pleural effusion. I have been having a frequent dry cough and am scheduled for drainage. This has made me anxious, because I am not sure whether it is simply part of the normal recovery process after surgery or whether it could indicate something more concerning.

Rose Madura You are young to have to go through all this. Many people have pleural effusions and I was one of th ... Read more

Rose Madura You are young to have to go through all this. Many people have pleural effusions and I was one of them. The procedure was done when I was in the hospital and they did it in my room so I imagine it will be an outpatient procedure. I wish you well. Please let us know how everything goes.

chengyi li Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I actually had chest tubes while I was still in the ho ... Read more

chengyi li Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I actually had chest tubes while I was still in the hospital, and by the time they were removed, there was only a small amount of pleural effusion left. However, during my weekly follow-up chest X-rays, they found that the fluid has been increasing and is now compressing my right lung.

They scheduled me for an outpatient interventional radiology appointment next week to drain the pleural effusion. But over the past few days, my cough has been getting noticeably worse. I can’t really bend over without coughing, and I also cough a lot when I lie down to sleep.

New Posts About Atrial Fibrillation

Patient Alert: New Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines to Prevent Stroke Risk

At the recent 60th Annual Meeting of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons in San... Read More.

Surgeon Q&A: The ABC Technique for Atrial Fibrillation During Heart Valve Surgery

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common arrhythmia among adults. Many people will experience... Read More.

Heather Leighposted an update

1 day ago

hi! I'm not sure if this is allowed here, but I wanted to share my gofundme, as it also shares a bit more of my journey with this. no pressure to donate! <3 ...Read more

hi! I'm not sure if this is allowed here, but I wanted to share my gofundme, as it also shares a bit more of my journey with this. no pressure to donate! <3 https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-heathers-heart-surgery-recovery-f89zc?utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_tb-amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_US

Donate to Support Heather’s Open Heart Surgery & Recovery, organized by H P

https://www.gofundme.com:443/f/support-heathers-heart-surgery-recovery-f89zc?utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash

My name is Heather, and I’m preparing for open heart surgery on June 4th. The proc… H P needs your support for Support Heather’s Open Heart Surgery & Recovery

chengyi lijust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Rachel Haighjust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Patricia Hubeljust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

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lori higueragot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Matthew Boyer writes, "Lori,

How are you doing? I have not been on the site for a few weeks. I am six weeks out from surgery now. I am doing ok. I am not ...Read more

Matthew Boyer writes, "Lori,

How are you doing? I have not been on the site for a few weeks. I am six weeks out from surgery now. I am doing ok. I am not very patient and am ready to be back to 100%. I will be going back to work Monday.

Once leaving the hospital I was on aspirin, folate, b12, vitamin C, iron. For discomfort I was on Robaxin, gabapentin, and Tramadol. I am taking metoprolol to keep my heart rate down.

Overall, I am doing ok. The chest pain and s gone. I still have some numbness around and just below my nipple from the surgery. I also have some numbness in my right thigh from the bypass.

Good luck. "

Chris Freyergot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Chris Freyer, Katheleen Luz reacted to this

Cristine Schaeffer writes, "Good luck tomorrow!"

Sandy Schemeliaposted an update

1 day ago

question for all you OHS does anyone still get tenderness or sharp pains in there chest. I am 2 years out and when I bend, pick up stuff and even sleep I get ...Read more

question for all you OHS does anyone still get tenderness or sharp pains in there chest. I am 2 years out and when I bend, pick up stuff and even sleep I get that soreness or sharp pain where my incision was and on my ribs. Just wondering. Was at my cardiologist and valve is doing just find had a stress, eco, ekg and CT scan. all came our good.

Geoff Curtis I'm 19 months out & I still get a couple shooting pain spots in my upper rips when I hit certain ... Read more

Geoff Curtis I'm 19 months out & I still get a couple shooting pain spots in my upper rips when I hit certain positions. But overall, not too many

Ann T Hi. I had my first surgery in 2013 ( I think lol), second one 2021. I still get occasional sharp pain ... Read more

Ann T Hi. I had my first surgery in 2013 ( I think lol), second one 2021. I still get occasional sharp pains around the heart area and sternotomy site at times. I bring it up to Cardiologist constantly, but everything checks out ok. I'm thinking it must have to do with the nerves. It's actually good to hear that it's not just me that experiences that sort of thing. Seems like the drs are hesitant to say anything when they are not sure.

John Cook This post makes me feel a lot better with what I’ve been experiencing.

I’m almost a year o ... Read more

John Cook This post makes me feel a lot better with what I’ve been experiencing.

I’m almost a year out. I get random discomfort in various places on my chest. It feels shallow, like it’s in my ribs. I mentioned it to my cardiologist a month ago and he didn’t act like it was significant.

Chris Freyergot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Christopher Goodloe writes, "Wishing you the best, Chris. You got this!"

St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Edgewood, KY - Sponsored

Gary Fabre

“I just went in for an annual check-up. After listening to my heart, my doctor told me I had a heart murmur. I never knew I had a heart murmur, and I didn’t know much about them. The images ... Read more.

We made the decision, at the time, to keep an eye on it for a year because I had no symptoms. Based on my second echocardiogram, it was determined that my mitral valve prolapse had progressed, and it was time for surgery. Now, I am ecstatic to say that my wife and I just returned from a 10-day holiday in Saint Lucia which included four scuba dives.

Dr. Castillo-Sang gave me the confidence that I would be able to dive again, and he was 100% correct."

-- Gary Fabre, heart valve patient

Kimberly Nuttlejust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Michael Kluseposted an update

1 day ago

Tomorrow May 15 is the third anniversary of my aortic valve replacement and aorta repair. I’m blessed in that from the 3 months post surgery point I’ve ...Read more

Tomorrow May 15 is the third anniversary of my aortic valve replacement and aorta repair. I’m blessed in that from the 3 months post surgery point I’ve been fully back to normal with no activity or diet restrictions. I walk 3 miles each day, play golf once or twice a week and do circuit training once or twice a week. I will turn 75 in August and remain committed to an active lifestyle.

I’m forever thankful to Dr. Javaheri, my interventional cardiologist for the excellent work up and recommending a world class surgeon Dr. Morris Brown at the Piedmont Valve Center in Atlanta. Dr. Brown and his team provided excellent care before, during and after the surgery. I couldn’t have asked for more than a world class surgeon, at a world class facility, with a world class care team. And Dr.Javaheri has been monitoring my valve since the surgery to be sure it is fully functioning—which it is. Finally I’d be remiss not to be thankful to my dear wife of 52 years and my family for their care and support which was critical to my successful journey.

So if you are facing similar surgery know that, while it is daunting to face, there are professionals that will get you through it and back to normal. Many of us have done it and you will too!

My most important advice is to maintain a positive attitude and have faith in and listen to your surgeon and care team. Don’t let yourself get down. It can easily happen, but don’t let it! Always be positive!

Life is good!

Corey Potter Congratulations, Michael!

Marie Myers Happy Valversary!

Rose Madura What a great and uplifting post! Congratulations on a successful surgery and recovery.

Debbie Pauleyjust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Kathy Ozioposted an update

2 days ago

Deena Z reacted to this

I have not been on for awhile - tax season was a rough one this year. Ha! Had my annual check up (it's been 3 years) and testing on Monday at CC. All looks ...Read more

I have not been on for awhile - tax season was a rough one this year. Ha! Had my annual check up (it's been 3 years) and testing on Monday at CC. All looks good!

Richard Munson

Marie Myers Great to hear!

Rose Madura Glad to hear from you Kathy! Glad all is well.

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MaryAnne Jardisgot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Ernest Marumoto writes, "I had my second Open Heart surgery in January 2025. I was referred to Dr. Craig Baker at Keck USC Hospital by several surgeons. My advice is that you have to ...Read more

Ernest Marumoto writes, "I had my second Open Heart surgery in January 2025. I was referred to Dr. Craig Baker at Keck USC Hospital by several surgeons. My advice is that you have to have confidence in the doctor you select and their team. Talk to the surgeon about any concerns you have. I was very fortunate to have been referred to Dr. Baker MD. From the time I met him, I felt he was a caring and kind person. I almost decided not to have the surgery until I met him and talked to him. After the consultation I felt more comfortable but I was still scared. I decided to trust Dr. Baker and had the surgery. I was off oxygen the day after the surgery after having to use oxygen for almost 4 years after my first open heart surgery. In my opinion, having confidence in your doctor is the most beneficial factor because that relaxes you prior to the surgery. If I hadn’t had the surgery I wouldn’t be here to write this little note. The post surgical care was fantastic at Keck USC Hospital which made recovery more comfortable. Second is select a hospital with a good reputation for heart surgeries. They’ll know how to keep you as comfortable after the surgery as possible.

Best wishes for your surgery and recovery. I hope this helps. "

MaryAnne Jardisgot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Sandra Graham writes, "Hi MaryAnne,

I had my aortic valve replaced 31 years ago (December 1994) at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. I opted for a prosthetic valve ...Read more

Sandra Graham writes, "Hi MaryAnne,

I had my aortic valve replaced 31 years ago (December 1994) at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. I opted for a prosthetic valve at the time, and I am not sorry. They were able to implant a Saint Jude’s valve, and I have been taking Coumadin ever since. In the early years, I had blood draws away from home. Later, I started self testing at home, and the results went to my doctor. I have said to my doctor that the office does not need to call me with instructions unless they feel they must. I know what I need to do now if my INR is too high or too low. It might seem overwhelming in the beginning, but it becomes part of the routine. Certain foods affect the way Coumadin works, but it is easy to manage. Self testing was always covered by my insurance, and now that I am on Medicare, it is still covered. Best of luck with your re-operation.

Sandra"

MaryAnne Jardis Hi Sandra
That is amazing you also went to Brigham and Woman's . It is a great hospital. Sounds li ... Read more

MaryAnne Jardis Hi Sandra
That is amazing you also went to Brigham and Woman's . It is a great hospital. Sounds like you have had a successful journey! I am just glad everything is over and like you said trying to manage the Coumadin. If I don't have to have another OHS I will get it done! Thanks for your thoughts!

Chris Freyergot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Markos Barrios reacted to this

Susan writes, "Take a breath. Sounds like you've done all that's in your control. Know this and own it. Put your trust and faith in your surgical team and ...Read more

Susan writes, "Take a breath. Sounds like you've done all that's in your control. Know this and own it. Put your trust and faith in your surgical team and the universe. Blessings on your journey Chris!
"

Chris Freyergot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Bobby Gee writes, "I see the Hospital and Surgeon. You've done homework, you've made your decision and we'll be fine before you know it."

Educational Video About Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Surgeon Q&A: Bicuspid Aortic Valves, Connective Tissue Disorders & Aneurysms

Doctor Interviewed:
Dr. Chris Malaisrie

Surgeon Q&A: Bicuspid Aortic Valves, Connective Tissue Disorders & Aneurysms

Chris Freyergot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Bobby Gee writes, "Best of luck Chris, sounds like you did some excellent research
and are going to be just fine. My MR sounds quite similar to yours except that I have ...Read more

Bobby Gee writes, "Best of luck Chris, sounds like you did some excellent research
and are going to be just fine. My MR sounds quite similar to yours except that I have some cardiologists that are recommending surgery now and another that is saying not to have surgery. I'm getting another echo June 3rd, we shall see. Can you tell me at which hospital you're having here is done, please?"

Chris Freyergot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Gail Norris writes, "Don't worry. That surgery is quite easy compared to my mitral valve replacement. Wishing you well! "

MaryAnne Jardisgot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Deena Z reacted to this

Tom O'Brien writes, "Good Luck MaryAnne,

I had aortic valve replaced in 2009. Had 2nd replacement in 2022. Less painful the 2nd time but recovery was much slower.

Tom O'Brien"

MaryAnne Jardis Thank you ! I am 8 days out from surgery and feel very well today. Taking a few tiny walks during the ... Read more

MaryAnne Jardis Thank you ! I am 8 days out from surgery and feel very well today. Taking a few tiny walks during the day and eating a bit better. Recovery definitely takes time and can't rush it. Learning about Coumadin and trying to manage that piece. Thanks for your support!

Heather Leighgot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Heather Leigh, Grace Mason , Rose Madura and 2 others reacted to this

susan harris writes, "heather, if you do not have someone to be with you at the hospital during surgery and ICU, let me know and i will be there with you. my 27 year old son just ...Read more

susan harris writes, "heather, if you do not have someone to be with you at the hospital during surgery and ICU, let me know and i will be there with you. my 27 year old son just had OHS so i’ve been through it as a mom and can be an adopted “mom” ! ( i live in phila. so it’s easy drive and my 25 yr old son lives in east village so it’s good excuse to visit him! esharris4@verizon.net
"

Heather Leigh thank you so much... I will let you know <3 I created a spreadsheet for my friends to fill out the ... Read more

Heather Leigh thank you so much... I will let you know <3 I created a spreadsheet for my friends to fill out their availability but don't plan on sharing it for a week or so just in case I can push my date back slightly. and oh wow east village! I'm there all the time for work :) one of my shows is there.

Richard Munson Wow, susan, you are an amazing person to offer this to heather.

Grace Mason You are a super mom Susan ❤️

Deena Z Love for humanity, Susan. ♥️

Susan Lynn Very kind of you, Susan!

susan harris Thank you for the very kind comments. We all help each other! If i can make someone’s load a bit ... Read more

susan harris Thank you for the very kind comments. We all help each other! If i can make someone’s load a bit less to carry, that’s what it’s all about. Heather, let us all know how you’re doing. and if i don’t hear from you in a few weeks, i’ll message you just to check in.

Chris Freyerposted an update

2 days ago

Markos Barrios, Adam Pick, Lynne Anderson and 2 others reacted to this

Well, it's Wednesday night (May 13), and I'll be reporting to the hospital for minimally invasive Mitral valve repair on Friday morning (4:30am).

My ...Read more

Well, it's Wednesday night (May 13), and I'll be reporting to the hospital for minimally invasive Mitral valve repair on Friday morning (4:30am).

My surgeon has me on a regimen of 3 protein shakes per day for the week before surgery and the week after I return home. I'll also drink two carbohydrate drinks the night before surgery and the morning of. Plus showers using an antibiotic wash.

At this point, I've learned everything I can -- about my surgeon, the hospital, the daVinci surgical robot, the surgery itself, the post-op process, the pain management process, and what to do at home. I also learned about Cardiac Depression from Adam's book (a great resource!)

My support system is ready (my whole family), and my legal documents are up-to-date. I even put together a binder with all my receipts, documents, handouts, etc for my wife.

Now...I wait. This is the hard part.

Markos Barrios Wishing you the best. Everything will be just as planned.

Marie Myers Great idea about the protein shakes pre and post op. I was advised to add whey protein to my diet als ... Read more

Marie Myers Great idea about the protein shakes pre and post op. I was advised to add whey protein to my diet also.. Best wishes for a smooth surgery and recovery!

Rose Madura Sounds like you have everything under control. God bless you in this journey.

Adam Pick You got this Chris! Thinking healthy heart-pumping thoughts for you and your heart! Please keep us u... Read more

Adam Pick You got this Chris! Thinking healthy heart-pumping thoughts for you and your heart! Please keep us updated!

Deena Z Impressed that your team talked about diet pre and post. I dont think most do. That’s a confidence ... Read more

Deena Z Impressed that your team talked about diet pre and post. I dont think most do. That’s a confidence booster.

Gail Ochi You are well prepared, Chris. My first year minimally invasive mitral valve repair anniversary was Ma ... Read more

Gail Ochi You are well prepared, Chris. My first year minimally invasive mitral valve repair anniversary was May 13! Best wishes.

Doris Wunsch Remarkable preparation you have been involved with!
All the best and looking forward to hearing y ... Read more

Doris Wunsch Remarkable preparation you have been involved with!
All the best and looking forward to hearing your after report !

Upcoming Surgeries

Doris Wunsch
Tricuspid Regurgitation
May 19, 2026

Katheleen Luz
Aortic Regurgitation
May 22, 2026

James Beauvais
Aortic Stenosis
May 27, 2026

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