Amy's Guestbook

Amy,

I have been on this wonderful site for over a year but I’m quiet. I do read off and on and read Adam’s book. I just read a string of your posts and I feel so like you. I have researched things so so (too) much. I’ve know for a year and 1/2 I’ll need AVR and it’s so stressful waiting as I can’t decide given I’m asymptomatic. My surgeon is ready for me given my last echocardiogram so I’m thinking about it. Anyway your posts hit home and your amazing recovery gives me hope. I’m lucky to have great health and I think you’re right, the waiting is just maybe worse than my experience might be. Anyway, THANK YOU so much for your story. Beth 

Amy:

I have enjoyed following your journey. I also live in FL and have recently made a first contact with Dr. Accola’s office. I have been having echos for several years and this far am considered to have mild to moderate AV stenosis with either a bicuspid valve or like you with two flaps welded together. I am curious whether you had a repair to your AV or replacement. If replaced, did you go with mechanical or tissue and what helped you in making that decision. 

Thank you,

Mike

Hi Amy,

Like you, I had a bicuspid functioning valve and went through two years of asymptomatic checking and waiting. I finally had my valve replaced at UPENN hospital under the care of Dr Joseph Bavaria this past September.  It’s so great to be on the side of the surgery and back walking and playing golf again.  My wife and I have been back traveling and living life again.



Sending best wishes!  You look great and enjoy doing all the things you love!


Saul Edenbaum

Amy, congratulations on new valve job. I've had my for 15 years. I don't even think about it, until I get reminder from cardiologist every 6 months. I pray all going well with you and your husband. Beautiful couple you both are. One word of advice when the scar on chest starts healing do not pull the scab off. Let it come off naturally. I had one spot less then an inch left and I decided to remove it. I started bleeding and bandage it up. It was still bleeding after 5 minutes using direct pressure. I decided to get liquid bandage to glue it shut. I did by applying the brush on it. I did not read one of the ingredients was iodine. I went straight to my needs screaming in pain and tears flowing out of my eyes. I scared everyone in the house they came in the bathroom, and my position on floor they thought I was having a hear attack. Took several minutes before I could tell everyone what I did. My daughter is an LPN, she was in hestics when I told them. The cardiologist enjoyed the story much more when wife told him at next visit, as did my heart surgeon. You take care, Amy, and God bless you and your family. May God and his family watch over you😔🙏.