Ana's Guestbook

Susan Lynn posted a note for Ana that says: Hey, Girlfriend! Thinking of you. How did you make out with your new cardiologist? ❤

Steven Methot posted a note for Ana that says: Sounds like it is time to read the riot act to your cardiologist. Mine went through a silent period and his staff were most unhelpful, but when it was over we found out that he had had a serious health issue himself. In the interim my family doctor has taken over as my quarterback and I know that if I am not getting answers or action I can always call on her and she'll poke and prod away on my behalf. Could your family doctor do the same?

stephanie arnold posted a note for Ana that says: hi,Ana. I always look forward to seeing your comments soon this forum. the synchronicity of this and what I have been learning in my women's bible study is amazing. the concept of GRACE. and giving all to God. since I've lost my love, God has certainly taken up the slack,being there for me while I continue my healing path. God bless you, Ana.🙏❤😇

Rose Madura posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana, regarding your question on calcium supplements...I was diagnosed with osteopenia in my right hip. My PCP wanted me to take 1200 mg of calcium supplements daily. My sister-in-law (who is a nurse) suggested I discuss that with my cardiologist so I did. He said not to take any more than 500 mg. I guess we have to take trade offs. I don't want this new valve to clarify so I've taken 500 daily. Hope this helps. I appreciate your kind and sweet encouraging words to everyone. Your the best!

stephanie arnold posted a note for Ana that says: just to say again, Ana, how much your faith in God has been a reinforcement. I do believe that God saved my life when I had the emergency heart surgery. I am thanking Him by shining my own light on others, and continuing to seek Him.
God bless you.❤🙏

stephanie arnold posted a note for Ana that says: hi, ana. again, i sure loved hearing that you share the blessings of prayer. no matter one's spiritual center, we are all in this together, and adding a little prayer certainly helps. God bless you, and continue to heal.

Deepak Khanka posted a note for Ana that says: Hey Ana
Hope you’re well. Thanks for remembering me. It’s going to be 9 months post ops. I am currently on wait and watch for the second ops. Due to Covid echo and consultation is cancelled. I will have to some how get one more echo done to check the Left ventricle size . Hope it’s not increased . Then to plan a date for surgery. Currently isolating and spending time with kids . I have got a 7 years old and 5 years old. My wife works for NHS so she is still working. Bad times but trying to take all precautions . I hope you are keeping safe .
Best regards
Deepak

Deepak posted a note for Ana that says: Ana, thanks for your note full of strength and positivity. Keep me in your prayers

Susan Lynn posted a note for Ana that says: Ana - All the best, today! We'll be here awaiting your good news! You've got this! ❤

Fay Kozas from Mount Sinai in NY posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana, I am thinking about you and I wish you all the best with your surgery tomorrow. And, you were very smart in doing your research and finding the doctor that is "right for you". Peace of mind is very important. Remember, when you wake up, the risk will be over. Keep us posted.

Maria Philippon posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana , no doubt you have the best Doctor. Dr Starnes did my surgery in January and I am doing great!. Wishing you the best with your upcoming survey and recovery !

Deepak Khanka posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana
Thanks for reply earlier . I am based in London .I am 20 mins away from my hospital where I did my surgery. Post surgery things were easy. Your surgery is on 27th I wish you all the best. Go in with no fear . It is for a good cause and remember god loves you .

J H Mattingly posted a note for Ana that says: Hey Ana! I am a Bentall veteran (2011) and what I found....
1) sounds kinda scary
2) surgery will take a little longer, but you won't know the difference
3) do all the rehab work
4) life is great afterward!

You will do great!

Laurie posted a note for Ana that says: Ana:
I had the bentall procedure done in November 2011. It’s a big surgery but if you are in good health you have nothing to worry about.

John DeGroot posted a note for Ana that says: Ana:
Dr Starnes performed the Bental procedure on me in Feb. 2014. You are in great hands with him and his remarkable team. Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

CHALAH DiCESARE posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana - we were in CA a year or so ago - it's SO beautiful!! Glad you found a Doctor that you are confident in. My Cardiologist is a family friend - so, I trust that he referred me to a great surgeon - but, also wish that back in April - when my Aortic valve was the size of a pea - he told me to start looking for a surgeon. Now it's the size of a pin hole & I feel like I don't really have the time to go around to different surgeons. But, I'm fine with the surgeon he referred me to. My husband is more nervous than me. :)
Take care.

Fay Kozas posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana, so happy that you got a second opinion and now you feel so confident about your choice of doctor. You also have a great philosophical outlook. And you will have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Marie Myers posted a note for Ana that says: AV block is a heart rhythm disturbance. There are 3 kinds, and only the third degree AV block requires a pacemaker to treat it. Not all the electrical impulses go the normal route from the SA node, to the AV node, then down through the ventricles. The impulse is “blocked” at the AV node. Hope that explanation helps.

Deepak Khanka posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana
Hope you are well. I was reading your story and thought of sharing what happened during my surgery , which was a valve saving surgery with David’s procedure. Only reason I want to share this with you is for you to discuss this with your doc.
After the surgeon had got rid of the aneurysm and replaced it with the graft one of the coronary arteries started to break while he was trying to attach them to the graft . He had to do a double bypass on the coronary arteries. I am sure the surgeons take rational approach to secure positive outcomes . This coronary artery issue is a minor one but still during heart surgery’s it important to know all outcomes so family members don’t get sudden surprises.
Seeing your journey it is clear that you have done your home work and I am pleased to know that you have faith in your surgeon. This is very important . Rest I think you have done your bit and now you have to leave to the surgeon’s and god. Everything will be fine . Go with an attitude once you are given the anesthecia you won’t remember anything after that. Post surgery is game where will power and persistent comes in play . I think positive attitude and taking things as they come are the most important. I wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers

Fay Kozas posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana,
-It was nice hearing from you. And what a pleasant surprise that you were under the care of the great Mount Sinai doctors. I do want to add that the gold standard is for the aneurysm to be repaired when it is still asymptomatic. The repair is done during the procedure for the valve. All in one surgery. Please pay close attention to the size of the aneurysm--anything >5.5 cm. should immediately be taken care of. I wish you all the best.

Fay Kozas posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana, I read your post and I would like to tell you that if you don't feel comfortable, seek another opinion until you are fully satisfied. I am not a doctor but I do outreach with doctors at Mount Sinai Hospital in NY. Usually, surgery for an aneurysm on the ascending aorta involves removing the damaged section of the aorta and replacing it with a synthetic tube (graft) which is sewn into place. But yet again, every patient is different. Please keep us posted. May I highly recommend the Cardiovascular Center in Mount Sinai! Good luck.

Adam Pick posted a note for Ana that says: Hi Ana, Welcome to our community! Great to have you here neighbor! I'm in Los Angeles! I see you have aortic regurgitation and are planning on a replacement. Are you aware of the recent advances in aortic valve repair techniques. If not, you may want to check this out - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/haart-annuloplasty-ring.php.