Betsy's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: April 23, 2024

Send Betsy a Note Below

My Guestbook

Write a Note for Betsy

Betsy Davenport got a guestbook from Joanne Heckmann
2 years ago (June 11, 2024)
Betsy, I know that same frustration regarding cardiologists. Don't waste energy on anger over the past. Learn how to use whatever expertise they may have, in your favor. For example, ask for tests, like a Holter, carotid ultrasound, coronary artery calcium score. Use this site to find a Level 1... Read more.
🥰 Betsy Davenport reacted to this
I had the Holter a couple of years ago. I am mostly healthy. I definitely feel healthy but the lab work says I have kidney disease but I'm keeping that steady by not asking them to do too much. Other than that, I've got a zero on the frailty scale... Read more.
GRAIL Galleri is also called "liquid biopsy". It is a blood test for about 60 different types of cancer including those that there is no other test for. It's not covered by insurance. The goal is to catch anything very early, even before it can be seen by other test... Read more.
Betsy Davenport got a guestbook from Diana Chamblin-Bevirt
2 years ago (June 11, 2024)
Hi Betsy! It's frustrating when cardiologists don't really listen to us and our symptoms. I hope you have found a great team who will take good care of you. Best of luck to you.
Betsy Davenport got a guestbook from Ruth joy
2 years ago (June 8, 2024)
Hi Betsy , Welcome😊
🥰 Betsy Davenport reacted to this
Betsy, It is time for a second opinion. Duke, where I was treated and is one of the better rated heart hospital and is a short drive down the road. I too had a aortic valve replacement. the interventional cardiologist I used is gone so no one to recommend there.... Read more.
Hi Betsy! I am 71 and just got a new aortic valve, along with aneurysm fix, in April of this year. The plan was to do OHS this time, and set me up with a big enough valve to do TAVr in 10-15 years when I need a new valve.... Read more.
Betsy, I did the above without the aneurysm fix at 63 with the same thought as Valerie, set myself you for a TAVR in 15 years.
Thanks, everybody. I'm on the west coast so a second opinion, after I get the first one, is likely to be more local than at Duke.
Sorry I missed the Oregon part of the city, there plenty of options out west. 😊

Upcoming Surgeries

Jeanmarie Fitzgerald
Aortic Regurgitation
June 18, 2026
Jim Rutherford
Aortic Regurgitation
June 23, 2026
Art Wright
Mitral Regurgitation
June 29, 2026

Surgeon Finder

Heart Valve Surgeon Finder

Find and research over 1,500 patient-recommended heart valve surgeons.

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.