Guestbook of Don LaPorte

My Guestbook

On January 10, 2015...

Richard Volpe posted a note for Don that says:

Hello Don, my name is Richard Volpe. I had Dr. Gillinov save my life not once but twice in the last 4 years. He's the man. All we can do is put our self in the best of hands and you did.

All The Best.

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Don LaPorte Wow Richard, thanks for this post! Awesome you are doing well, and hopefully no more visits in the near future!

On January 2, 2015...

Michael Meyer posted a note for Don that says:

Don:
Feel free to contact me here on heart journal or give me a call (314-399-5008) to discuss any concerns you might have about repair. I did have a surgical consult with one of the best thoracic surgeons in the country about the need for surgery. He suggested there was a need, but he only performs a median sternotomy procedure. Dr. Gillinov was the second surgeon to evaluation my condition. I would have two opinions before surgery. To your point below, we are making data-based decisions and you have done your homework in choosing Cleveland Clinic.

I saw your notes about watchful waiting but the most recent data I found was to have surgery within 3 months of the onset of the condition to ensure no affect to long term mortality. I did have irregular heartbeats in discovering the problem, but I am aware there are those that do not have symptoms. I had skied in Salt Lake City for a week two months prior to my diagnosis and was just "tired" a lot. I never had shortness of breath which seemed to boggle my cardiologist mind

Each person is different in recovery, the data shows recovery in 6-15 weeks. The robotic surgery should be on the shorter time period. I was back to work in 8 weeks. I did start with half days the first week. I have mostly an office job. A more physical job will require more time and or restrictions based on your cardiologist determination.

Rehab is great and important part of recovery. Please feel free to contact me if you have specific questions about the process, clinic or my condition. You want to feel comfortable with the facility, surgeon and procedure and get to a decision to move ahead.

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Don LaPorte Thanks Michael, really appreciate the time! Left a message for you, looking forward to catching up.

On December 30, 2014...

Kimberly Biddick posted a note for Don that says:

Hi don! Thank you for your message you left me. Glad to see a few other local people on here! I am just curious, what made you reach the decision to go to Cleveland for your surgery vs. staying in Dallas? I would love to hear what brought you to that decision as I am just in the beginning phases of researching doctors and surgeons. Do you have a local cardiologist that you would recommend? I wish you the very best for your operation and am sure you're very much looking forward to having it all behind you!!

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Lenore Mitchell Kimberly - here are my thoughts on researching surgeons and hospitals. I live in Denver and as an RN, I'm aware of several local thoracic surgeons. Initially, ... Read more

Lenore Mitchell Kimberly - here are my thoughts on researching surgeons and hospitals. I live in Denver and as an RN, I'm aware of several local thoracic surgeons. Initially, I was thinking of having mitral valve repair here, but after researching the complexity of valve repair and the better outcomes with cardiac centers of excellence, I opted for Cleveland Clinic even though it was a hassle insurance-wise (I had to wait for surgery until after Jan 1 so I could change insurance, for one thing), and the challenge of traveling out of state, I feel very confident that Cleveland offers my best options. It's quite difficult to find reliable information on surgeons and hospitals as well, although there are some web sites which provide limited ratings. Overall, even though many thoracic surgeons are qualified to do valve surgery, quite often they may not do as many of these procedures; CABG (coronary artery bypasses) are more common than valve repairs/replacements. Whatever you decide, it's good to formulate specific questions to ask when you interview surgeons, and often the advice is to speak with more than one surgeon until you find one you're confident in. Good luck! This site and others have lots of great information.

Cheryl Batzing Kimberly, are you using doctors at downtown Baylor at this time?

Kimberly Biddick My cardiologist is currently dr Schussler at downtown baylor. I believe he is in the same group as the one you mentioned did your tee. We probably had our tee done at the same place!!

Don LaPorte Hi Kimberly,
From all my research and looking over statistics, I was just very comfortable with the track record of Cleveland Clinic as a 'center of excellence', ... Read more

Don LaPorte Hi Kimberly,
From all my research and looking over statistics, I was just very comfortable with the track record of Cleveland Clinic as a 'center of excellence', very very low mortality rate, and very high rate of 'repair', since repair is still an option for me as of now.(I will be having a heart cath, another echo/ultra sound as part of 'pre-op' in Cleveland that has potential to change options'). My insurance was no problem for Cleveland, and the nature of my mitral valve surgery should not require alot of follow up with the surgeon directly. Additionally, Dr. Gillinov in Cleveland is specifically considered to be a top surgeon in Robotic surgery in the U.S., with plenty of Mitral Valve surgery's under his belt.(I think over 4,000 now). However, Baylor Heart Hospital is also considered Top 5 heart hospital in U.S. I beleive, with excellent surgeons as well.(Cheryl can attest). My cardioligist is Dr. Raul Santos, who has multiple offices in DFW area. For me, I have become much more comfortable that we are increasing our long term quality of life, and the surgery has proven to be low risk(especially the healthier we are going in).
Feel free to chat more, I know it has made me more comfortable talking and learning from everyone. Don

Kimberly Biddick Thank you for that very insightful response, Don. Seems like you have thoroughly done your research. How blessed we are that we can have the options that ... Read more

Kimberly Biddick Thank you for that very insightful response, Don. Seems like you have thoroughly done your research. How blessed we are that we can have the options that we do and choose the surgeons to operate on us that we want to!

On December 27, 2014...

Jim Hernandez posted a note for Don that says:

Welcome Don...this site is great for the experiences that others have had as well as their support! I too have mvp with severe regergitation with bi leaflet damage. When we thought we had at least another year to prepare for this turned into the next three months of crammed preparation, education and finding the right surgeon... My thoughts and support are with you

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Don LaPorte Thanks Jim, do you have a date set for your surgery yet? Did you say you were having symptoms yet?

Jim Hernandez No surgery date set yet. Have my first surgical consult in Boston on jan 8th then one with dr Adams in nyc in early March. Looking for a late March surgery ... Read more

Jim Hernandez No surgery date set yet. Have my first surgical consult in Boston on jan 8th then one with dr Adams in nyc in early March. Looking for a late March surgery date. The symptoms I am showing are constant fatigue and shortness of breath with little exertion. I progressed from moderate to severe to severe regurgitation from the spring to the fall of this year

On December 27, 2014...

Wiliam Height posted a note for Don that says:

Don, our stories could not be more similar and our surgeries closer in date. I feel everything you wrote and have come here for the experience and expertise.

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Don LaPorte Thanks William, yes it is a wake up call for sure, but also assuring from the success statistics and hearing from others coming to terms in similar way. Be ... Read more

Don LaPorte Thanks William, yes it is a wake up call for sure, but also assuring from the success statistics and hearing from others coming to terms in similar way. Be interested in things you learn as surgery draws near, and I can do same. Although I already have pre-op scheduled 3 days before surgery, which serves as another credible diagnosis before surgery, I am thinking about scheduling a 2nd opinion to make sure now is unanimously right timing!

Wiliam Height Additional opinions always good but I went to 3 cardiologists in NY metro area with some differing opinions--one said clip and another replacement. I always ... Read more

Wiliam Height Additional opinions always good but I went to 3 cardiologists in NY metro area with some differing opinions--one said clip and another replacement. I always struggled with the rate of MVR spectrum. According to Dr Adams mine is definitely severe and time for intervention.