Elyse's Guestbook

Hi Elyse, I happened to read a note you wrote to another member and saw that your story and mine are similar. My bicuspid, stenotic aortic valve was found in my twenties and I was told I would definitely need replacement by the time I was 50. I continued to feel well, which I attributed to my vegetarian diet and physically active lifestyle, so 50 came and went as did 60. Even though I was barely symptomatic, my valve worsened and I had surgical replacement with a bioprosthetic valve almost two years ago at age 67. I just wanted to drop by and say hello and that I'm glad your surgery went well. I've never met anyone with a story similar to mine. Take care.

Hello Elyse, So glad your surgery went well. Today, January 25th, is exactly 4 months after having my Ross procedure done at my hometown hospital in Canada. I'd never heard of the Ozaki procedure until I heard of it here on this site and in your posts. Fascinating! Your history of maintaining a physically active lifestyle will serve you well in your recovery. At least that's what everyone told me both before and after my operation. Being skeptical by nature, I wasn't 100% convinced. But so far that notion seems to hold true. Nonetheless, there have been challenges along the way. But I'm now walking 4-5 miles per day in the forest, and while that's not the same as uphill skiing or carrying a heavy canoe on a mile-long portage, it's probably pretty good. There's lots of hope! You've already made it this far! In a few months you'll be amazed at just how much progress you'll have made.

Hi Elyse - 1st - congratulations on what sounds like a successful surgery! Hope the lung fluid issue is just a minor blip on the radar. I'm intrigued by your decision to go with the Ozaki procedure. Had not really been on my radar until I read your story. Up to this point I've been leaning towards a bio valve. I've just started my research on it (Ozaki), and plan to discuss with the team at CC next week. Probably not much you don't already know at this point~~~ 2nd - apologize for the lengthy delay in responding to your Jan 5th note to me. I'll blame it on "newbie" user error... - I had been following the news feeds, but never checked my guestbook. Lesson learned! Like you, I've always been very physically active, diet conscious, etc. etc... so the AVS diagnosis was a bit of a shock. In retrospect maybe should have indulged in pizza & beer a bit more often. As far as choosing Dr. Svensson at CC, that was kind of serendipitous. After researching AVS following my diagnosis, I reached out to CC based on their reputation to set up a consult. I was assigned to Dr. Svensson. I quickly learned he is a rock star in this field. Meeting with him again next week, likely to get a date on the calendar. Will be anxious to hear how you progress. Will certainly be sending positive vibes your way. Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery!

Congratulations. I had my AVR at CC 1/08/15 by Dr Lars Svensson. Welcome to the greatest you've ever felt(well in a few weeks, lol)! They are really the best from the top down at CC and I hope you got your red pillow.

Elyse,Else, Investigate a bovine valve treated in Resilia....a chemical more resistant to calcification. I was told by my surgeon they are anticipating them to last 15-20 years. Maybe a TAVR after that, if I last that long! I have decided to go that route for my procedure scheduled for Feb 3rd. I have a BAV and I too have been watching it since my late 20's. I'm 65 and just started having symptoms.... Ron Davis

Hi Elise, I see you have selected Dr. Pettersson and Unai for your aortic valve surgery. Great job finding them. Please let Dr. Pettersson know that I say, "Hi!" He's such a great guy! If you need anything, please let me know!

8 days to go, Elyse! I'm sure you do not need any reminders... :) ! I will be following your progress while in Cleveland and hope you will be super comforted in the amazing team who will take care of you while at the clinic. The on-site testing is smooth and efficient. Are you flying in or driving? Where are you staying?

I had it done In March of this year. I used Dr. Roselli. He is a very personable person and his team, well they were all terrific. Good luck with your decision.