George's Guestbook

George, just wanted you to know that I’ll be whispering a prayer for you tomorrow. I pray that surgery and recovery goes well for you. The wait probably has been long, but it’s almost here. ~❤️

Hi George...Reading your story is almost an identical match to mine. Severe/Critical Aortic Stenosis + triple bypass. Had a Bovine replacement. Surgery done at Hoag in Newport Beach. BTW - some time back was under the care of Dr. James Weiss at UCLA. Like Hoag, you're in the hands of some of the best in the nation. I was also asymptomatic. 68, going to the gym pretty regularly. "Slowing up some" in my mind due to getting a little older. Always played sports, etc. Doctor told me that's the scary thing...one thinks it's because one is getting older. Not. Blood oxygenation and other factors are slowing you down even though you 'feel great'. So, I'm 8 weeks out from surgery. Started back to the gym last week! Going easy. 30 minute treadmill. Climbing stairs. Very light weights. But, I am noticing even at this early stage, more energy. Months from now will be even better. The blood is flowing, the arteries are clear = energy. Think positive. Go for it and know in a few weeks you'll be a new man! Best of luck - it'll be fine!!! Gregg

Hi George, I was diagnosed 6 years ago on Sept. 25, that I have aortic stenosis and would need surgery because I was having problems of being out of breath and I searched on line that I had calcifaction from having over 45 years ago colbolt treatments which was the only thing they had at the time of having non hodskisnon lumphomia. I went to Winthrop Hospital and a team of doctors diagnosed me that it would be better for me to have a stent put in and I believe a pigs valve replacement. They couldn't do open heart surgery because my lungs wouldn't be able to stand it due to all the radiation treatments I had over 100 xrays at the time. I'm still here and thankful for that procedure. Yes it took me a while to get to feeling like myself about 6 months but if they didn't have this procedure I don't think I would be here today. Hope this helps you. Sometimes one thngs helps us but along the way it does create other problems. I searched on line and noticed that the xrays stiffened my aoritic valve from opening fully. Hope this helps you. I know it gets scary but it took me about 6 months to finally feel my energy come back. Everyone is different and I had therapy from my insurance for a couple of weeks to do some exercises.

Hi, George… I am 67 years old and had my SAVR at Cleveland Clinic on 1/15/2021. I was told that, because I was in great physical shape (like you, I was an avid biker as well as a pickle ball player and gym rat) and due to my age and physical condition, I was not a candidate for the TAVR. I was totally asymptomatic and felt fine, but was diagnosed with very severe aortic stenosis. I am now 7 months post surgery and feel great. They did the Ozaki procedure on me where instead of a porcine or bovine valve, they fashion one out of my own pericardial tissue. The new valve does not calcify and I will not have to take blood thinners, which would be contra indicative to my lifestyle. Look up this procedure if you’re interested. Patient education is paramount when you’re having a major surgery such as this one. Good luck to you! Elyse

Hi George , I was similarly diagnosed over the last 5 years , not particularly short of breath or no pain but my last echo showed up severe stenosis. Prior to that I had 5 stents fitted due to narrowing arteries and even had a cardiac arrest in my doctors surgery so lucky to be here still. My aorta tissue valve replacement went smoothly apparently apart from mine being bicuspid , 2 flaps. 1 week in hospital then home. Bit painful at first but soon recovered well and now still doing rehab classes at my local hospital gym which I enjoy. Hope all goes smoothly, it will seem a bit daunting but don’t worry you will be ok.

Hi George, I just read your "My Story" and it is similar to my own circumstances. I am 70 and was diagnosed with a murmur in 2018 that my PCP suggested we should monitor. I was -- or I thought I was -- totally asymptomatic, walked nearly every day, rode my bike, and was reasonably active (including a gym membership that I actually used). I did have occasional, though mild, shortness of breath climbing stairs, but only when I walked up 4 or more stories in the building where I worked. All that changed in March, 2021. While out for a walk with my wife (and struggling with a stubborn dog on a leash who wanted to go a different way), I experienced syncope. I was out cold on the pavement for 5 minutes and was transported to the local ER, then eventually to a hospital with a cardiac unit. After a CT scan, echocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization, I was diagnosed with severe/critical aortic stenosis and significant blockage in the main cardiac artery. I was kept in the hospital until my surgeon had availability on his schedule, which was 8 days later. The cardiologist (who I had only just met in the ER) told me that I "... had been given a second chance. Don't blow it; get this done, now!" My aortic valve was so stenotic, it was the narrowest he had ever seen. And yet I was essentially asymptomatic. I had open-heart surgery (with a full sternotomy) to replace the valve (bovine tissue) and two bypass grafts (i.e., CABGs) on April 5, and am on my way to total recovery. As Adam has mentioned in his various articles, heart-valve disease is underdiagnosed and often undetected. My doctor said it best: "You're asymtomatic ... until you're not." I sometimes imagine what could have happened had I passed out with no one else around, or while in the pool, or while driving. Despite feeling healthy, we actually aren't. But we've been given a chance to fix the problem, "good as new." I'm happy to discuss this further if you have any questions of someone who is now on the other side. Take care. Craig

Hello Mr.George I read your story and it resonates with my dad's. He was recently diagnosed with moderate aortic stenosis. He is also quite active at 66, though not a cyclist :) i was so shocked to receive this diagnosis given my dad showed pretty much no signs of any heart conditions. He also has 3 blocks all of which are less than 80percent. I have some questions in this regard. I see your surgery is coming up soon and don't want to trouble you. But if you may not be too busy otherwise, can i chat with you about this? It'd really help me and my family to make informed choices about whether we should go for surgery or can manage with medicines. Hoping to hear from you. Take care :)

Hey George! As the newest member of our community... Welcome Aboard!!! I hope the educational information and wonderful people here can help you along your journey to a healthy heart. And... Holy Moly! You're in Hermosa Beach? I'm not far from you in Torrance!!! Such a small world. If you need anything, please let me know. I'm here to help neighbor!!!