Jay's Guestbook

Jay:

I enjoyed reading your story.  Like you, I have had my condition (aortic stenosis - possibly bicuspid) monitored for 5-6 years now.  Although I have some things that happen that make me wonder if I am having symptoms, I can't really identify anything that I know for sure are symptoms.  I still do cardio workout several times a week (30 minutes on stationary bike or elliptical) and moderate weights and core workout.  I'm getting ready to turn 64 in June and I suppose I'm in fairly good shape other than some aches and pains now and then.  I have been seeing a cardiologist where I live in Lakeland, FL.  He is a good doctor but not a heart valve specialist.  I have a video consult with heart valve surgeon, Marc Gerdisch, who is associated with Franciscan Health in Indianapolis, and who has done several presentations on this site.  It was helpful and he recommended increasing my Echo schedule to every 6 months.  My cardiologist didn't seem to give much value to Dr. Gerdisch's report or recommendation.  My last Echo was last May and I have another scheduled this May.  The last one put me just under the severe rating.  I have also done a little research on Dr. Kevin Accola, a heart valve surgeon at Advent in Orlando, and who also has appeared several times on this website.  Sorry for the length of this message - but I wanted to give you a bit of background.    Since your condition seemed to be similar to mine, I am interested in your initial symptoms, what tests you were having leading up to surgery, your experience with Mayo and your surgeon, and what type of valve you went with and why.  Any input you can provide would be appreciated.  If you would rather have a phone call, I'm fine with that (813) 340-6586. Thank you, Mike Wynn. 

Jay, thanks for sharing your story.  I too have had a bicuspid AV for some time and so far asymptomatic.  Get an echo each year to monitor status.  Have thus far always been mild to moderate range.  I am in the Central FL area and am not real confident that doctors in my area would be the right ones if I do have to have surgery.  I am wondering what caused you to make the move to Mayo in Jacksonville and what type of valve did you go with?

Thanks,

Mike

Hello Jay. Sorry to read here that your surgery has been postponed. We endured similar disruptions to surgeries in Canada, especially last spring and summer. Hang in there.