Jen 's Guestbook

c l posted a note for Jen that says: Hi Jenn,
I was in convo with Kathleen F. about my daughter and she mentioned you might be able to help me. My daughter's a senior in high school and swims competitively, was recently diagnosed with moderate to severe aortic valve regurgitation.
She's asymptomatic, but was advised by her pediatrician to get her heart checked "just in case" since I had my AVR replaced a little over two years ago. and I wanted to know if you can share your cardiologist info since you live in asbury park area. I'm in central jersey. She's already seen two cardis, one pediatric and one adult. I'm not sure if she is still considered pediatric at 17? What's your thought?
Thanks.

Jared Willard posted a note for Jen that says: Hello Jen,

I'm Jared from New York. I had double valve replacement also. I had my mistral done twice and my aortic once. It's tough falling asleep now with the clicking inside me. You got mechanical valves to right? My first surgery was 17 years ago and my 2nd was 7. Wanna chat sometime Id like to hear your journey.

Lisa Heinen posted a note for Jen that says: Hi Jen,
I just found out 2 weeks ago that my congenital bicuspid aortic valve needs replaced along with now having an aortic aneurysm - I too have been asymptomatic and am in extreme shock! I just emailed Dr. Stelzer to see if I can possibly travel from SD to NY to have the Ross Procedure - any advice???

Damian Kudelka posted a note for Jen that says: Jen. I hope recovery is going well. Just checking in about the vineyard heart run in May. Did you sign up?

Kathleen F. posted a note for Jen that says: I hope you are able to jog your birthday mile today and you enjoy every step of it! Happy Birthday!

Damian Kudelka posted a note for Jen that says: Jen. Any good news from Stelzer? I'm curious to compare how you feel after jogging. I know we are all different, but I have felt a bit tired after jogging a 12 min mile. A bit means later in the day i felt it and was fairly wiped and a little tired the next day. I only had rehab once so I'm still building steam...

Kathleen F. posted a note for Jen that says: Hey Jen, I think the all-clear to drive is usually at week 4. I don't drive regularly so didn't think to ask. I was more concerned with being able to run, have a coffee and a glass of wine!

Damian Kudelka posted a note for Jen that says: Ps if you get the all clear think about signing up for the 5k in May- it's a AHA sponsored run

Janea Christensen posted a note for Jen that says: Hi Jen,

Are you on coumiden? Or did you get a tissue valve? I wondered what your experience on coumiden has been like.

LaDonna Mangile posted a note for Jen that says: How is your cardiac rehab going? Have you thought of anything else we should take to the hospital?

Carol P. from Colorado posted a note for Jen that says: I pray for speedy and complete healing, Jen. My husband meets our surgeon in a little over a week. He had rheumatic fever as a kid (we're both 66--been married 46 years). He needs an aortic valve replacement. God speed, Jen.

@aol.com posted a note for Jen that says: Jen, best wishes , I had aortic heart valve replacement in 2010. after first week I was ready to go, not a bad experience went back to work as Texas prison officer in 8 wks at age 67.

Elizabeth Devaney posted a note for Jen that says: Wishing you a moderately calm night and smooth sailing tomorrow....give my ❤️ To dr Stelzer.....see you on the recovery side!!!

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Jen that says: Jen- Hope all goes smoothly tomorrow and you are feeling confident and having a nice evening and some sleep tonight. Won't be long until you are sending us all updated posts in your own recovery! Be Well.

Kathleen F. posted a note for Jen that says: I'll be thinking of you tomorrow! And, I hope you get a room with a view of the park! :) You'll do great, Dr. Stelzer is awesome. All my best!

Damian Kudelka. Dak344@gmail.com posted a note for Jen that says: You will do amazing tomorrow. Maybe listen to so guided imagery / positive affirmation videos by belleruth naparstek. You are healthy, vital, and strong. You are surrounded by loved ones - past, present, and future. You got this! You got this! You got this!

Jeff Shebovsky posted a note for Jen that says: Hi Jen,
Good luck to you. I has my Ross by Dr. Stelzer on 3-7-12. Coming up on my 3 year anniversary. He is THE MAN! No worries. Before you know it you will be running around like it was nothing. Promise! I see you have some support from Elizabeth Devaney. She is awesome and was a great support for me too. Sounds like Damian did well this past Friday. I will sign up to keep track of you. Looking forward to having you in our Ross family.

Elizabeth Devaney posted a note for Jen that says: Jen,
Yes...absolutely back to better than ever! I often forget that this happened to me at this point. Valves are working perfectly and no issues. I even forget how the recovery went but I remember sneezing hurt for at least 6 months....and pulling was hard for a long time as well. I can now lift and move furniture without even thinking about it, Sending more support your way.....this is the hardest week for sure. A very emotional time....but then, it's over....and you will be on your way....

Damian Kudelka posted a note for Jen that says: You havey my support. If want to talk send me your contact info

Elizabeth Devaney posted a note for Jen that says: Jen! 2/27 is best day with Dr Stelzer! It is my Ross procedure anniversary! I also share this anniversary with Chris Dixon. 2/27/2008 for me and 2/27/2012 for Chris. Both leap years for us....you are in the best hands. Dr Stelzer is an amazing man and surgeon. The kindest eyes...if you need anything...I am close in NJ...((((heart hugs))))
Elizabeth Devaney

Tom Halonen posted a note for Jen that says: Jen, Hi I read your story and it sounds very similar to what I'm looking at. I'm 33 and never had any knowledge of my bicuspid aortic valve until I got endocarditis in Dec 2014. I've got the infection cleared up but I am left with severe regurgitation. At this point I'm asymptomatic and they (Univ of Michigan) are not telling me I need surgery yet. The difference in your case is that they are obviously recommending surgery. I'm curious what basis/test result they are using to recommend surgery now when you are not showing symptoms? I certainly don't want to rush surgery but am afraid of causing irreparable damage by waiting. I wish you the best of luck!

Adam Pick posted a note for Jen that says: Hi Jen, Great to meet you and welcome to our community! Like you, I had a BAV. I was 33 when I had my surgery and opted for the... Ross Procedure. 9 years later I'm doing Tony the Tiger GRRREAAAATTTT!!!

Fyi, you are in the best of hands with Dr. Stelzer. I have seen Dr. Stelzer operate. He's a Ross Procedure guru. Did you get a chance to see this video with Peter yet?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUXt7h0a5z4

Anyways, I'm here to help. Let me know if I can.

All the best,
Adam (patient & website founder)

Kathleen F. posted a note for Jen that says: Hi Jen, I just saw your post in my journal. Yes, I am definitely glad I chose the Ross with Dr. Stelzer. Mount Sinai was fantastic too. I didn't like the idea of having to replace a tissue valve every decade, and I also didn't want to be on blood thinners with a mechanical valve, so the Ross really appealed to me. I think we're extremely lucky that Dr. Stelzer is such a gifted surgeon at this procedure - the best in the world, I'm told. That made it a somewhat easy decision for me. I stopped most exercise for the 5 months leading up to surgery, except for pilates and some really easy swimming or light jogging now and then. That was definitely hard, but I know I have the rest of my life now to run, and it should be much easier and definitely safer. I'm curious to see whether I feel much better when I really start running again, and whether I was truly as asymptomatic as I thought.