Jerome's Guestbook

Hi Jerome - Thank you for sharing your journey. My name is Tamiko Tommila and I am from Bainbridge Island, WA. I too have been diagnosed with a Bicuspid Valve and Severe Aortic Stenosis. I am 54 yrs old, and I am not showing any symptoms, but have chosen to have my valve replaced on July 9th. I have a couple of questions for you....actually many..... 1 - How did you decide on type of valve? I am leaning towards a cow valve, as I am worried about being on blood thinners and also worried about the constant "click" sound that I think would really bother me. 2- Was TAVR not an option for you? I was told is was not an option for me as they needed to remove the calcified valve. I am hoping to eventually have a valve in valve replacement, when the cow valve wears out, as long as the valve I get in July is large enough to do a valve in valve. 3 - Can you share how you feel now, and if you can actually notice a difference in your day to day life? Did you have symptoms before surgery? 4 - What was the most difficult part for you in hospital, and what was the most difficult part for you once you went home? 5 - Have you done Cardio REHAB? I am really scared, not of the surgery as I will be out, but really scared of the recovery...... Thank you for any information you can share, and congratulations on your surgery :) Best, Tamiko Tommila

Hi Jerome, glad to hear you’re doing well. I had an AV replacement at Kaiser SF in June. Also a bicuspid valve issue. My recovery went extremely well (I’m 63) and the other week I was able to go backpacking in the Sierras and felt 110%. You’ll be up and at it in no time as well I’m sure. As soon as I got home from hospital I took 3 walks a day (in a hilly neighbourhood). Started small and within a few weeks was up to 5-7 miles a day. That was the key to my recovery. Hope your recovery continues to go well and wishing you all the best.

Hi Jerome - my story is very similar to yours. Two years ago Aug 28 I had my surgery. I also watched it for about 10 years. I’m doing great and you will be too. It’s amazing how you’ll recover and feel stronger. I’m running, swimming and hiking and more. Good luck - take your time healing, but do the work they want you to do to recover - you got this!

Hi Jerome. I saw your story on heart valve surgery and noticed your surgeon was Dr Allen at Kaiser. I’m considering having my surgery there as well. Did you like him?

Jerome- Tomorrow is the big day! You'll be in, out, and enjoying those ice chips before you know it! We'll be here looking for your first post-op thumbs up! You've got this!

You are going to be better than ever before in your life! Why do I say that? I say that because you have lived with a handicap. Your heart never performed like the heart of a normal person. It was always less efficient at moving blood around your body. But tomorrow that all ENDS! Get ready to feel better, because you will!

Jerome, You're on the home stretch. Great to hear your tests have positioned you for a successful surgery on Tuesday. My thoughts are with you. If you need anything, please let me know. P.S. Thanks for the kind words about this website. You just made my day. Thanks!

Hello again Jerome, October 6 is a good date. Is one of my brother’s Birthday and I will be praying that your surgery will be successful and your recovery too. Best to you and keep us posted

Hi Jerome You have a lot going on but you got this. One day at a time...I’ve had a long term heart murmur and weight issues too. I started a no sugar low carb diet while I was going through the presurgery workup and it worked well for me. I made a promise to myself walk everyday and I haven’t missed a day.. While I was symptomatic it would take 3 different walks to do a mile. Now post TAVR I can do 5 miles at once. My life is so much better now and it’s been 5 months with my new valve. Start with a few changes and try to be consistent and you can make an impact on your health. It can help you feel more in control too. You can do it!!!