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Jessica's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Pulmonary Stenosis

Member Since: March 16, 2025

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Jessica F got a guestbook from Luis Castro MD

1 year ago (September 26, 2025)

Hi Jessica, I don't need to say this, but I will anyway: you're an inspiration to everyone who reads your story. Your strength and openness speak volumes. You mentioned having a mechanical valve placed in your pulmonic position. Mechanical valves are typically made of metal and can last for decades,... Read more.

Robert Miller

1 year ago (September 26, 2025)

My second surgery was with Dr. Castro. My mom found him... He is great!! As for your message, I am not sure if you have any questions. Yes, if you have a mechanical valve you will be on Coumadin of Warfarin. My cardiologist calls Warfarin rat poison but they are... Read more.

Deena Z

1 year ago (September 26, 2025)

Great note by Dr. Castro, know of him despite being East coast based. He is one compassionate surgeon!

Jessica F

1 year ago (September 28, 2025)

Dr. Castro, thank you for your advice! After reading your post I just did a quick keyword search in my medical records to see what was written about the nature of my valve: I have been mistaken all these years, because they used a pericardial tissue valve rather than a... Read more.

Jessica F got a guestbook from Patty

1 year ago (September 25, 2025)

Hello, Jessica, I understand what a challenge it is to decide, but I would be more inclined to go sooner rather than later for several reasons - I think your recovery will be better if you are not feeling compromised before surgery. And I see how new advances are being... Read more.

🥰 Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Jessica F

1 year ago (September 30, 2025)

Thank you very much for your note, Patty! I absolutely agree that the waiting and wondering is very hard (I would say it might be the hardest part of living with heart disease). I will take your words proverbially 'to heart' and will listen to my gut. I greatly appreciate... Read more.

Jessica F got a guestbook from Judy S

1 year ago (September 25, 2025)

Hi Jessica! I had an aortic valve replacement in 2018, and symptoms such as fatigue were very noticeable but nothing was imminent so I didn't feel I had to make an immediate decision even though I had severe stenosis. What I found, as others have said, is that surgeons who... Read more.

Jessica F

1 year ago (September 28, 2025)

Thank you for sharing your insight, Judy! Dr. Castro kindly left me a guestbook post as well, he seems like a very compassionate and knowledgable surgeon and I am glad to hear from so many people who have done well under his care.

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