Guestbook of Jessica Urton

My Guestbook

On January 13, 2018...

Kathleen F. posted a note for Jessica that says:

I just read your updates since your Ross Procedure - I'm so sorry you had to go through all the rest of it, this past year. I hope the toughest part is behind you, and you can enjoy nothing but good health going forward. Here's to a heart-healthy, energetic, pain-free, no complications 2018!

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On September 19, 2017...

Nancy James posted a note for Jessica that says:

Hi Jessica
I was just looking around on the site and I saw your pictures of your x-rays - WOW!!
How are you feeling now? How long ago did you have your surgery. You look so young. My surgery is next week. Hope you are doing great now.

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Jessica Urton Hi Nancy!! I have my original OHS last September (2016). Feeling better and better now, just sore from the Caths but other than that I’m doing great! I will ... Read more

Jessica Urton Hi Nancy!! I have my original OHS last September (2016). Feeling better and better now, just sore from the Caths but other than that I’m doing great! I will be celebrating my 27th birthday this year 😇.

I wish you the best of luck on your upcoming surgery!!!

On September 17, 2017...

Laura Jacobs posted a note for Jessica that says:

Hi Jessica,
I hope you see this note before your surgery tomorrow. Sending you positive vibes and hope all goes well. You have this! Rest well tonight.

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Kathi Mancuso Keeping you and your team in thoughts and prayers

Jennifer McInerney Hope all goes well for you!

Adam Pick Thoughts are with you Jessica!!!

Catie B Prayers for you, Jessica!

Jessica Urton Thanks Laura!!

On September 17, 2017...

Beth Saunders posted a note for Jessica that says:

Good luck, Jessica! I will be right behind you on Tuesday for a bicuspid aortic valve replacement! We can help each other through recovery! I am anxious also, but comforted by the excellent success rate and the amazing things they can do these days, and all the supportive people on this site!

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Tina Williams Best wishes to both of you!

Prayer for both of you and your medical teams.

Leigh O'Brien I just registered on the sight and saw your Dalmatian. We have 3 rescues.
Haven't been thru the site at all yet but wanted to say hello to another spotted furry friend Person.

Jessica Urton Leigh, great to meet another spot lover!!

Thank you all for the well wishes!

On September 14, 2017...

Ernie Castillo posted a note for Jessica that says:

I pray your surgery will be successful as most are. You are young and so you have a whole lot of life to live. My mechanical St. Jude aortic heart valve is over 29 years old and, like the Energizer bunny, it keeps ticking and ticking. May God bless you and your medical team.

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On September 13, 2017...

Nancy James posted a note for Jessica that says:

I wanted to wish you well for your surgery next week. Mine is on September 26th. It is hard sometimes when you think about all of the details - but I'm staying positive by staying as busy as I can and also thinking of all the great possibilities of my life after surgery. It will get better and better.....Good luck to you.

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Jessica Urton Thank you for your kind words Nancy! I had OHS this time last year, so I know exactly how you are feeling. It is not an easy ride, but you come out much stronger ... Read more

Jessica Urton Thank you for your kind words Nancy! I had OHS this time last year, so I know exactly how you are feeling. It is not an easy ride, but you come out much stronger than before! I am glad you came across this community that Adam has built for us patients, never fear to reach out if you need any words of wisdom or thoughts/prayers. You got this!!!

On September 10, 2017...

Leslie Bakos posted a note for Jessica that says:

My best to you Jennifer. Be strong!

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On April 12, 2017...

Kevin Ryan posted a note for Jessica that says:

Hi, Jessica:
So sorry to hear of your situation. I just re turned from having a Ross procedure at Mount Sinai in New York City. Surgery went very well but I was discharged in afib and mildly short of breath. Once home in Seattle, I became increasingly short of breath. Dr. found I had accumulated a lot of fluid in the left pleural space to the point of causing partial lung collapse! It was drained of 1200 cc of bloody fluid and now I am breathing much easier.

I am very curious as to your pulmonary homograft scar/stenosis. Were you required to take Ibuprofen and aspirin to help decrease the immune response to the donor tissue? I started then stopped because 1. I hate taking medicine; and 2. the dose of Ibuprofen seemed high enough to maybe cause other problems like an ulcer or kidney problems. Any thoughts/suggestions?

What is your next step? TAVI in the pulmonary position? Another donor valve?
Thanks,
Kevin Ryan.

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Jessica Urton Hi Kevin! Sorry to hear about your troubles. I was not prescribed Ibuprofen, but I do take baby aspirin. My next step is having a Heart Cath/Angio to see if ... Read more

Jessica Urton Hi Kevin! Sorry to hear about your troubles. I was not prescribed Ibuprofen, but I do take baby aspirin. My next step is having a Heart Cath/Angio to see if my arteries can pass a balloon, if they can and the valve sizing is right they will do a valve in valve.

On October 1, 2016...

Atul Vij posted a note for Jessica that says:

hi, I have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis and am confused between Ross procedure and mechanical valve. I was leaning towards Ross but 2 of the 3 surgeons I met, recommended mechanical valve so I am again confused and wanted to ask you why you chose Ross procedure? And were there any considerations?

BTW thanks for the details that you have added it was very helpful

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Amy Steele Atul - My surgeon didn't recommend the Ross procedure for me. I asked, and he thought with everything I needed done, that it would be much more risky. If ... Read more

Amy Steele Atul - My surgeon didn't recommend the Ross procedure for me. I asked, and he thought with everything I needed done, that it would be much more risky. If I was truly wanting one, I'm sure I could find a surgeon willing to do it. I have chosen a tissue valve replacement rather than a mechanical valve.

Atul Vij Amy, I was reading somewhere that at my age(under 40), tissue might not even last 7yrs

Amy Steele Atul -- I have read the same thing. I think a lot depends on how active you are -- I would think that activity (comes with youth) would have more of an impact ... Read more

Amy Steele Atul -- I have read the same thing. I think a lot depends on how active you are -- I would think that activity (comes with youth) would have more of an impact on the valve. I know that I will most likely outlive my new tissue valve and need another operation. I'm banking on cardiac surgery to continue to progress during that time. I also want to have the best quality of life I can during that time without the time and expense of constant Coumadin testing. Many people don't find being on Coumadin a problem, but I don't want it if I have another choice. Just a personal thing. Remember that you always have a choice to do what works best for you.

Jessica Urton Hi Atul!! So I had originally played around with the concept of the Ross when I first read Adams book! I brought it up with my cardiologist when he mentioned ... Read more

Jessica Urton Hi Atul!! So I had originally played around with the concept of the Ross when I first read Adams book! I brought it up with my cardiologist when he mentioned surgery in the near future and he immediately shot down the Ross... he said to me that it would be difficult to find someone to preform it, since it's not as common of a procedure. It did bum me out a lot knowing he didn't think it was the best option, so I figured it was just a dream. UNTIL I met my surgeon!! I figured the Ross was out of the picture so I didn't even ask him about it during the consult. We discussed the pros and cons of oth the mechanical and tissue valves, and I told him my concerns with both. It wasn't until I called to schedule my surgery that my NP said he really thought the Ross would be the best option for me since I met all of the criteria! So of course I was like YES LETS DO IT! I didn't hesitate at all. I knew I was in good hands!!!

I know you will make the right choice for YOU! I'm really glad you found my story really helpful and reached out to me! I'm just a little over 4 weeks out now!

Atul Vij i have finalized on getting the Ross Procedure after visiting Dr Starnes. He was very sure about it and said that will be the best option in my case. So i am ... Read more

Atul Vij i have finalized on getting the Ross Procedure after visiting Dr Starnes. He was very sure about it and said that will be the best option in my case. So i am scheduled for the surgery on 8th Nov. Keeping my fingers crossed

On September 2, 2016...

Corey Sines posted a note for Jessica that says:

Thinking about you and praying for you today, sending good vibes your way!

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On September 1, 2016...

Alina FH posted a note for Jessica that says:

Jessica, I am thinking of you and praying and hoping for all the best tomorrow! Much strength and peace and good hands in your medical team.

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Denise Kirchner Praying for you that all goes well!

On August 30, 2016...

Bridget Sawmiller posted a note for Jessica that says:

Prayers for your upcoming surgery on Friday, for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. I look forward to reading your post op entries!!! You will do great!

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On August 25, 2016...

Janette Rehua posted a note for Jessica that says:

Hey Jessica we are having surgery on the same date :) Wishing you all the best a speedy recovery and prayers your way x

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Jessica Urton You as well Janette!

On August 24, 2016...

Mary J. posted a note for Jessica that says:

Jessica, Adam did a very good webinar where the "how many of these procedures" question is covered (the surgeon in the video states that this is absolutely a question patients should be asking!). This webinar has a lot of good info.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDffrMVA4NU

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Jessica Urton Thank you Mary! I will check it out.

On August 18, 2016...

Lynda posted a note for Jessica that says:

Hi Jessica, I had MV repair 8.8 with Dr Lawrie, at the Methodist Debakey Heart Institute and great post surgical care at Methodist Hospital. Meeting Dr Lawrie is extraordinarily reassuring and educational.

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On August 18, 2016...

Lynda Henry posted a note for Jessica that says:

Hi Jessica, mitral valve repair 8.8 with Dr Gerald Lawrie at Methodist. He and his first class team repaired my valve, Methodist Hostpital recovery team is exceptional, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Give them a call, they are great confidence builders!

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