Kimberly's Guestbook

Terrie Syvertsen  Kimberly-Hope that your surgery went well and you are on your way to a smooth and gentle time of healing in recovery. Prayers out to you.

Kimberly Biddick  HI Steve... that must be very hard to process being that close to surgery and then having it called off. I am not sure how I would handle that.

I definitely agree with what others have said... I think another opinion is in order. Do you have BAV? I consulted two surgeons here in Dallas and they both said the absolute cutoff for a male with BAV, regardless of valve function, symptoms, etc., is 5cm. My cut off is 4.5cm because I am a small female with BAV. I am currently at 4.2cm but am having surgery Wednesday to repair it because I have some concerning symptoms, have a few personal reasons, plus I don't agree with waiting an extra year or two (with a ticking time bomb in me) just for a surgery that is going to happen, without a doubt, any way. I have researched this extensively (for the past year - since my diagnosis) and I understand that there is a lot of inconsistency across among doctors and surgeons as to when to operate. Daniel Spurgeon (on this site) also did an extensive amount of research on the risk/rewards of repairing an AAA. I believe his was repaired around 4.7cm and he did not have BAV. He would be a great person to talk to as well. I have several links of studies I can send you if you would like me to. What is important to note is that symptoms have NOTHING to do with your AAA size. An AAA is a silent condition and whether or not your valve is causing you symptoms has absolutely nothing to do with how fragile your aortic tissue is at 5.1cm.

I definitely agree that this site and being able to connect with others with our same diagnosis helps immensely. This website has helped infinitely with my journey through this. There is some valuable information and insight from so many wonderful people that have been through the surgery journey already.

Thank you so much for your well wishes... I am definitely ready to have this behind me and begin the recovery phase! Feel free to email me if you'd like kimberlyabiddick @ gmail.com.

Kimberly Biddick  Welcome Jessy! You will find this is a wonderful and very supportive group. Glad you found us!! :)

Kimberly Biddick  Yeah that sounds about right for the seasons up there in the UP! We went up there EVERY single year growing up... drove there from Dallas - 23 hours in the car, straight through without stopping! I remember the snow banks being taller than my Dad and him "tunneling" through them for us and making us forts. It was fun to play in one week out of the year, but that's about all I can handle! We got 6 inches down here last week and all of north Texas shut down ;) I am glad that you have found a peace about this and are calm. It really is so routine and there are so many positive outcomes that I think it really is just a little bump in the road. I have found a huge peace myself and I think as soon as everyone agrees about when to fix my aneurysm, I will feel much better about it all. I think the not knowing is the worst part! I look forward to hearing about how your surgeon's consult goes. One step closer to getting past this all!

I read your comment you left on my last journal... I have seen three cardiologists and all of them seem to have their own take on things. I chose the surgeon myself, based on reviews on here and a few people's impressions of him that have had surgery with him. My initial cardiologist is the one who performed the TEE and I promptly left him after that experience! That is not something I wish on ANYONE, ever!!!

Kimberly Biddick  Hi Edie! I will definitely let you know how my consult goes. I think you will feel much better once everything in place and you have a plan of action. It definitely is a surreal experience though, isn't it? Hugs to you as well!!!!

Kimberly Biddick  Thanks for the reaffirmation, Christine! I made an appt with a well-known surgeon here in Dallas for my first stop. I feel like I have to control what little I have control of here and that is how much I educate myself and who treats me.

  Sure. You have to cover all your bases and have a good strategy. You are definitely on the right track. You are doing GREAT. It sounds like you are getting close to the finish line with all your research. hang in there, I know none of this is fun at all, but the great thing is you get to have a say in all of this. That's something I know I will be never forget. :) One step at a time....

Kimberly Biddick  Thank you so much for your input, Bill. I truly appreciate it! I wish you nothing but the best with your surgery Thursday and look forward to hearing an update when you are in recovery. You will be in my prayers this week!!

Kimberly Biddick  Hey!!! Thank you so much for reaching out to me! I am so glad to see some other people from Dallas on here. I read your story and it sounds like you are very fortunate that you had that CT done! Is the aneurysm what is driving your surgery or the valve? I would love the names of any doctors you would like to recommend. My email address is kimberlyabiddick@gmail.com. I guess the anxiety is absolutely normal for the type of procedures we all face. I am glad to hear that you have been able to find peace, especially heading in to surgery. I would love to keep in touch! I am sending many prayers and best wishes your way for a smooth surgery and recovery. Won't it be awesome once this is all in your past!!

Cheryl Batzing  Kimberly & Emily, I just had a MVR at Heart Hospital Plano Dec. 16 and Dr. Will Ryan was my surgeon. You guys will be in good hands there!