Laura's Guestbook

Hello! Laura - That’s so nice of you to have mentioned my name to Dr. Pelletier! There were lots of sad people when he left Saint John and newspaper articles referred to him as “top doctor.” When you’re that good, people are bound to come and get you. I was born in New Brunswick and spent 34 years in four major Canadian cities before returning to my roots in 1995 (I presently live in the town I was born and grew up in). I’ve been to St. John’s, Newfoundland…sucb a beautiful place and such friendly people. I’ve also been to Nova Scotia on a few occasions and am planning a trip over there this summer. What parts of these provinces is your family from? When was the last time you visited? Glad to hear you are ahead of the curve and wishing you continued success in your recovery! Take care. Jeannette

Dear Laura: I just saw your post and you are probably in SICU right now, having had a successful surgery! You are so blessed to have had Dr. Marc Pelletier as your surgeon. For nine years, he was Head of Cardiac Surgery at the New Brunswick Heart Centre (NBHC) in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, where I had my surgery on Sept. 28, 2016. When my cardiologist sent my file to the NBHC in Feb. of last year, he told me that there was a very slight chance of having Dr. Pelletier since he was about to start his new duties in Boston. Nonetheless, I kept visualizing that I would have him as my surgeon. I even had his photo on the fridge (with part of his impressive biography)! Oh! well, it wasn’t meant to be as Dr. Pelletier started his new duties at Harvard Medical School as well as the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in April of last year. As it turned out, I had a great surgeon (in fact, I was hoping to have Dr. Hassan should Dr. Pelletier not be available!) Wishing you all the best now and during your recovery.

Thinking of you. My Surgery was exactly one year ago to the day of yours. Mine was June 21, 2016. All is good now. Had the same surgery as yours too. Replaced my bicuspid valve with a mechanical valve, and also had my ascending aortic aneurysm replaced with a dracon graft. You're going to do great. Just thought I'd say hi. Take care!

Hi Laura ~ I had surgery 5 weeks ago: my aortic valve was replaced as well as my ascending and transverse aorta. I was given a diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve after a CT. Because of the CT, the doctors ignored the echo results. Turns out, I had a univalve, all of the leaflets were fused and not moving. Your symptoms sound very much like mine pre-surgery...

Good luck on the 21st, Laura. (I am having my valve replaced on the 22nd.) I have a quick question: About a year ago, I often coughed whenever I laid down, and I saw that you had mentioned experiencing that same symptom. When I mentioned it to my cardiologist (having already been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and having no other significant symptoms), she said that coughing when laying down was not a symptom of aortic stenosis. But I can't help but think it was. Did your doctor ever address that? (Since then, I developed other symptoms, which is why I'm having my upcoming procedure.)