Patricia's Guestbook

Hi Patricia,

 I’m also from GA!  Who did your first surgery in Atlanta?  I’m in the process of looking for surgeons and any help would be appreciated.

Hi Patricia.  Thank you for responding to my post.  I'm also from Georgia, now living on Okaloosa Island, near Destin, Florida.  I'm having surgery on July 30th with Dr. Roselli.   I talk to him the day before surgery, but I met with Dr. Xu in May.  I had my first AVR in Orlando with Dr. Kevin Accola, who I was able to find through HVS.  The valve would be 8 years old in October.   I saw the story of Dr. Roselli and his friend Ari on HVS.  I thought that is the outcome I would would like to have for my second surgery.  
My biggest fear is being put on the heart lung machine for a second time.  I'm also hoping for Rigid Sternal Fixation, which I think helps with recovery.  So many questions.   Was your husband able to stay in your room?  Mine was able to stay in Orlando, which was a great help to both me and the nurses.  Airline tickets are done and Delta is aware that the return may very well change.  Wheelchair assistance has been requested.  I'm not sure how to advise the hotel on the length of stay.   So sorry for rattling on.  

Hi Patricia. It sounds like your surgery went very well. i know that you got several opinions before going to CC. I am from GA as well but have lived in Asheville for a number of years. We have an excellent cardiac surgery reputation here and going to CC would be hard for me. Did you get second opinions at Duke or any other hospital in our general area? I hope your recovery is smooth!!

Hi Patricia Doctor Roselli performed an aortic valve replacement as well as my aorta, up to the aortic arch, plus a single bypass, via sternotomy in October, 2021. I flew in from Atlanta on October 25, stayed at the Intercontinental Conference Center Hotel, connected to the hospital (I highly recommend that), the Cleveland Clinic Medical Concierge recommended a driver to and from the airport, his name is Mustapha, he's excellent. I had numerous tests on October 27, including a cardiac catheterization, which showed a 90% blockage, and I was out running at Kennesaw Mountain on the trails the week prior. No symptoms whatsoever. The cath surgeon called it a "widow maker" blockage. I was in the right place at exactly the right time. The open-heart procedure was October 28, afterwards I was in cardiac ICU, then moved to a step-down unit on November 2 (I think. My memory is a bit rough of that time period), then flew back to Atlanta on November 8. The most difficult parts were the drainage tubes, they're very uncomfortable, and the wheelchair ride to the car from the gate in Atlanta was brutal, I think he hit every bump. Other than that, it was a breeze. Dr. Roselli is really the best in the world. And the food is excellent. Good luck!

Sorry to hear Patricia that you have to undergo a second procedure. I am scheduled to visit CCF and for surgery on December 21 for ascending aortic aneurysm with aortic valve replacement. If all goes well, I can share my experience and also logistics with you. We are doing AirBNB close to the hospital. All the best to you!

Hello Miller and welcome to this wonderful community! You have been through a lot but hopefully from now on it will be a smooth sail. Knowledge is so powerful, I agree. I am so glad you are better now. Keep us posted!