Patricia's Guestbook

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!