Ricky's Guestbook

Ricky Stutts  Yes a big blow to Houston. My cardiologist told me he will recommend his patients go to Miami.
Keep me informed on your plans. Do some research on Katherine Harrington & Dr. Ryan in Plano. I drove & met with Dr. Harrington before settling on Dr. L

Ricky Stutts  Yes they do. Katherine said she would perform the minimally invasive and I really liked her. It was the distance thing with Lamelas being right here in Houston that swayed me to stay close

Ricky Stutts  Debbie Kelly - Dr Lamelas replaced my valve with the Inspiris Resilla pericardial valve. Doing really well. Pretty much back to normal with added stamina
I have been out in west Texas for last two weeks so have not followed up with postings. How did Debbie M surgery go.

Debbie Kelly  That is great, Ricky! I talked to someone recently whom I lost touch with. He had a minimum invasive surgery 18 years ago and is still going strong with the same replacement valve. Very encouraging.
Debbie had her surgery last Tuesday. She said the first day was good but not as good a second day.
Debbie, we are praying that you are recovering comfortably.
Happy Holidays to you and your families. God bless!

Debbie Moriarty  Hi Ricky and Debbie! I think both of you are/were able to do the minimally invasive surgery?? Do it! Do it!!
I wish I could have. Full sternotomy is difficult. Lots of pain management which I can’t seem to figure out?? Looking forward to a pain free Christmas!! Best to you both!!

Debbie Kelly  Hi Debbie, I am sorry you are having the pain you are going through. My cardiologist wants to see if I am a candidate for TAVR. It has been used only on high risk until recently. Now, the Methodist Hospital is offering it for no to low risk. This would be my first choice. If it only got me thru retirement, then I would be open to surgery. If it doesn't work out, I am going straight to Dr. Lamales. He is the best in minimum invasive!

Debbie Kelly  Thank you, Debbie. It’s fear of pain that gives me that drive!
I hope today was a better day for you. Hugs!!!

Ricky Stutts  Thanks Debbie yes I at home and recovery is moving forward. No place like home
Question for community. When does cardio rehab normally start post surgery?

Debbie Kelly  That's awesome! I must have missed one of your posts. I hope to have mine done after the first of the year. Getting very nervous, but I know all will okay.

Rob Sparling  Way to go Ricky! Not home yet. Was supposed to be discharged today but it will be tomorrow. Glad you are home relaxing and comfortable.

Ricky Stutts  I live in old Magnolia neighbor.
I talked to 3 surgeons before making my decision. Fortunate to have the time.
My cardiologist is Neil Strickman with BCM - Hall Garcia. Big clinic of cardiologists. The drive is the only negative. Take care
Will keep updates coming

Debbie Kelly  You went with the best., Ricky. My dilemma is because of my work schedule and the distance I drive to work, my best option is to have a cardiologist close to home. I asked people on the Neighborhood app who they recommended, and a majority said a group of doctors who are out of Willowbrook Methodist, who practice out of the Med Center, as well. That would leave me, most likely, with Dr. Ramchandani, who performs the minimum invasive at Methodist. I am sure he is very good, as well, but I have not read of anyone from this site using him. But, yet, you are the third I have seen since I recently joined who went with or is going with Dr. Lamales.
The stress of trying to choose and not having the time to interview is working on my nerves.
Please keep me updated. Thank you!

Debbie Moriarty  Hello fellow Texans! I live in Houston (Energy Corridor) and I am thinking of having my surgery at Memorial Hermann Heart Institute. Which is not downtown in the medical center. I desperately want to have a minimally invasive procedure, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. My surgeon is one recommended in Adam’s Surgeon Registry, Dr Donald Gibson. And was also recommended by my cardiologist, whom I trust. I have an appointment to meet him on Thursday, September 27. I am praying he can do any kind of minimal invasion.
I am having valve replacement for aortic stenosis - just entered the severe category. And they will also do ablation to hopefully settle my atrial fibrillation.
There is also another thing that is small but I can’t remember what it is right now. I am so new to all this!
Debbie, keep me posted on what hospital you decide to go with. I am hoping my first surgeon consult will be the one that works for me.
Best of luck to you and Ricky!

Debbie Kelly  Hi Debbie, I just read your story before seeing your post. I am not aware of any surgeons performing minimally invasive here, other than in the Med Center. Dr Lamales, who is a pioneer in this type of surgery is at St. Luke’s. Dr. Ramchandani is out of Methodiist, and I can’t remember the one from Hermann. I know there are other procedures, other than having to be cut inasively down the middle,cracking the rib. But, I am praying for the least invasive.
I know we are all just wanting to get this all over with, so we can feel better. I wish you the very best. Please keep me posted on your outcome at the surgeon. Praying for you!

Ricky Stutts  Debbie Moriarty my cardiologist originally told me that minimally invasive was not an option. You’ll know more after meeting with your surgeon. Good luck

Debbie Moriarty  Thank you Debbie and Ricky for more info and encouragement!! Praying I hear the word “minimal” at some point!!

Ricky Stutts  I go home tomorrow morning. Repaired aortic aneurysm & replaced aortic valve minimally invasive.
In ICU the same day of surgery Wednesday, then moved to heart floor Thursday. All tubes out now and making laps around nurse station since Friday.
Thanks to everyone on this site that assured me day after day leading up to surgery that everything was going to be alright