Scott's Guestbook

Dan Fouratt  Gary,  I was in good shape and active (63 year old).  I 
had a mini aortic valve replacement with a bovine valve. I was a systematic when I started the journey but I had a BAV so it was monitored for the last 30 years 


My journey
Failed Stress test 12/28/23
Officially informed early January
Met with interventionist card Jan 19, 2024
Surgery 3/21/24
Out of ICU 3/22/24
Released from Hospital 3/24/24 (most would say that was quick)
Walked 10 miles (2 treadmill events, each 2 hours at 2.5 miles per hour) 3/27 

They told me walking was essential. I walked the day of surgery and any and every chance I could. I am approaching 22 months post.  I am in the best shape I have been in many years. Going in to surgery my nutritionist said I should increase my protein to 1.5 grams per kilo of weight and keep this up post surgery. I am not a doctor but passing along what I was told.

Dan

Scott Mills  Hi Gary. I had a bicuspid valve and an aneurysm so I was tracked for a number of years. I had the Ross procedure and aneurysm repair with Dr. Ashe. I was in the CICU for 4.5 days and then 3 West for 4.5 more. Normal time for a Ross. I think for your surgery, after all goes well, you will be out of the ICU much faster, and home in 5 days or so. Just as a guess. Dr. Higgins was on rounds when I was there and I chatted with her, see seemed like a very professional and capable surgeon!

Scott Mills  Hi There. I'm not sure of the right answer here. If you have a surgeon who is skilled in the Ross, working at a hospital that is high volume, and they think you are a good candidate, I would not expect you to have to wait longer as it's what they do. They would not schedule the surgery if they did not have a homograft available. I think having a good, candid conversation with your surgeon regarding these questions would be a great next step!

Scott Mills  Hi Ken, happy to chat on phone or zoom if it helps. I have zero regrets. It’s open heart surgery either way, and if you have a skilled surgeon the mortality is the same. For me the Ross was always the goal. It provides the only option that puts me back on a normal age curve, has the best durability and freedom from infection and re-operation. Expectation is no long term meds. It’s a complex surgery but it you have the right team it’s as safe as the others. Hope that helps and again, happy to have a real time chat. Scott

Ken Fulton  Scott - I'm currently 22 days post-surgery. I ended up with a Ross procedure, and so far, all is good. I was of the same mind frame as you, and I'm told I asked multiple times post-surgery if, in fact, I had the Ross procedure done. Every week, I've seen significant improvement! I hope to be running soon. All the best to you, and I appreciated your insight earlier!

Scott Mills  Hi Ken. I’m about 5 months out, and I’m running 30 minutes continuous now. Slower than before, but continuous :). I completed cardiac rehab which was nice for routine / confidence and community. Keep up the great work!