Tim's Guestbook

Hi Tim, It breaks my heart to read your story about the loss of your daughter. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling, plus having to deal with your health issues. You always have your Warrior friends to lean on, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Take care of yourself. I know alot of people are against being on additional meds, but when I found out that my valve was failing, I asked to be put on Lexapro, an anti-anxiety med. It helped alot with the worries and the additional drama I was dealing with. Staying busy also helps. You and your family will be in my prayers. Take one day at a time.... Debbie

Tim, I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. I know that no matter what I say it cannot really ease the pain. Just remember that your daughter will always be with you in spirit. I also want to add that I noticed that you are wearing a Navy uniform in your photo--Thank you for serving our country.

I see that you were or are in the Navy. I am a navy retiree and served in the submarine fleet. Long shot, but did you have amine exposure? I am finding a lot of people who were on subs with heart issues.

Hi: My husband had mitral valve repair in 2012. He goes every year to get a CT scan since they found that he has an aneurysm on the aorta valve. It has gone down, as it was at one time at 4.4 now it is 4.2 cm in maximum diameter. Was told not to lift heavy items. He has no symptoms. He is 63 years old. What's the cut off number to have surgery and is this surgery inevitable?

Hi, the size of your aneurysm is borderline for the operation, you don want to sit on ticking time bomb; and risk aneurysm to burst!!! get the best Heat center specializing in repair of aneurysms---I went to YALE new Haven, CT; Dr Elefentriasis; he did not operate on my BICUSPID Valve because it is was checked during the surgery, and working fine and still is, 9 years post surgery; Maria

I underwent a Modified Bental Operation to replace my valve and ascending aorta in April 2016. At the time the American College of cardiologist recommended surgery at 5.5cm and the American College of cardiothoracic surgeon recommended surgery at 5 cm. My aneurysm was 5.0 cm with only moderate narrowing of my valve, rather than live with the restrictions and knowing I would ultimately have the surgery I Went ahead and had the procedure. I am a surgeon myself and spent quite a bit of time reviewing articles and it becomes more unclear when you have a bicuspid valve or Marfan's when to have the procedure. My surgeon did not limit my activities after work other than those related to warfarin.

Tim ⚓ , First of all, thanks for serving our Country.... My wife just had an bicuspid aortic valve replaced using the thorasic approach (small incision over the right breast, Cleveland Clinic) all went very well. She waited until her valve was very bad 3.1, the doctors feared she could have gone into cardiac arrest because she waited so long. The last few weeks she was starting to forget things. She is in her early fifties, so she wanted to wait until she could get a TAVR valve, but this is only for older folks at this time. You are only eligible for the thorasic approach by the sounds of it, maybe the smaller cut. My wife did not gain a thing by waiting, but maybe some memorie loss. As an airborne soldier, I believe you should find the best Doctors, Get the best care at the best hospital. We drove to Cleveland Clinic, the top rated heart hospital, from Michigan, it was well worth the effort. We prayed with our doctor and Jesus made it all come out well. Anchors Away my good sailor, and thanks again for serving your Country, you gave us Freedom so we can choose🚤⚓ 😊💔 We will keep you in our families 🙏 Mike All The Way, 82nd Airborne 82nd MP

Tim, I had my symptomatic BAV replaced 2.5 years ago at age 30. I didn't have an aneurysm yet but the aorta was dilated a bit. The surgeon reinforced my aorta while my chest was open so I'll be protected better going forward. That 30 lb. restriction sounds crazy to me. Depending on what your 2nd opinion says, I'd seriously consider just getting it done. Life is too short to walk on egg shells everyday!!!! Feel free to contact me.