Jim's Photos

Jim Kelly-Evans  . Photo taken in March in St. barthelemy after i completed a series of seven scuba dives.

Aortic valve: Valve mean gradient was 11 mmHg. Es
timated aortic valve area (by
VTI) was 1.87 cmï¾². Estimated aortic valve area (by Vmax) was 1.83 cmï¾².
Estimated aortic valve area (by Vmean) was 2.24 cmï¾².

Lewis Garlisi  Hi Jim. Just checking in on some of my contemporaries. Good to read that you are enjoying life to the fullest. Can you believe how far you have come? All is well with me post op. Doing a lot of traveling and trying to stay healthy. Best wishes.

Pat Bluemel  Great to hear and see Jim! Your recovery story and struggle was something I'll never forget! So glad you are doing good. I just had my checks as well, all good. Keep up the diving!

Jim Kelly-Evans  One year ago today, February 16, 2015, I embarked upon the most profound adventure of my life, as I put myself in the hands of a young heart surgeon at Temple University. He had told me that my heart condition would kill me if not treated. I trusted him to use his great talent and training to help me and he did not let me down. A year later I feel fully recovered and I'm enjoying my new lease on life.

It was a difficult recovery at times. Only the love and support of a wonderful spouse, many good friends, and our beautiful pets got me through it. To them I offer my undying gratitude.

To those facing open heart surgery in the future, know that all will be well with the support of loved ones and the passage of time.

Jim

Terrie Syvertsen  Jim-Lovely tree...Is that a real train and tracks circling the tree? Pretty nice set up if so! Merry Christmas Heart Brother and continued healing days to you!

Adam Pick  Hey Jim, I forgot... Any chance you can provide a patient recommendation for Dr. Wheatly? I know he would really appreciate it. If so, here's the link to the patient recommendation form - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeon-database/add-valve-surgeon.php

Jean Raber  Hey, say "lechyd da!" if you hoist a brew with my people in Wales! And try not to spit when you say it. Hee.

Jim Kelly-Evans  Adam, I added the patient recommendation as you requested...easy to do when you have such a great surgeon!

Alma Mater  I love the kilt. What tartan is it? My husband has a Carnegie. He and my two boys wore theirs last weekend for our baby's dedication at church. I think men in kilts look so sharp! Enjoy your tour of the UK!

Tom Mcinerney  Those locomotives are looking good isn't this a great hobby my layout is further up this page Tom ELK RIVER LOGGING R.R.

Clay Rowe  Jim, I remember you had a pretty rough go at first...so it's great to hear you're doing so well. I like that shirt too.

Terrie Syvertsen  Jim-Glory be to the Morning! Great photo and news of your visit to the cardiologist and your results! Keep on Healing Heart Brother!

Pat Bluemel  Here in the PNW we don't have harsh enough winters to kill them back and they love to invade. Thanks for the photo, I am glad I can admire from afar;-).

Bill Bard  A great photo, Jim and with a support team like those three you have an excellent prognosis. Since my June, 2013 full sternal AVR it has been a great journey with mainly "ups" as you will see if you check out my
journals. Keep posting your very lucid and knowledgable updates! I bet by this time next year you will be celebrating! Best of luck.

Adam Pick  Jim, Another thing we have in common... Scuba! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2007/07/27/scuba-diving-after-heart-valve-surgery/

Jim Kelly-Evans  IRAD (International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection) produced a paper entitled: “Aortic Diameter > 5.5 cm Is Not a Good Predictor of Aortic Dissection” in the journal Circulation in 2008...investigators found that an astounding 60% of acute aortic dissections occurred in aneurysms that measured less than 5.5 cm at the time of diagnosis, 40 % in those that measured less than 5 cm, and approximately 25% at sizes less than 4.5 cm... investigators do not give us guidance on why thoracic aneurysms can and do rupture or dissect at these 'smaller' sizes, but it is important to recognize that they can and that we take them seriously in terms of risk stratification and counseling.

The new 2014 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Patients With Valvular Heart Disease acknowledges the risk. Here is the recommendation for patients with BAV undergoing AVR:

Class IIa2.Replacement of the ascending aorta is reasonable in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve who are undergoing aortic valve surgery because of severe AS or AR (4.2.3and5.3.3) if the diameter of the ascending aorta is greater than 4.5 cm. (Level of Evidence: C)

Lori Beuerlein  I've had a heart cath both ways and MUCH preferred the wrist! I have a small scar there which is a daily reminder to be heart healthy!

Terrie Syvertsen  Well that is easy for you to say.............? Can see I will be online looking this one sentence up soon! Fascinating Photo there Jim! By the way Happy Birthday Late. Nice to see someone else near my age here on site. Without my glasses on at first I thought this to be an exotic cactus of some sort! Take care!

Terrie Syvertsen  Answer to your question.....You will be even more spritely and handsomer!!!! Seriously. You look a great example for one going in to have your surgery-Have no doubt your taking care of yourself is a great help to your surgeon and his team!

Lewis Garlisi  Hey Jim great photo. My train wasn't quite that big, but your recovery will start going more smoothly just the same.

Jeff V.  I'm drinking a bourbon toast to you right now, Jim! The double zipper looks really good! I was worried about you but know you are now over the hump! Take care - Jeff V.

Tammy Pilcher  Congratulations, Jim, on your homecoming! I'm so happy you're on this side of surgery now! Prayers and best wishes for a great recovery!

Terrie Syvertsen  Great Photo and great that you are home where you and Dan can make sure you get everything you need and begin your healing process. Very relieved are we here at the heart community. Take care.

Bob M  Choo Choo! Nice scar! Home is where your fixed heart is. Take it easy heart brother. God bless and rise up!

Barry Van Gemert  Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? You were a little slow out of the gate, but you will win this one! great to see you home.

Nancy D  Happy to see you home and smiling....rest, deep breathe, allow others to assist you and eat to keep your strength up!! Welcome home!

Tammi Gunwall  So glad to see you home and SMILING! I will continue prayers that your recovery from here on out is very uneventful. Congrats!!

wendy smith  Well Jim, you sure don't l@@k like a train wreck!!! You l@@k GREAT!!!! Keep smiling and so very glad you are home!!! HOME is the Best place to be!! Take good care of YOU!!!!! :)

Tim Goff  A broad st bullies fan! Yikes Too bad neither your team nor the Bruins seem to be a factor this year it seems. Showing the pride