Al's Profile

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Coronary Artery Disease

Member Since: December 12, 2014

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About Me

The diabetes doctor discovered the heart murmur about 5 years ago. I've been having annual Echocardiograms with the numbers getting a little worst each year. This year the aortic valve area is down to 1.0cm and the doctor said its about time to have the valve replaced. I'm going to schedule the pre-op tests and surgery for next March/April after we return from a Maui vacation. At this point my first question is: can I do everything after the surgery that I'm doing now? Currently I bowl, golf, play slow pitch senior softball and Pickleball (which is tennis for old people). Will I still be able to play all those active sports? Thanks to Adam for answering that I'll be able to play sports again. After all, I need something to do in retirement.
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    I am from: Lincoln, California, United States
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    My surgery date was: May 15, 2015
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    I was diagnosed with: Aortic Stenosis, Coronary Artery Disease
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    My surgery was: Aortic Valve Replacement, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
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    My surgeon is: Dr. Frank Slachman
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    My hospital is: Alex G. Spanos Heart & Vascular Center, Sacramento

Upcoming Surgeries

Mark Decapite
Aortic Stenosis
June 23, 2026
Jim Rutherford
Aortic Regurgitation
June 23, 2026
Mariana Hastie
Pulmonary Regurgitation
June 23, 2026

Adam's Video Library

Adam's Video Library

Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam's video library.

Surgeon Spotlight

Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.