About Me (In My Own Words)
Dr. Castro replaced by aortic valve one month ago today. The decision to have surgery was made after experiencing several near fainting spells in close succession and an evening at the Stanford ER.
The ER experience was less than satisfying as doctors were quick to conclude that my symptoms were due to a panic attack. Even after an ultrasound showed that I had a bicuspid aortic valve and that my aortic valve opening was .8 (normal 2.0) I was released with a "recommendation" that I follow up in the "next week or two" with a cardiologist. There was no indication that my fainting spells were serious symptoms or that my condition was life threatening.
My wife and I did some research, asked friends and acquaintances and learned that Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City CA (not Stanford) is one of the top ten in the country for aortic valve replacement and that Dr. Luis Castro, their Medical Director of Cardiac Surgery, is also one of the top cardiac surgeons in the country.
Dr. Castro reviewed the ultrasound, ordered additional tests, and sat down with my wife and I and explained the seriousness of my condition and my choices.
If you are a candidate for aortic valve replacement and are in the process of deciding on a surgeon, Dr. Castro should be number one on your list. His enthusiasm for his work, his optimism, his ability to communicate, and his sensitivity to his patient's emotional state (pre and post surgery) is nothing short of remarkable.
Today I am one month post surgery and close to being ready to return to week. At the risk of sounding like a cliche, I truly feel that I owe my life to Dr. Castro and to his remarkable team.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Menlo Park, California
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My surgery date is:
October 30, 2014
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Luis Castro
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My hospital is:
Sequoia Hospital
