Alejandro Padgett - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1262 days ago

Susan Lynn, Rose Madura, Andrew Dial reacted to this

Hi everyone! I posted months ago that I was going through the tough decision of which kind of valve (mechanical or biological valve) to choose considering ...Read more

Hi everyone! I posted months ago that I was going through the tough decision of which kind of valve (mechanical or biological valve) to choose considering I want to keep doing mountain biking and other activities that might be a bit riskier with taking blood thinners. Long story short... I ended up consulting two other surgeons who suggested the ross procedure as my best option with my particular situation. It's a very scary surgery to be honest but I'm hoping it is the right choice for me. It'd be great if anyone could share their experience with the ROSS procedure. Also, I'm trying to decide whether to have it done at Baylor Scott and White in Plano Texas or Mount Sinai in NY. From what I've gathered, both medical centers are trustworthy in terms of performing ROSS procedures. Any advice/experience on any of these two hospitals? Thank you very much! Bless all!

Deena Z Hi Alejandro! Good job doing your research!
There are quite a few heart warriors on this site that ... Read more

Deena Z Hi Alejandro! Good job doing your research!
There are quite a few heart warriors on this site that have undergone successful ROSS procedures, including Adam who started this site. So you should get some good advice. I went to Mt Sinai in NYC to have my mitral and tricuspid valves repaired. Had an excellent experience. If you have general questions about Mt Sinai, the hotels etc, just ask!

Also- if you enter ross procedure” in the search box at the top of this site’s webpage you will get lots of info and from patients who went to Mt Sinai; Cedars in LA, etc.
Godspeed!

Rose Madura Congratulations on research and getting at least two opinions. And also for making your decision. S ... Read more

Rose Madura Congratulations on research and getting at least two opinions. And also for making your decision. Sounds like a great decision. Godspeed!

Sandy Harvey Please take some time to watch the videos that Adam Pick does with surgeons from different hospitals. ... Read more

Sandy Harvey Please take some time to watch the videos that Adam Pick does with surgeons from different hospitals. You will find them very helpful. If you have time do your research on other hospitals as well. I was told I should go to Cleveland but time was not my friend so I am having BAV surgery at BS&W. I also think that a lot depends on the surgeon you choose. My surgeon has presented me with my options and the decision was left to me - it is one of the most agonizing positions to be in. Most of the surgeons have very good credentials. Good luck.

Alex Hunt It's such a tough choice. I went mechanical rather than Ross for to the increase surgical risk. The o ... Read more

Alex Hunt It's such a tough choice. I went mechanical rather than Ross for to the increase surgical risk. The only thing I no longer do is skiing - I was a liability on the slopes at the best of times. I'm also more cautious when trail running. Hopefully others can give you their experiences following the Ross procedure. Good luck!

CJ Jordan I had a Ross/aneurysm repair done at Mount Sinai Sept 29th 2021. I've had a smooth and uneventful rec ... Read more

CJ Jordan I had a Ross/aneurysm repair done at Mount Sinai Sept 29th 2021. I've had a smooth and uneventful recovery. For me, it was the absolute best decision. I am on no blood thinners with my only current limitations being heavy weightlifting which I was told will be lifted at 1yr post op. This was my only heart surgery so I can't compare it to anything but I felt very confident, safe, well taken care of at Mount Sinai - I have zero regrets. Dr. Ismail El-Hamamsy performed my procedure and in my opinion he is the best surgeon in the country for Ross procedures - I was willing to go anywhere in the country and after a lot of research ended up travelling from MO to NYC because of the confidence I had in Dr. El-Hamamsy.

Martin Smith Hello Alejandro! I had a Ross procedure performed by Dr. Chu at London Health Sciences in London, Ca ... Read more

Martin Smith Hello Alejandro! I had a Ross procedure performed by Dr. Chu at London Health Sciences in London, Canada. I opted for this procedure for reasons similar to what you mention. The advice written above is good. My operation went well and I began a steady recovery very soon after the procedure. At 16 mos. post-op, however, I consider it on the early side to give the Ross an unconditional recommendation. Every person's situation is unique and it's wise to consider all your options and to listen carefully to the doctors.
Alex: Why did your doctor advise against skiing?
CJ: I'm curious about your doctor lifting the prohibition on heavy lifting one year post-op. Not the advice my doctor has given me.
Alejandro: don't mean to hijack your thread, but am really interested in post-op training expectations and parameters for Ross patients and other valve recipients. Best wishes on your research and operation!

Alex Hunt Martin - my doc advised against skiing because of the risk of a brain hemorrhage if I took a bad fall ... Read more

Alex Hunt Martin - my doc advised against skiing because of the risk of a brain hemorrhage if I took a bad fall whilst on warfarin.

Alejandro Padgettposted an update

1405 days ago

Scott Kinghorn reacted to this

Hi! I'm new on this community. I'd like to know if someone has been on a similar situation who can offer some insight or anyone who can give advice really, ...Read more

Hi! I'm new on this community. I'd like to know if someone has been on a similar situation who can offer some insight or anyone who can give advice really, I'd appreciate it. I’m 33 and I have a bicuspid aortic valve that needs to be replaced in the next months. My cardiologists says it can wait however advises on getting it done sooner rather than later. The thing is, I'm torn between getting a mechanical valve as opposed to a biological valve. I’ve been leaning towards the biological valve as I’ve always been very active engaging in sports such as mountain biking, climbing and hiking where injury is unpredictable. The fact that you don’t have to take blood thinners makes me feel more confident on doing activities like this after surgery. Initially, the more I read around I was convinced that I wanted to go for a biological valve knowing that re-operating would be something i would have to face down the road but I would have less risk of injury complications….that is what I understand. However the general suggestion I get from cardiologists is that, due to my age , a mechanical valve is the standard/most common option. They say that of coarse if I wanted, I could have a biological valve instead. Also, prior to knowing of having my heart valve replacement, I was due to have a hair transplant procedure on a scar I have on my scalp. My cardiologists says that if I end up choosing a biological valve, a procedure such as this wouldn’t be a problem but if I were to get a mechanical valve he would prefer that I get it done before the heart valve replacement. So I guess my questions are…. has anybody here been in a similar situation were they were debating on what kind of valve to get based on their active/sord-of risky lifestyle? If so, which valve did you choose and why? Does anybody know if a procedure such as minor hair transplant for a scar is something that would not be possible having a mechanical valve and been on blood thinners? I know it’s long message, sorry. Hope I can get some insights :) Thank you!

Brett Kurtz Hi Alejandro. I was in your same spot about 2 years ago when my surgery time came up. I was 36 at the ... Read more

Brett Kurtz Hi Alejandro. I was in your same spot about 2 years ago when my surgery time came up. I was 36 at the time, love to be active, and own a jetski rental company. In my many talks with my cardiologists, we picked a biological valve. I am taking the risk of having a full re-operation at some point but hoping that they will be able to do a couple of TAVRs on me before then.

It's my understanding also if you were to have surgery after getting a mechanical valve, then you will need to get your INR back down to normal. This is what causes the problem as after the surgery you'll need to get it back to the level you had it before.

Alejandro Padgett Hi Brett. I really appreciate your feedback. Good to know your case and that you went with a biologic ... Read more

Alejandro Padgett Hi Brett. I really appreciate your feedback. Good to know your case and that you went with a biological valve at younger age. I'm surprised non of my cardiologists have mentioned TAVR as an option having a biological valve. I'll ask about that. It seems a bit of hassle to control your INR for procedures like a small hair transplant for scar. Hope someone with a mechanical valve and blood thinners can chime in if they have been through a procedure like that. Thanks again.

Mike Tirrell Hi Alejandro. This is indeed a very personal choice. At your age, take a look at the Ross procedure ... Read more

Mike Tirrell Hi Alejandro. This is indeed a very personal choice. At your age, take a look at the Ross procedure. Adam has done a few webinars with Dr Paul Stelzer on the subject that are posted on Youtube. It's at least worth a look. Best wishes.

Rose Madura It's a very personal choice and one only you can make. I'm not sure TAVR is an option for a bicuspid ... Read more

Rose Madura It's a very personal choice and one only you can make. I'm not sure TAVR is an option for a bicuspid valve but ask your doctor. You are doing the right thing by weighing the options. The main thing is once you make the decision, don't second guess yourself. It's one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make. I was 59 and chose a tissue valve. Godspeed. And please keep us posted.

Thomas LaCombe Great Question - I faced this question as well

I went mechanical due to not wanting multiple operati ... Read more

Thomas LaCombe Great Question - I faced this question as well

I went mechanical due to not wanting multiple operations but I did also hear the tissue valve and it lines up with your desires

I only run, play basketball and golf so mechanical didn’t stop those desires but if you are more adventurous than I, tissue may make more since or the Ross

Prayers your way!

Alejandro Padgett Thank you all for your suggestions and insights! It is indeed a tough decision. I will look into the ... Read more

Alejandro Padgett Thank you all for your suggestions and insights! It is indeed a tough decision. I will look into the Ross Procedure as well. Thanks for the good wishes and prayers!