Alex's Journal

Adam Baumgartner  I'd be happy to answer any questions and help any way i can. I know it can be overwhelming. I was 42 at time of surgery 6 months ago. Bicuspid valve with regurgitation and aneurysm of root and ascending aorta. I had a valve sparing root replacement surgery.  I feel great, better than I have in a couple years.  

Alex Pinales  Thanks Adam for reaching out. Obviously a little anxious but i dont have to tell you that. Wow you went through quite a bit. Glad you are doing better. I just had an MRI done yesterday to determine if i need a bypass. Have aortic regurgitation been monitoring for years but i guess now it is too much. Still have to decide between mechanical and tissue. I wish i had a crystal ball to see which is better but i know each one has its pros and cons. I just dont know anyone as young as us that had this procedure so it seems like i am going in blindly. What suggestions did your Dr give you if you dont mind sharing?

Adam Baumgartner  Well, with regurgitation maybe they can repair your valve like me instead of replacing it. Need to find a surgeon that is capable of repairing, many just replace. The Ross Procedure is another option if the valve is not repairable. So essentially my surgeon said repair is option 1A and then ross, mechanical, or tissue valve are 2A, 2B, and 2C.  I had to choose from those backup options incase my valve couldn't be repaired. I chose mechanical but my valve was repaired.

Alex Pinales  Wow thats great. I hope mine could be repaired. I heard with leaky aortic valves they can in most cases be repaired. Even after the repair if it last 10 years then i would be in a better part of life that would make my decision easier. I dont like the idea of blood thinners for the rest of my life but since my age i am ensuring another procedure in the future. I spoke to surgeon but he never mentioned anything  about possible repair. I just learned about repairs from youtube. I will mention it on my followup. Now what is funny is i am asymptomatic. Dont know how you were feeling before. No shortness of breath or anything like that.

Alex Pinales  Hey Adam i just found out i have a prolaspsed valve. No stenosis. Was that kund of what you had. I am hoping they can fix it.