Allen's Journal

Leslie Prebyl  Allen-  Congratulations on the run.  My son Drake and I traveled to Mount Sinai in NYC in September of 2022 so he could have the Ross Procedure done. Dr. El-Hamamsy was his surgeon.  He was 22 at the time and had just graduated from college and started his career.  He too had an aortic stenosis/bicuspid valve, but never had any symptoms or restrictions placed upon him growing up.  He did have angioplasty at 14 which bought him some time.  He is an active bicyclist and was back up and riding 8 weeks after the surgery. Since he is so active and young, that is why we chose the Ross.  I didn't want him to have to deal with blood thinners and all that comes with that.   Thankfully, he hasn't had any issues since the surgery. Every so often he will have pain up his back and shoulders and find it painful to take deep breaths.  The doctor has no idea why. He takes Advil and uses the heating pad and it goes away.  Very strange.  He is still on BP medicine because his cardiologist thinks it is protective for the aortic arch.  We are trying to set up a meeting with the surgeon for his opinion.  I suspect in June when Drake has his next echo and EKG, he will elect to go off of the medication and see what happens over the next 6 months.  I admittedly haven't been on the website much since Drake's surgery, so I wasn't aware of your story until I saw it highlighted in the newsletter. I am so glad things are going well for you.  Out of curiosity, do your brothers have a bicuspid valve issue?  My other son who is 20 has it, but it is very mild. It is only detectable on the echo.  He might be lucky and never need any intervention as he gets older. I need to show Drake the picture of your tattoo.  It is amazing!  Take care--- Leslie Prebyl




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