Andrew's Journal

Got 5 weeks till surgery, been enjoying life and doing a lot of fishing (my passion). Thank you to Timothy Andre for connecting with me and sharing thoughts and personal info from his surgery to help me get my head right prior to surgery. And thanks to Adam and anyone who has reached out and shared thoughts and prayers.

7 weeks from today I’ll be having my Ross procedure w/ ascending hemiarch. I feel like some days are really good for me mentally, and some days are really a struggle.. I think a lot of it is the constant stress that’s kind of on the backside, like I’m not noticing myself really thinking about it.. but it’s there. Can anyone relate?

Aside from that, I’m excited to get this done, focus on recovery and move on.

Big thanks to Adam for creating this network, making it possible for people like us to talk to others like ourselves, and relate to one another, and share thoughts and ideas. It is a huge help.

thanks to everyone so far that has reached out to me and helped.

Last night, Had my cardiac ablation done, (heart catheterization) where they enter my right groin and go up and artery and ablate an unnecessary pathway in my heart. All was a success! Dr Robinson at UWMC and her entire team did an amazing job. When I entered the operating room, her team was a well oiled machine; they all introduced themselves, everyone knew exactly what they were doing, they made me feel right at home, cracking jokes and making it fun. They started the anesthesia and I was OUT! Woke up back in the icu and was able to go home about 3hours later after mandatory bed rest. Feeling good this morning but groin is very sore.

Just scheduled my cardiac ablation to fix my WPW syndrome for next Wednesday the 6th! Finally after all these years, I am getting rid of it. This has to be done before my big surgery in June.

Talked to Electro-Physiology today and am scheduling my ablation for my WPW (Wolf-parkinson white syndrome). It’s basically an extra accessory pathway, like an extra circuit inside my heart that shouldnt be there. I was born with this and finally 33 years later, we are taking care of it before the big surgery in June. 

Had an echo and met with Dr Burke today.. Echo went fine, nothing new. But due to the fact I’m tired all the time, I think the symptoms are finally catching me.. we have decided to move the Ross procedure from October to June. Nervous but ready to get this over with

Echo at UW Medicine tomorrow and follow up with cardiac surgeon Chris Burke. Been feeling some lightheaded weirdness last 3+ weeks, and can’t pinpoint why. First time I’ve actually been nervous. I think he is gonna recommend moving the surgery up. (Currently scheduled for October) Ross procedure + Dacron graft.

Hi guys, aortic stenosis since birth, aortic insufficiency, and enlarged aorta. Due for Ross procedure in October. The last few weeks, while driving, I’ve been feeling lightheaded/off balance/lightheaded .. that I can’t quite pinpoint why. Today, I’m feeling very lethargic and tired, lightheaded, more or less just out of it. Almost have gotten to the point a few times where I go to the ER. Has anyone experienced these symptoms or anything similar prior to having heart valve surgery? Wondering if I need to look at scheduling my surgery sooner…. Or atleast having further tests done.?!

Saw Dr. Burke today at UW. Main reason for visit was to see if I’m candidate for the Ross Procedure.. and great news, YES!! He said I’m an excellent candidate for the Ross. Need to schedule to have my WPW taken care of first and then will be getting Ross done in 6-12 months. Have a great evening everyone!

Have my heart CT Scan tomorrow and then follow-up appointment with Dr. Christopher Burke at UW Medicine. I found out he does the Ross Procedure and am hoping to find out some more info, maybe I’m a candidate?! Been going to Overlake Cardiology my whole life and cardiologist is recommending Mechanical On-X valve when the time comes. We will see. Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis, 4.6 cm dilated aorta. I also have Wolf Parkinson White syndrome that will need to be taken care of before my heart surgery. I’m an active 32 y/o, I’d say mostly asymptomatic.

Hi, can anyone elaborate on the cost of their surgery? Did insurance cover most? What was out of pocket? I’m specifically looking for mechanical valve replacement or Ross Procedure. I will be having one done in the not too distant future and wondering you guys’ experience with this …. Thanks! Andy

I’m Andy, I’m 32 years old. Born with Aortic Stenosis and WPW. A replacement aortic valve will be in my future at some point within the next 12 months or so, depending. I have the ascending aorta, which is looking to become more of an issue than the actual valve itself. Once it gets to 48mm+, we are going to most likely replace the valve. I’m currently at 46mm. My big question is, I am most likely going with the On-X valve, but how are people dealing with the blood thinning meds? I live a very active lifestyle, mainly fishing and dirtbike riding, and wondering if I can still do these things? I’ve read a lot of comments on this site but most of them are from 8-12 years ago. Seems like a lot of people I read or talk to think being on warfarin/Coumadin is like the worst thing ever. But is that true being that you’re literally being given another/extended shot at life? I appreciate any replies and thoughts. Just want all my ducks in a row prior to surgery! Thanks!