Barry's Journal

Rita Savelis  It's a financial/insurance decision in the USA as echos are expensive. I'm sure you are in the norm, Wendy. No need to worry. I get echos because I live in ... Read more

Rita Savelis  It's a financial/insurance decision in the USA as echos are expensive. I'm sure you are in the norm, Wendy. No need to worry. I get echos because I live in France and they are a standard procedure in the cardiologist's office.

Barry Kanick  Additionally,,,,,,,,I hired Thoracic Surgeon Dr Raymond Singer at the Lehigh Valley Hospital(LVHN) to replace my aortic valve. He has already achieved 7000 ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Additionally,,,,,,,,I hired Thoracic Surgeon Dr Raymond Singer at the Lehigh Valley Hospital(LVHN) to replace my aortic valve. He has already achieved 7000 + Surgeries with excellent results & in my opinion is clearly one of the best Thoracic Surgeons on the East Coast. ,,,My valve of choice was the Edwards Lifesciences Magna 3300TFX Bovine tissue valve because I had just turned 56 years & one month old right before the surgical date of June 5th,2016. The valve has a heck of a longevity record of 10+ years & more plus I'm an active guy who hikes the Continental Divide in Colorado.For me personally, there was no way in hell I was gonna put up with the continual maintenance of a mechanical valve. The Cleveland Clinic_Penn Medicine & LVHN all agreed with my decision & selection because of my age & stated that TAVR will most likely be even moreso perfected down the road by the time I may need another. ,,,,Better days ahead!!!

Frannie Renee  I am new here. I like the idea of keeing a journal of my heart surgery journey. I look forward to writing some things in hopes of learning, inspiring and ... Read more

Frannie Renee  I am new here. I like the idea of keeing a journal of my heart surgery journey. I look forward to writing some things in hopes of learning, inspiring and to be inspired as well by reading others journeys.

LINDA ROBERTS  Thanks for sharing that information, Barry. I am feeling confident in my surgeon Dr. Svensson at the Cleveland Clinic and will be having surgery in a few weeks. ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS  Thanks for sharing that information, Barry. I am feeling confident in my surgeon Dr. Svensson at the Cleveland Clinic and will be having surgery in a few weeks. I donot have a recliner but if you found that a big help will look into that.

Kelly Stoll  Hi Barry. Great recommendations. I skipped 3, as recliners were not comfortable at my height (5'). Would also stress on #4 to make sure your friends and family ... Read more

Kelly Stoll  Hi Barry. Great recommendations. I skipped 3, as recliners were not comfortable at my height (5'). Would also stress on #4 to make sure your friends and family coming into your home understand exposure to illness is a risk. I.e. Strep. Had that experience with a close family member the day I got home, who did not understand why it was a big deal. Have backups and people who will value your health as much as you do.

Barry Kanick  To Linda Roberts,,,,,,,,Dr Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic actually was my very 1st 2nd opinion. Additionally. A rented electric Recliner was absolutely the ... Read more

Barry Kanick  To Linda Roberts,,,,,,,,Dr Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic actually was my very 1st 2nd opinion. Additionally. A rented electric Recliner was absolutely the best tool for the task. I got it from Rent-A Center store. I simply just covered it with a premium bed sheet in combination with a nice comfortable pillow. Additionally, a small TV tray next to the Recliner with my few medications, your spirometer & cell phone worked out just beautifully. My brother slept upstairs!!! ,,,To Kelly Stoll,,,,,,thanks for reminding me. I actually did tell anyone if they were recently sick to absolutely stay away. To everyone again,,,,,I included my e-mail if I can be of further help with any more detail.

Barry Kanick  Thanks Jim Harvey!!! ,,,,I'm just trying to pass along all the critical information I've researched & learned during that whole experience/adventure on July ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Thanks Jim Harvey!!! ,,,,I'm just trying to pass along all the critical information I've researched & learned during that whole experience/adventure on July 5th,2016. If I can hugely help just 3-4 people,I'll be a happy guy!!! ,,,,,I'm battle tested already & I plan on forging ahead in the face of adversity. ,,,,,To Debbie Kelly_I'm a Designer that works in the Customer Engineering Department(CE) in Allentown,PA.

Barry Kanick  Additionally,,,,,,,,I hired Thoracic Surgeon Dr Raymond Singer at the Lehigh Valley Hospital(LVHN) to replace my aortic valve. He has already achieved 7000 ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Additionally,,,,,,,,I hired Thoracic Surgeon Dr Raymond Singer at the Lehigh Valley Hospital(LVHN) to replace my aortic valve. He has already achieved 7000 + Surgeries & is one of the best on the East Coast. ,,,My valve of choice was the Edwards Lifesciences Magna 3300TFX Bovine tissue valve because I just turned 56 years old one month before the surgical date of June 5th,2016. The valve has a heck of a longevity record of 10+ years & more plus as an active guy who hikes the Continental Divide in Colorado, there was no way in hell I was gonna put up with the continual maintenance of a mechanical valve. The Cleveland Clinic_Penn Medicine & LVHN all agreed with my selection because of my age & stated that TAVR will be even more perfected down the road by the time I may need another. ,,,,Better days ahead!!!

Kathy Blank  Barry- This is spot on in every single way. I was shocked and full of fear before I did the same steps you mentioned. I did not rely on the surgeon of choice ... Read more

Kathy Blank  Barry- This is spot on in every single way. I was shocked and full of fear before I did the same steps you mentioned. I did not rely on the surgeon of choice by any of the 3 cardiologists I received consults from. In fact- I learned that as soon as OHS is in your future- go right to the surgical consults and get several opinions from high volume surgeons in your specific heart valve issue! By doing my homework and getting an exceptional surgeon I had peace of mind knowing I had done everything possible to be ready to recover fully from OHS! And this community- y’all have inspired me and given me the experienced answers I needed in every practical and unique aspect of OHS!

Barry Kanick  For all those having to deal with Heart valve replacement surgery sometime in 2018, I am posting this
to possibly ease the anxiety of this medical adventure. ... Read more

Barry Kanick  For all those having to deal with Heart valve replacement surgery sometime in 2018, I am posting this
to possibly ease the anxiety of this medical adventure.
In 2010, the detection of a simple heart murmur & eventually an echocardiogram revealed moderate aortic stenosis but by late 2016, it evolved into "severe" aortic stenosis & I still had no major symptoms whatsoever. My oncologist showed me a page from the New England Journal of Medicine that clearly states that valvular disease can develop 30 years later due to the radiation I recieved for the early Stages of Hodgkins disease I was diagnosed with in 1988. The early Stages of Hodgkins disease was tagged as 95% curable back then but the radiation was actually the culprit for the aortic stenosis!!! I had an aortic valve replacement done back on July 5th,2016 and walked out of the Hospital just 4 days later with no side issues whatsoever.
,,,,Being that I was 56 years of age & still an active guy, I purposely chose the Edwards Lifesciences Magna Ease Bovine Tissue Valve(Model #3300TFX) with the perspective that the TAVR procedure will be even moreso perfected when the valve needs to be replaced hopefully 12 + years from now or even more.
Both the Cleveland Clinic & Penn Medicine agreed with my choice, sense of direction & perspective.
After doing my research & getting (3) 2nd opinions, I ultimately selected Dr Raymond Singer(LVHN) who late last year just recently celebrated a milestone of 7000 surgeries in 25 years whereas the same members of his surgical team were also with him all of those 25 years. This is why I actually chose Thoracic Surgeon Dr Raymond Singer @ LVHN because of his impressive track record of successful surgeries & the sizeably longevity of being together in sync as a team relevant to efficiency.
I celebrated my 1 year Anniversary in giving the valve it’s 1st rigorous workout by extensively hiking the Continental Divide out in Colorado just one year later. ,,,,A few 10 hour roundtrip hike(s) was a true sizeable test even at higher altitudes!!!
Additionally,,,,,,, when it comes to Adam Pick’s book titled “A Patient’s Guide to Heart Valve Surgery”, it was the best $29.95
I had ever spent my entire life. ,,,,,While extensively researching Thoracic Surgeons from around the Country, I had read this book twice from top to bottom between January & June of 2016, underlined all key informative detail(s) & got myself totally prepared in every possible way for July 5th,2016.
I was hugely aware of the entire sequence of events that was about to unravel from day to day & knew exactly what to expect. One of the 2 most beneficial things I depended on in the 1st (4) weeks after surgery was the Hospital Heart pillow that I held against my chest
to alleviate some moderate discomfort when I sizeably laughed or sneezed. Additionally, renting an electric reclining chair was definitely the most useful tool of all when getting up & down. In my viewpoint, the chair is a must have & it became my primary bed for a full 8 weeks after surgery!!! ,,,,You don’t want to put unnecessary strain on your upper chest getting up & down from a typical couch or bed.
But for me personally, one of the best attributes I extracted from Adam’s book is how he asked both family & friends
to participate in his recovery for the 1st two weeks after the Surgery. ,,,,,Smart!!!
I adopted the exact same strategy & it worked out just beautifully. As a single guy, it gave me total piece of mind to know someone was
always consistently there as a just in case. And believe me, I asked myself several “what if ’s” leading up to the day of surgery.
I hope this write-up truly helps the next person who has to go thru this similar medical adventure.
The Pic I placed above is part of a local Newspaper article whereas they featured Dr Singer.
It’s a great write-up & if you want to read the whole thing,,,, just e-mail me & I will send it to you.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,barry.kanick@volvo.com

Barry Kanick  I just read your journal Anna. After I wrote Dr Singer a detailed informative letter about my situation, he actually called me at my house one early evening ... Read more

Barry Kanick  I just read your journal Anna. After I wrote Dr Singer a detailed informative letter about my situation, he actually called me at my house one early evening on his own time to discuss it. He recognized that I was already hugely informed about the overall procedure so we then scheduled a 1 hour consultation whereas he answered all my additional relevant concerns. ,,,I was very impressed!!! ,,,I committed to schedule the surgery and luckily he was able to fit me into his schedule an estimated 1-1/2 months later.

Anna Jones  Barry, that's wonderful :-). I am seeing my GP today and will see if he is willing to call Dr. Accola for me. I don't hold out much hope and it sort of makes ... Read more

Anna Jones  Barry, that's wonderful :-). I am seeing my GP today and will see if he is willing to call Dr. Accola for me. I don't hold out much hope and it sort of makes me not want to go to him. I did send a detailed letter along with my records to Dr. Accola but the only response I got was a rude call from his nurse telling me that I should book the surgery. Your surgeon is truly amazing.

Barry Kanick  ,,,,,,Walked out of the Hospital (3) days later on nothing but 500mg of Extra strength tylenol with no side issues whatsoever till this very day. ,,,,,,,,Will ... Read more

Barry Kanick  ,,,,,,Walked out of the Hospital (3) days later on nothing but 500mg of Extra strength tylenol with no side issues whatsoever till this very day. ,,,,,,,,Will be hugely hiking the Continental Divide in Colorado from Sept 8th to October 2nd. ,,,,,,,,Life is good!!! ,,,,,,,,,,Better days ahead!!!

Barry Kanick  And I do realize along the left hand side of the Patient News Feed section that there are the words "Upload a photo". ,,,,But that's really not what I'm targetting. ... Read more

Barry Kanick  And I do realize along the left hand side of the Patient News Feed section that there are the words "Upload a photo". ,,,,But that's really not what I'm targetting. I want to add the photo on my own Journal page. ,,,,,,,,,,Barry

Stephanie Jones  I found the same thing I can't add a photo to my journal. But I can click add photo and it looks like it's doing nothing but when I scroll to the top of the ... Read more

Stephanie Jones  I found the same thing I can't add a photo to my journal. But I can click add photo and it looks like it's doing nothing but when I scroll to the top of the page it says that it's uploading and then it finally uploads. But I have not been able to add a photo to the journal part

Clare Auten  I have a hypertrophic scar. I saw a plastic surgeon for it. She really recommends silicone scar sheets.I found mine at walgreens in "long". She finds they ... Read more

Clare Auten  I have a hypertrophic scar. I saw a plastic surgeon for it. She really recommends silicone scar sheets.I found mine at walgreens in "long". She finds they work better and are less messy than creams.

  Hi Barry, I used the clear mederma gel at night and it was fine. My scar is nice and flat and the red is starting to fade. I have protected it all summer from ... Read more

  Hi Barry, I used the clear mederma gel at night and it was fine. My scar is nice and flat and the red is starting to fade. I have protected it all summer from sun and if there is a chance of it getting sun, I put sunscreen on it. Best wishes to you! My surgery was in December of last year.

Barry Kanick  Thanks Everyone!!! ,,,,,,And Darlene, I went to LVHN specifically because of Dr Raymond Singer's impressive track record right here in the State of Pennsylvania. ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Thanks Everyone!!! ,,,,,,And Darlene, I went to LVHN specifically because of Dr Raymond Singer's impressive track record right here in the State of Pennsylvania. But I actually came damn close to just driving out to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio to see Dr Marc Gillinov who I had previously consulted.

Barry Kanick  Guess what Amy,,,,,,,,Dr Gillinov was actually my 1st initial selection back in December of 2015 when I consulted him for a 2nd opinion.,,,I then acquired ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Guess what Amy,,,,,,,,Dr Gillinov was actually my 1st initial selection back in December of 2015 when I consulted him for a 2nd opinion.,,,I then acquired a second 2nd opinion at Penn Medicine(Dr Joseph Bavaria) & then researched & discovered the expertise of Dr Raymond Singer additionally & his huge successful track record right here in Pennsylvania. And yes,,,(3) 2nd opinions overall. Best of Luck on July 21st!!! ,,,,,,,,,,,Barry

Barry Kanick  ,,,,,,,Dr Raymond Singer himself actually took this photograph above whereas I documented & shared with him how I researched & mapped out several of the highly ... Read more

Barry Kanick  ,,,,,,,Dr Raymond Singer himself actually took this photograph above whereas I documented & shared with him how I researched & mapped out several of the highly touted Thoracic Surgeons for Aortic/Mitral "Valve" Replacement Surgery from around the Country & then listed their extensive Accomplished Track Records.

Barry Kanick  Adam,,,,,,it was actually thanks to all your "feature" Surgeon spotlight post(s) that hugely lured me to document most of the "marquee" goto Surgeons from around ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Adam,,,,,,it was actually thanks to all your "feature" Surgeon spotlight post(s) that hugely lured me to document most of the "marquee" goto Surgeons from around the Country. I've actually been studying both the SAVR/TAVR "Valve" Replacement Procedure(s) since December of 2015. Dr Raymond Singer said he was honored to be part of my targetted selection group shown above. We're friends for life!!! ,,,,,,,Barry

Petey Bello  Barry, I have one of those push back recliners and keep it in position, slid in & out. With that said, the electric sounds like an excellent choice. I didn't ... Read more

Petey Bello  Barry, I have one of those push back recliners and keep it in position, slid in & out. With that said, the electric sounds like an excellent choice. I didn't realize it & just made use of the one I have at home work. But sleeping in the recliner is def the way to go. I tried the foam wedges for my bed & hated them. I'm heading into week 3 post-op & finally sleeping in my own bed on an incline with propped pillows that seem to be working for me (which didn't the first two weeks)

Steven A Husted  yes you are right pulling on that lever on the side of a recliner would hurt you and may cause more damage to your sternum that is why most patients on here ... Read more

Steven A Husted  yes you are right pulling on that lever on the side of a recliner would hurt you and may cause more damage to your sternum that is why most patients on here recomend a electric recliner with a push of a button it goes up and down and they are very comfortable most people use them for a short period of time until there sternum heals but i use mine all the time and i am 20 months out i cant sleep on my stomach any more because it hurts my sternum so i sleep in my electric recliner and it works ok for me

Barry Kanick  Sounds good,,,,,,,,I actually had planned on buying a newer quality leather one anyway. They are definitely hugely relaxing. With my old one,,,,all I had to ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Sounds good,,,,,,,,I actually had planned on buying a newer quality leather one anyway. They are definitely hugely relaxing. With my old one,,,,all I had to do is get myself in the right position & I would be out like a light in just 3-5 minutes!!! ,,,,,,,90,000 fans cheering in a college football stadium probably couldn't have waken me up.

Christine Oliva  Electric ones are expensive to buy, but renting one is substantially less, look around and watch out for delivery costs too. I felt they were more comfortable ... Read more

Christine Oliva  Electric ones are expensive to buy, but renting one is substantially less, look around and watch out for delivery costs too. I felt they were more comfortable than my hospital bed and was able to sleep a full fours on my first night home in this recliner, It also helped with my cough and since my husband had to go back to work fairly quick, it made it easier for me to get out of my chair (it literally puts you in a standing position) plus I feel it encouraged me to walk which is super important the few first weeks when you are still pretty uncomfortable. Good luck with your surgery.

Barry Kanick  Just an FYI to everyone,,,,,,,,,I did some investigation today on various Recliners & found a Rent-A Center who actually rents out a Power Lift Recliner but ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Just an FYI to everyone,,,,,,,,,I did some investigation today on various Recliners & found a Rent-A Center who actually rents out a Power Lift Recliner but they were out of stock at that particular store. It's actually only $24.99 per week to rent. ,,,,Then I went to an Ashley Furniture Homestore here in Pennsylvania & they actually had the exact same one on the floor so I actually tried it out. It will actually stand you up close to 70 degrees of standing perfectly upright. ,,,,Works just nicely & comfortable!!! ,,,,,Just out of curiousity, I then went to a Raymour & Flanagan Furniture store nearby to check out typical pricing on other electric models & they would typically run somewhere between $600 to $900 depending on your preferred brandname. ,,,,,,,Thanks to everyone for your valued input!!! Just simply planning things way ahead of time that hugely matter. ,,,,,,,,,,,Barry

Kate Watson  This website definitely has some odd technical issues. Sometimes when I have posted a comment, it showed a picture of someone else next to my comment. That ... Read more

Kate Watson  This website definitely has some odd technical issues. Sometimes when I have posted a comment, it showed a picture of someone else next to my comment. That hasn't happened in a little while but I agree contacting Adam might be a good idea.

Enrique K  Barry, this website needs a major health check and Penetration Testing (Technical Term). This website has major flaws and very easy to hack. I'm a VP of a Cyber ... Read more

Enrique K  Barry, this website needs a major health check and Penetration Testing (Technical Term). This website has major flaws and very easy to hack. I'm a VP of a Cyber Security Firm. Also its very hard to navigate through all the comments. I have sent an email to Adam 6 months ago when I noticed the vulnerabilities BUT he never responded. Go ahead and delete your account and create a new one and see if that fixes the mistake.

Chris Vereb  Hi Barry! Wow both are in top 10 so I bet you they are so close in the grading it probably does not matter. I would go to the closer one. I am currently working ... Read more

Chris Vereb  Hi Barry! Wow both are in top 10 so I bet you they are so close in the grading it probably does not matter. I would go to the closer one. I am currently working with my local hospital, ranked 356th, into sending my records to Mayo Clinic ranked #2. Its 4 1/2 hours away from me, I think it will be worth it though.

Cassie LaFramboise  I just went through surgery and had this same struggle. I didn't know to go with a prestigious hospital or go with my gut and stay in Boise and go to my surgeon ... Read more

Cassie LaFramboise  I just went through surgery and had this same struggle. I didn't know to go with a prestigious hospital or go with my gut and stay in Boise and go to my surgeon for my situation. Even though my situation should have been handled at the mayo clinic I had confidence in my surgeon and I chose him because it was where my support system was for my recovery and just felt more comfortable. It's completely up to you but if I had to choose again between traveling or going to the top, it didn't matter to me. Do what's most comfortable and helpful for you

Brian Stugart  I'm choosing to stay close to home. I have immeasurable support from wife, family, friends and church as they are very motivating and for me, much needed. ... Read more

Brian Stugart  I'm choosing to stay close to home. I have immeasurable support from wife, family, friends and church as they are very motivating and for me, much needed. I researched hospitals and surgeons, and found "the locals" to be highly rated and recommended. VERY thankful for that!

Barry Kanick  As an active guy who hikes the Continental Divide in Colorado every year,,,I already chose to go down the road of selecting a Bovine tissue valve with the thought ... Read more

Barry Kanick  As an active guy who hikes the Continental Divide in Colorado every year,,,I already chose to go down the road of selecting a Bovine tissue valve with the thought of the TAVR technology being perfected even moreso within a 10-15 year range from now which seems to be typically how long a tissue valve usually lasts. ,,,,,And sometimes even more.

Barry Kanick  Chris Vereb,,,,,,,,,,After doing a lot of reading/research since the last quarter of 2015, I targetted (3) places to replace my aortic valve. 1.) Cleveland ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Chris Vereb,,,,,,,,,,After doing a lot of reading/research since the last quarter of 2015, I targetted (3) places to replace my aortic valve. 1.) Cleveland Clinic 2.) Mayo Clinic 3.) Penn Medicine,,,,,,,,,I think you made a very good choice!!!

Brian Stugart  Barry, I too am a Hodgkins survivor. Mine was the winter of 1980-1981 and I cruised through the treatments as well. I am just now headed for valve replacements, ... Read more

Brian Stugart  Barry, I too am a Hodgkins survivor. Mine was the winter of 1980-1981 and I cruised through the treatments as well. I am just now headed for valve replacements, mitral and aortic, due to the radiation treatments. Oh, and I live in Colorado and really enjoy hiking! Very familiar story, eh?

Kate Watson  I had surgery with Dr Bavaria 11 years ago. I went to him because he was highly recommended by my cardiologist. Just 2 weeks ago, I had surgery at Swedish in ... Read more

Kate Watson  I had surgery with Dr Bavaria 11 years ago. I went to him because he was highly recommended by my cardiologist. Just 2 weeks ago, I had surgery at Swedish in Seattle and it was a completely different experience. It was a long time ago that I went to Upenn but I felt they did not prepare me or my family for anything that would happen along the way whereas Swedish told us step by step what to expect. I hate to say this on a public forum, but Dr Bavaria told me he put in the biggest tissue valve he could fit into me in the hopes that it would last longer. That decision caused my latest surgery to be complicated. My surgeon said it looked like a valve was stuffed into a spot that was too small and that the tissue grew all throughout the wall of my heart, so they had to scrape it off causing them to have to replace my aortic root and for me to lose a lot of blood. He said he never saw anything like it. My surgeon though would not say anything bad about Dr Bavaria though and says he is highly respected. I saw three surgeons before picking mine this time and I knew he was the right choice. I was so glad I chose him because he was confident and knew how to deal with this complication. My opinion is to go for the best you can! Hope that doesn't scare you and I'm not
sure I should even say it because I don't want to trash talk Dr Bavaria, as he did save my life the first time!

Anne Walpole  I am also asymptomatic with my aortic stenosis and my valve area decreased from 1.0 to 0.6. My cardiologist said I can continue to work out and don't need surgery ... Read more

Anne Walpole  I am also asymptomatic with my aortic stenosis and my valve area decreased from 1.0 to 0.6. My cardiologist said I can continue to work out and don't need surgery yet. She just wants me to see her in 6 months instead of a 1year. I am wondering if I should get a second opinion, because I have read that when the valve area is at or below 0.6, it's considered "critical" and some patients might need surgery even if they have no symptoms. I decided on my own to stop working out on the treadmill even though she said I didn't have to stop that. I do still lift weights up to 12 pounds and go on walks.

Barry Kanick  Brian Stugart,,,,,,,,So you actually went a full 35 years before now having to address the two Heart valve(s). I vacation in Boulder,,Summit County & the Aspen/Snowmass ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Brian Stugart,,,,,,,,So you actually went a full 35 years before now having to address the two Heart valve(s). I vacation in Boulder,,Summit County & the Aspen/Snowmass area practically every year myself & want to retire out there in 2-3 years. I'm not overly worried about getting my aortic valve replaced in the next 3 months because I'm already hugely informed before I commit to a specific surgery date. These comments from all these nice people have been very thought provoking even moreso. ,,,,,,Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts here. ,,,,Greatly appreciated for sure!!!

Barry Kanick  Kate Watson,,,,,,,,,, A huge thanks for your comments!!! Ironically enough, the phrase "a big valve" was actually used a few times when I sat down to discuss ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Kate Watson,,,,,,,,,, A huge thanks for your comments!!! Ironically enough, the phrase "a big valve" was actually used a few times when I sat down to discuss this issue this past tuesday with Dr Bavaria & his main physician assistant. ,,,,,,,I didn't think much of it at first but was somewhat perplexed by that type of description & should have questioned it as to what he actually meant when he said it. ,,,,Thank you very much for raising my awareness level even moreso!!! ,,,,,,,,,,Barry

Barry Kanick  Anne Walpole,,,,,,,,,Thank you!!! In July of 2015, my Av area was at 0.7 and then on January 29th,2016, my Av area was 0.6. I was told that 0.7 is usually ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Anne Walpole,,,,,,,,,Thank you!!! In July of 2015, my Av area was at 0.7 and then on January 29th,2016, my Av area was 0.6. I was told that 0.7 is usually labeled as a "severe" category & 0.6 or below gets labeled as a "critical" category. When your Av area is below 1.0,,,,,,I've read numerous times where a 6 month checkup is moreso appropriate than a yearly checkup. ,,,,,,,Barry

Erin Hannum  Hi Barry! I had my aortic valve replaced and mitral valve repaired by Dr. Gillinov in February. I felt very fortunate to have him because I was referred by ... Read more

Erin Hannum  Hi Barry! I had my aortic valve replaced and mitral valve repaired by Dr. Gillinov in February. I felt very fortunate to have him because I was referred by a friend and Dr. Gillinov watched my progress over an 18 month time span. I took his opinion very seriously.

Every aspect of my care at the CC was wonderful! I felt very comfortable with Dr. Gillinov, as well as the staff members I met prior to and the day of. They were good to me as they are to all patients. The Cleveland Clinic claims "World Class Care" and in my experience, they lived up to it. Also, the follow up and attention I received after surgery and at home was very good.

Best of luck although you don't need it. All will be well and you will make the choice you feel most comfortable with.

Erin

Barry Kanick  A huge thanks Erin!!! ,,,,,I've read a lot about Dr Gillinov relevant to his impressive track record especially all the testimonials complimenting him that ... Read more

Barry Kanick  A huge thanks Erin!!! ,,,,,I've read a lot about Dr Gillinov relevant to his impressive track record especially all the testimonials complimenting him that are pretty sizeable & I hugely enjoyed reading all of them. Reading these testimonials actually just makes you feel good inside right from the start. ,,,,,,,Barry

Marilyn M  Hi Barry. I do feel lucky to be only an hour from Cleveland Clinic. In Feb. My av was .67. I mentioned Dr. Gillinov to my cardiologist. She said some surgeons ... Read more

Marilyn M  Hi Barry. I do feel lucky to be only an hour from Cleveland Clinic. In Feb. My av was .67. I mentioned Dr. Gillinov to my cardiologist. She said some surgeons are booked far in advance. I was originally looking at the end of May, but I had symptoms and felt I needed to get in sooner.
I researched and found Dr. Douglas Johnston who uses sternal plates instead of wires. (There is a video about this on cc website) But when I met with him he said because I only had aortic valve to be replaced he would do a mini thorocotomy through the ribs. I also asked if he could put in a bigger valve for tavr. It's good to do research and get opinions. Best of luck to you which ever you choose!

Barry Kanick  ***Thanks Marilyn*** I currently have no symptoms whatsoever & currently feel like a million bucks these days. ,,,What do you mean when you say "asked to put ... Read more

Barry Kanick  ***Thanks Marilyn*** I currently have no symptoms whatsoever & currently feel like a million bucks these days. ,,,What do you mean when you say "asked to put in a bigger valve for TAVR"??? ,,,,,,,TAVR is only designated for much older people right now who can't withstand traditional open heart surgery. I'm actually set on getting a Bovine tissue valve for now due to being a very active guy thus knowing that the TAVR Technology gets even better 10-15 years from now when the tissue valve supposedly wears out. ,,,,,,,,,Barry

Rita Savelis  I had radiation for Hodgkin's at age 15 and 38 years later I had to have both my aortic and my mitral valves replaced and my tricuspid valve repaired. Although ... Read more

Rita Savelis  I had radiation for Hodgkin's at age 15 and 38 years later I had to have both my aortic and my mitral valves replaced and my tricuspid valve repaired. Although ultrasounds showed my aortic valve calcifying, I had about 5 or 6 asymptomatic years before surgery (at age 53) last year. Sometimes doctors will leave it up to a patient as to when to have that surgery. Often there are no symptoms even if an ultrasound looks bad. One may be asked to have surgery with no symptoms or a surgeon may wait until you have those symptoms. It's really different for each patient. I suggest having a surgeon who is familiar with operating on post-Hodgkin's patients as the state of your valves will reflect that radiation and how surgery should done.

Barry Kanick  Thanks Rita!!! And that's what Dr Gillinov's head physician assistant had said to me. She said the following;
,,,,,,Yes a large percentage of our patients ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Thanks Rita!!! And that's what Dr Gillinov's head physician assistant had said to me. She said the following;
,,,,,,Yes a large percentage of our patients are asymptomatic and much like yourself and very active.
Your AVA can be under 1.0 and you may not have the symptoms, that is what makes it hard……….. to have heart surgery and feel normal going into it.
I am glad that you feel well and are swimming that is great! but we want to keep you safe.

Marilyn M  Barry. I just wanted to make sure the valve was big enough so if I needed tavr down the road it would fit inside this one. He gave me a 21mm bovine. He said ... Read more

Marilyn M  Barry. I just wanted to make sure the valve was big enough so if I needed tavr down the road it would fit inside this one. He gave me a 21mm bovine. He said 19mm would be too small for a tavr procedure.

Cathleen DeWitt  Hi Barry! I'm 44 and just had TAVR last August. I was approved for the procedure at Cedars Sinai LA due to my 3 previous AVR's with traditional OHS. I had my ... Read more

Cathleen DeWitt  Hi Barry! I'm 44 and just had TAVR last August. I was approved for the procedure at Cedars Sinai LA due to my 3 previous AVR's with traditional OHS. I had my previous calcified, stenotic bovine valve from 10 years prior replaced with another bovine tissue valve again this time. I too am VERY active and was fairly asymptomatic going in. I have had my aortic valve replaced four times and I can tell you that a stenotic failing valve feels VERY different from a regurgitating failing valve. The stenotic valve will fool you into thinking you're okay. The regurg valve, well you feel like you're dying. Trust the numbers though, not just your symptoms. I almost waited too long. My valve was closed to the point of a tiny straw...not good. Get it over with is my advice! A new chapter awaits 😊🌈 and TAVR will be perfect for you next time around!

Barry Kanick  Your the best Cathleen!!! ,,,,,Even though I currently feel like a million bucks,I agree with you 100%. ,,,,I'm in the process of actually scheduling things ... Read more

Barry Kanick  Your the best Cathleen!!! ,,,,,Even though I currently feel like a million bucks,I agree with you 100%. ,,,,I'm in the process of actually scheduling things right now as we speak. Your input was greatly appreciated. Additionally,,,,,the last thing I need is an enlarged heart or other issue(s) to develop right now. .....Thank You Again!!!