Clinton's Journal

Hi Everyone! Adam, thanks for your book. I read it one evening this past weekend. A little background on me. I have a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. I first learned of this problem when I was 12 years old after having had an angiogram in 1977. I am 52 years old now and over the last 5 years I have increasingly had a shortness of breath when I exert myself and it is getting worse with each passing month, which as we all know is a sign that the aortic stenosis is becoming increasingly problematic and more life threatening. I have now had a battery of tests including a 2nd angiogram 3 weeks ago and met with my surgeon earlier today. Up until having read Adam's book over this past weekend, I had no idea that the Ross Procedure was even an option. This morning my surgeon presented me with the option of either a mechanical replacement of my aortic valve, or if I wanted to wait a little longer, then a Ross Procedure could also be an option. I am healthy and active other than my valve disease. If I go with a mechanical replacement, my surgery date here in Canada (Vancouver / Victoria) is March 5 or two weeks away. If I go with the Ross Procedure, the surgery will likely be done in April or May. My question of the group is which option would you go with if you were me, the mechanical or the Ross Procedure? And if you have an opinion one way or the other, please explain why. My first reaction upon being presented with the options was to go with the mechanical as it would occur sooner and at my age its life span would likely be sufficient. But as I have been pondering this question throughout the day, I am thinking that the Ross Procedure presents a better long term fix. In Canada, the Ross Procedure is not common so a surgeon from Montreal (the other side of the country) who commonly does the Ross Procedure (over 300 to date) would be flown in to assist my local surgical team. I do not have an issue taking blood thinners for the rest of my life, but then again I have never been on any medication for any length of time in my life so I can not say that I know what it is like to be dependent on a drug for life. Thank you for your input in advance and any feedback any of you can offer. Much appreciated. Clint