Craig Borges - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

740 days ago

I have talked to some Kansas City friends who have had heart procedures done at St. Luke's there. They all speak highly of their treatment and care. I'm thinking ...Read more

I have talked to some Kansas City friends who have had heart procedures done at St. Luke's there. They all speak highly of their treatment and care. I'm thinking of them for my second opinion, and.perhaps even to do the surgery.

Craig Borgesposted a journal

740 days ago

Hi:

Im a 70 year old male and moderatly active.

I went for a routine yearly physical and part of that was a CT of my chest as I've been a smoker ...Read more

Hi:

Im a 70 year old male and moderatly active.

I went for a routine yearly physical and part of that was a CT of my chest as I've been a smoker for 53 years.

The CT revealed an ascending aortic aneurysm.

I was referred to a cardiac surgeon, Dr. James Day at Mercy hospital, Springfield, MO. We discussed my aortic aneurysm and I was told it wasn't large enough yet to warrant anything being done. After listening to my heart, Dr. Day said, "I'm hearing a lot going on in there" and I was sent for an echocardiagram.

The echo revealed a bicuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis and regurgitation. I've had an echo of my carotid arteries, CT of my heart, abdomen, and pelvis with contrast, as well as an an angiogram.

I do qualify for a TAVR, but the Dr's. are NOT recommending that because of an increased risk of stroke associated with my bicuspid valve.

I would like to avoid open heart surgery if possible. I will be getting a second opinion, and wondered if anyone here was in a similar position and what your options were, results, and outcomes.

Thanks

Richard Munson I’m hearing a lot going on in there, sounds like second opinion to me, which is never a bad idea.

Marie Myers I was made aware of my ascending aneurysm and root aneurysms during my routine echocardiogram in 20 ... Read more

Marie Myers I was made aware of my ascending aneurysm and root aneurysms during my routine echocardiogram in 2016. I knew i had a bicuspid aortic valve since my 20’s, and my primary care doc started routine echos every few years to monitor it while I was in my 40’s. Nothing looked bad till I was 62… Shortly after that echo, I met my first cardiologist, followed in short order by meeting a cardiac surgeon; I had open heart surgery March 2017. It was a most unwelcome surprise, but the surgery may have saved my life ! For you, A consult with a cardiologist and another cardiac surgeon is never a bad thing. Keep us posted!

Valerie Allen I went to Cleveland Clinic with an ascending aortic aneurysm, mod/severe aortic stenosis and bicuspid ... Read more

Valerie Allen I went to Cleveland Clinic with an ascending aortic aneurysm, mod/severe aortic stenosis and bicuspid valve for a TAVR eval. I was told they’d be doing me a disservice with the TAVR approach particularly due to the bicuspid valve.

Michael Kluse After 3 years of watching my aortic stenosis, my aortic valve was at the point of needing replacement ... Read more

Michael Kluse After 3 years of watching my aortic stenosis, my aortic valve was at the point of needing replacement. I’m 71 years old. I was evaluated for TAVR and told it was too risky based on the calcium loading on the valve. Also the surgeon I was referred to noted that my aorta was borderline enlarged. He recommended OHS to both replace the valve and repair the aorta. I had surgery May 15 to fix both. Now 2 months post op I feel great and I’m close to fully recovered. I had surgery on a Monday and was home on Friday. Don’t fear the surgery. Stay positive and view it as the means to continue enjoying all that is important in your life. You’ll do great!

Jay Heagerty I also had a bicuspid valve and ascending aortic aneurysm that was repaired almost two years ago. My ... Read more

Jay Heagerty I also had a bicuspid valve and ascending aortic aneurysm that was repaired almost two years ago. My aneurysm was not quite large enough either but the stenosis of the aortic valve is what drove the surgery. Our strategy, was you might as well do OHS and replace the valve and repair the aneurysm at one time. If I do have to replace my bovine aortic valve in the future,they will be able to do that using a tavar procedure. I was 59 when I had my surgery and was snow sking four months later. Best of luck with your journey. Feel free to reach out should you have any questions.

Tom Everson You must be convinced that you need surgery, then you must be convinced you found a Heart Team that i ... Read more

Tom Everson You must be convinced that you need surgery, then you must be convinced you found a Heart Team that is the best for you ( experience , attitude, and great reviews) Once you are there go for it. I was 78 when I had OHS , it went fine. Think POSITIVE

Rose Madura A second opinion is good and in order. Nobody wants to have OHS but sounds like it may be best option ... Read more

Rose Madura A second opinion is good and in order. Nobody wants to have OHS but sounds like it may be best option. They can fix the aneurysm while in there. You'll feel better once it is over and maybe you'll even want to quit smoking! But all these decisions are yours to make. Godspeed.