Welcome to HVJ. I missed your first post, sorry about the belated welcome.
It is an interesting journey. In the last month, I have gone from being in your shoes to now being 2 weeks away from surgery. I have mine scheduled on Feb 2.
I agree waiting for anything around this can be tough. Not only am I counting the days until surgery, but I need to get a CT scan scheduled before then and I am stuck waiting for approval from my insurance company. A friend of mine pointed out, "why be in a rush, it is all downside risk?" (as in if the results are positive, I am where I am today. If they are negative, I need more done during surgery.). So why do I care, BECAUSE I JUST HATE WAITING! But, hey, I am a New Yorker and that is just part of my DNA.
I am completely asymptomatic, so can't help you there.
Good luck with everything and keep posting and asking. The feedback you will get is amazing.
All the best,
-Mitch Friedman
On January 18, 2012...
Chris,
When I first knew that I was going to have my valve replaced I looked at Dr Lawrie's BIO as well, I thought I might actually pick him as my surgeon until my cardiologist refered me to Dr. Ott. I hope that you get the information that you wish for while checking into the Ross procedure. I have a friend who had that same procedure done about 13 years ago and she is doing really well. My recovery is going really well. I have had no major problems or complications. I am still pretty sore in my chest and incision area, but I am able to do everything that I was doing before the surgery now. I think its just going to take a bit more time for the aches and pains associated with breaking the sternum to heal. Also, I still get tired at the end of the day, but i'm exercising alot during the week to build my stamina back up. Overall, I feel really well. let me know if you have any other questions. Hang in there the waiting and getting everything schedule is the hardest part!
Jamie McGuire
On January 18, 2012...
Welcome to the "impatient patient" club Chris! Waiting on this is driving me nuts. To answer your question about dizziness, yes I am experiencing intermittant vague dizziness, nothing drastic, but my cardiologist told me that is the stenotic valve. Getting a few very vague, not all the time symptoms I think. But then, it could just be anxiety, who knows? I, like you just want it done!
Trying to be patient, but still waiting....Linda
On January 13, 2012...
Chris
I had my mitral valve replaced 8 weeks ago at St Luke's in theTexas Medical Center. Dr David Ott performed my surgery and he was very widely recomended. His bedside manner is a little different as in, he doesn't say much or stick around and wait for you to think of questions to ask, he will answer anything, but you need to have a list. But he is really good at what he does. And he does alot of surgery's everyday and I believe he has experience with all types of valve replacements and repair surgery's. My surgery and recovery have been pretty uneventful. And this was my 2nd open heart surgery. My cardiologist and Dr Ott recomended the mechanical valve for me as well, but my situation was different. I had a pig valve already in that needed to be replaced. But if you have any questions about the mechanical valve or St Luke's hospital or Dr Ott. I would be happy to answer anything. Good luck with all your decisions!!
Jamie McGuire
My cardiologist, Dr. Peabody in The Woodlands, has recommended Dr. Gerald Lawrie at St. Lukes Texas Medical Center. He certainly has an amazing bio but I'm still exploring the Ross Procedure which not many cardiologists respond positively to. That makes me a little nervous as some consider it a "controversial" procedure... I'm very interested to learn more about your recovery -- how are you feeling?
On January 11, 2012...
Already such wonderful advice and support from you guys -- on day 1. Wow, I'm definitely in the right place with you guys. JH, you are SO correct, we are the lucky ones. I will remember this.
And Linda, I thought this was my mom for a sec! :-) My mom's name is Linda so I award you 100 bonus points!! I'll definitely be keeping up with your selection of valves. I'm checking into the Ross procedure and there are a couple pretty famous Dr's in Texas (Dr. John Oswalt & Dr. William Ryan) that specialize in this so I may be making a drive soon to meet them.
Thank you Deb for the encouraging words. Yes, I'm finally accepting this and am eating right and hitting cardio while I can before the surgery. No date picked just yet but I'm very ready to get this behind and you say. I have a fantastic family and support group so I am truly blessed indeed! :-)
On January 10, 2012...
Chris...you have come to the right place. A lot of great info here and great people. I vividly remember the day my doctor told me I would need surgery...it was surreal, and I even knew that it was something I would eventually need. I have about 9 years on you and also had a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. I had no symptoms at all...felt great.
Do your research, ask questions, and then ask some more. Get yourself in as good of physical shape as you can prior to surgery...it will help you in your recovery. Make your decisions and don't look back...stay strong for your family and be confident.
You can do this and will don great. Remember...we are the lucky ones...we can be fixed.
JH Mattingly
On January 10, 2012...
Hey Chris! Welcome to the site! We are an elite group aren't we? I hate the waiting, I'm scheduled for aortic valve replacement and possible dilated aorta repair on March 13th by Dr. Gillinov at Cleveland Clinic. What type of valve???? That is the BIG question! I haven't decided yet. Will listen to what Dr. Gillinov recommends, pretty sure that will be a tissue valve, but I'm reserving my right to choose mechanical...just don't know yet.
You will get great support here and any question you can think of will be answered by those who have gone before us.
Soak up the book, do lots of research, look at those procedures that once may have been in vogue, but may have now fallen out of favor. Get second opinions on everything!
Good luck and breathe!!!
Linda Dixon
On January 10, 2012...
Chris,
I can tell you that everyone on this site has been in shoes........NO ONE ever expects to hear they need open heart surgery. Over time you will accept it and then just want to get it over with. The waiting and worrying are truly the worst part of th whole ordeal.
Use this site to ask all the questions you want. Everyone is really good about sharing! Godspeed and good luck on your journey. It is a life changer.
Welcome to HVJ. I missed your first post, sorry about the belated welcome.
It is an interesting journey. In the last month, I have gone from being in your shoes to now being 2 weeks away from surgery. I have mine scheduled on Feb 2.
I agree waiting for anything around this can be tough. Not only am I counting the days until surgery, but I need to get a CT scan scheduled before then and I am stuck waiting for approval from my insurance company. A friend of mine pointed out, "why be in a rush, it is all downside risk?" (as in if the results are positive, I am where I am today. If they are negative, I need more done during surgery.). So why do I care, BECAUSE I JUST HATE WAITING! But, hey, I am a New Yorker and that is just part of my DNA.
I am completely asymptomatic, so can't help you there.
Good luck with everything and keep posting and asking. The feedback you will get is amazing.
All the best,
-Mitch Friedman