Sounds good Jeffrey, I think you are wise to do whichever your surgeon prefers, after all....he is the one that will need the map, lol. Thanks for the update. Keep us posted.
Still waiting....Linda Dixon
On January 18, 2012...
Hi again Jeff. You know I'd never want to cause any trouble, but I did notice that many more women the men have been sending you messages. What's up? Do I have to talk to Carol?
Love,
Marcia
Jeffrey Shebovsky LOL! Maybe it's the photo :) I should post the recent one of me at 350 pounds and bald
On January 18, 2012...
Glad to see you are putting it out there AND getting great feedback! As I mentioned to you, no one has ever mentioned a CTA to me. I will be getting a cardiac cath after they knock me out in the OR, prior to surgery.
- Mitch Friedman
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes, there are alot of people that have had the CTA. Spoke to radiologist today too. I am cool with t ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes, there are alot of people that have had the CTA. Spoke to radiologist today too. I am cool with the CTA. Gonna get it this week of next
On January 18, 2012...
Marc "who"?
I thought you knew: I'M, the magnificent!!!
It's me, Marc, your study partner! Gimme a question, Mestion!
Jeffrey Shebovsky LOL! That is what I thought, but there are OTHER Marc's ya know!
On January 18, 2012...
Hi Jeffrey,
I had my surgery 4 weeks ago:) I am doing great, have no pain at all, no restrictions to do anything I want to - although I still do things at slow pace:) Supposed to start rehab next week, but I am still debating do I need it or not...I have been using my treadmill and can push myself pretty good:)
As I said, if you are in good health plus younger age no need to worry about having CTA only. As my surgeon told me in hospital "you are healthy person, you just needed faulty valve fixed so please, do not behave like sick one because I am not going to treat you like one: no need for any pills but tylanol and start running as soon as you can:)"
Ivana
Jeffrey Shebovsky Great news Ivana! You sound like you are doing amazing! Love your doctors attitude.
On January 18, 2012...
I was in good health, 54 and had an angiogram before my valve repair. I had my surgery at Northwestern/Chicago. They like everything checked and no surprises before or during surgery. My local cardio from another hospital agreed with their checks and balances. Janis Kielbasa
From my experience do not listen to your cardiologist but listen instead to your cardiac surgeon. You are close in my age (I am 40) and you say you are in good shape and healthy. I had my mitral valve repaired with robotic approach and all I had before surgery was CTA. That is more than enough for healthy person. There is no reason why would you have any blockage....In my case it was enough and even to check main arteries and vain, because the way I was connected to the heart-lung machine.
I would say do not worry - surgeon knows what he needs to perform surgery. As example, my cardiologist told me to wait for symptoms and than have my valve replaced because it cannot be repaired!!!!! Surgeon said opposite plus he got it fixed...
Ivana
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thank you Ivana. This is very helpful information. I appreciate your feedback. How long ago was your ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thank you Ivana. This is very helpful information. I appreciate your feedback. How long ago was your surgery and how are you doing?
On January 18, 2012...
Speaking of my newsletter (Brave Hearts) every month I publish a Survivor Story from patients who had surgery at St. Francis Hospital. The latest one, which will be published in July, concerns an oriental man who, like you, had no symptoms. His only reason for getting an angiogram is that his friends, in the same age group, were developing heart disease. Long story, short-- after the angiogram he had to undergo a triple bypass (after getting a second opinion at St. Francis). I guess that's why they call heart disease the silent killer. You get no warning sometimes.
By the way, when you come to NY, if I can be of service just say so. You know I'm retired and have time to transport you, if necessary.
Al
Jeffrey Shebovsky Wow, I look forward to the newsletter. I'll have plenty of time to read while recovering. Thanks for ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Wow, I look forward to the newsletter. I'll have plenty of time to read while recovering. Thanks for the feedback on the angiogram. I've got a lot of responses now of people getting only the angiogram and not the catheterization. As for transport, I am a little hesitant as I'm not sure you are a safe driver - LOL
On January 18, 2012...
Jeff, if you're coming to NY, I would strongly suggest meeting with doctors in St. Francis Hospital (my hospital). It is the recognized leader in heart surgery in NY State and always makes the US News top hospitals list.
The man to see is either Dr. Shlofmitz or Dr. Robinson. If you need more info, just holler.
Al
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks, Al. I am coming to New York to meet with the surgeon at Mount Sinai in New York City. This p ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks, Al. I am coming to New York to meet with the surgeon at Mount Sinai in New York City. This particular surgeon has done more of this type of specialized procedure than anybody else in the United States. For more info, you can go to www.ps4ross.com
On January 18, 2012...
Angiogram is the way to go. Blockages are becoming more and more common in younger age groups. We're seeing it in 40 year olds.
I had many stress tests that showed nothing. One angiogram and I went under the knife for a quadruple CABG.
It's been 10 years now since my operation.
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it and it is very helpful. I've had several responses now of pe ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it and it is very helpful. I've had several responses now of people undergoing only the CTA and not a catheterization. Glad to hear you're doing well.
On January 18, 2012...
wow, I'm in a shock to hear this, but after reading everything you've written, it sounds like you'll be just fine.
I had a melanoma removed from my arm last year. It was shocking to me when I found out I had it, but thankfully It was caught in time, and I'm all good.
Speak to you soon,
Marc
Hi Jeffrey,
I only had the angiogram and it quite clearly showed the arteries were not calcified. They also experimented with an MRI.
The open heart surgery is not a picnic however now I am through to the other side the result is amazing. The difference between you and me is that you are going to be operated on before your body is severely damaged. While the GPs were saying my heart was healthy, "arthritis",chronic fatigue,and dizzy spells meant I had a belief that I was dying and eventually someone would say, " oh yes, we missed that!"
Now I don't have arthritis, I don't have chronic fatigue and I am regaining muscle strength. It's like having a facelift on the inside.
My recommendation to you would be to fit as you possible can be without over stressing your heart. Getting in and out of bed without the use of arms needs some good leg strength. Have a practice. If you can have a shoulder, neck and back massage before the surgery to relax all the muscles too.
What is amazing is the effectiveness of painkillers. It may be a long recovery but we are given a lot of help to get through it. (-:
Last thing - I chose the tissue valve. I am so pleased I did. Life goes on as usual. No special diet, no blood thinners etc.
Rosemary Sutherland
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thank you Rosemary, I appreciate your response. I've now had several people write back that all they ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thank you Rosemary, I appreciate your response. I've now had several people write back that all they had was the CTA before surgery. Sounds like you are doing amazingly well and I am so happy to hear that. Thanks for all your advice and keep up your great healing in progress. When was your surgery?
On January 17, 2012...
Jeff,
Will be praying for your surgery & speedy recovery! <3
Wow. New to me. I go in 2-9 with cath 2-8. No one mention CTA. sounds like something I used to ride in Chicago. ( CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY). Hmmmm. Good luck.
What I'd like to know Is are there any signs to blocked arteries? I know chest pains. But anything else?
I know the signs of calcified valve. But -- oh we'll guess they'll tell me
Nancy - st Louis. 2-9-12. AVR.
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks Nancy. Chest pain for sure would be a sign of a blocked artery. Heart attack would be another ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks Nancy. Chest pain for sure would be a sign of a blocked artery. Heart attack would be another one for sure. Best of luck to you and thanks for your reply.
On January 17, 2012...
Jeffery, it's me, Linda again. I will also add that before I decided on Cleveland Clinic for my surgery I also consulted with both Emory and Texas Heart Institute, both highly regarded heart surgical centers and neither of these asked about a CTA. They both stated that if I had not had a catherization, I would need it before surgery. Just thought I would mention that. And these were all surgeons.
Jeffery, I had a catherization. In addition to being able to detect blockages in the coronary arteries, the cath allows for more exact measurement of the valve area. They are also able to measure the pressure gradient from one side to the other when they cross the valve with the catheter. Also, until this November, my caths have always shown my valve area to be larger than the echocardiograms showed. Also my gradient was less with the cath than the echo indicated. I have always been told by my cardiologist that the cath is the gold standard. No one has ever mentioned a CTA to me. I have had CTs of the aorta to measure the dilation. If I had not already had a cath done here, I would have to have one at Cleveland Clinic before my surgery. So I don't know what to tell you about the CTA. I haven't seen anyone else mention this in their journals either. Sorry, wish I could be more helpful. Let me know what you decide.
Still waiting....Linda Dixon
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes I knew about the measurements and gradients being most accurate but at this point not sure that r ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes I knew about the measurements and gradients being most accurate but at this point not sure that really matter as the valve needs to be replaced regardless. I know too that it is the gold standard. It is odd though that my highly regarded surgeon says that the CTA is good for him. In any case, no one else here so far has even heard of a CTA, let alone had one done. I may just go for the cath then and get it over with. Thanks again Linda, I appreciate it.
On January 17, 2012...
Hi Jeffery, good luck with your CTA and with your appointment with the surgeon. Are you going to New York? I know how you feel about the waiting...my surgery is not scheduled until March 13th and I am so tired of waiting. Wish it were tomorrow. Let us know how your CTA goes and also your meeting with the surgeon.
Hang in there!
Still waiting....Linda Dixon
Jeffrey Shebovsky Hi Linda,
Yes, I am going to the surgeon in New York on February 2. Pending the outcome of that meet ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Hi Linda,
Yes, I am going to the surgeon in New York on February 2. Pending the outcome of that meeting, I will schedule surgery. I may wind up getting it even in February or if not in March for sure. I have already checked on his availability for surgery dates. question for you: have they recommended CTA or cath yet? I'm having some discrepancy between the surgeon's recommendation for a CTA and my cardiologists for a cath.
On January 12, 2012...
Keep up the good work brother. Research is the name of the game and you seem to be a master at it. And, keep posting to get even more answers. Wish I could host you in my fair city when you are here, but I will be busy getting a HVR that day. I assume you understand.....
- Mtich Friedman
On January 12, 2012...
Jeff,
I do not know if Dr. Gillinov does the Ross Procedure. I know his specialty is valves, so I would imagine he would. I also know they will test you extensively to figure out what type of proceedure is best for you. I also know he prefers tissue valves over mechanical. Your best bet is to just call there. They are very helpful.
Deb
On January 11, 2012...
Jeff,
I had two valves repaired by Dr. Gillinov last October, and I can tell you he is by far THE kindest, most humble and confident doctor I have ever met ( in addition to being a world class surgeon). He will arrest any fears you may have after meeting and talking with him. The entire staff at CCF is awesome....that place runs like a well oiled machine. It really is amazing. Good luck and God bless you on your journey.
Deb Ziegler
Jeffrey Shebovsky Deb,
Thanks for your reply. Dr. Gillinov does seem really nice and I watched the video on this websi ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Deb,
Thanks for your reply. Dr. Gillinov does seem really nice and I watched the video on this website. He seems from that video exactly as you said, confident yet humble. Do you know if he does the Ross Procedure at all? I am going to call there and get more info but figured I'd ask you. You had your surgery Oct 2011? How are you doing? I hope you are recovering well. Best to you and thanks for writing.
Jeff
On January 11, 2012...
Jeff, I have not met Dr.Gillinov yet, but I plan to on March 12th. I am scheduled for aortic valve replacement on March 13th. I can,however, speak to the efficiency, etc. of the staff at Cleveland Clinic. It is very easy to refer yourself there. Actually Adam sent Dr. Gillinov a note about me and the very next day his staff sent me instructions on sending my records, CD's, etc. for him to review. A couple of weeks later, I got the call with his recommendation for replacement and a surgery date. The information they send is massive and everyone that I have had contact with has been extremely helpful and nice. I don't know how soon you need surgery, like I said, his first available date for me was March 13th, but of course if it were more critical they will get you in. Right now, I really don't have any symptoms...go figure...SEVERE aortic stenosis and no symptoms! Anyway...I have found that the decision making process is difficult and really only one YOU can make. I still have questions about what kind of valve, etc. but I will discuss that with Dr. G. when I meet with him and go from there.
Good luck and let us journal friends know what you decide. Wish I could be more helpful, but I am just starting myself.
I will say, as a medical professional myself...ALWAYS get a second opinion!
Your friend
Linda Dixon
Jeffrey Shebovsky Linda,
Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it very much. Seems like what you said is the consensus on ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Linda,
Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it very much. Seems like what you said is the consensus on CC. Great to hear! BTW, I am like you, NO symptoms but severe stenosis at this time. Hard to get your head around going for such a major surgery yet being asymptomatic. I feel GREAT actually. Though sometimes I THINK I may get some shortness of breath. Wonder if I am imagining it because I am so focused on it right now. Do you know if Dr. G does the Ross procedure? I am leaning this way and I have an appt in NY with Dr. Stelzer who has done more Ross' than anyone else.
Best of luck to you and keep in touch
Jeff
On January 8, 2012...
Jeff...our stories and age are nearly identical. You have come to a great place here. You are definitely doing the right thing in your research...knowledge is key. Not only with your choices but feeling confident with them. Keep yourself in great shape up until the surgery...it will serve you well, especially in your recovery.
I am nearly 3 months post AVR with aneurysm repair and am doing awesome.
Thanks for writing. Great to hear you are doing so well 3 months post surgery. I stay in pretty good shape and will continue to do so. Thanks for the encouragement! By the way who did your surgery?
Jeff
On January 8, 2012...
Dear Jeff,
I know this is a hard decision but knowing you-it will be made with every consideration. If you need us for anything please don't hesitate to ask. Even thou we are miles away from each other you are always close to our hearts. You know there is always room for you here if you need it! Even without warning. We love you and of course the rest of your family too.
This journal is a great idea to let us know what steps you are up to in your very tough decision.
I wish only the best for you and I hope you know I Love ya Jiffypop!
Alisha
On January 7, 2012...
Hey Jeff,
Welcome to HVJ!
I'm very familiar with Dr. Stelzer and his track record with the Ross procedure. Having met Dr. Stelzer, I can tell you that he is a special surgeon and an extraordinary person.
I was lucky to watch him perform surgery at Mount Sinai. Here's more about that:
If you need anything, please let me know! And, please let Dr. Stelzer know that I say, "Hi!"
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
P.S. So you know, I had a Ross procedure six years ago due to a bicuspid aortic valve which caused aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation. My surgeon was Dr. Vaughn Starnes at USC in Los Angeles.
On January 7, 2012...
I hope I am the first to write. We love you and pray for you and know how healthy and strong you are and know you will make the right decision for you. You will come through the surgery stronger than ever no longer having to worry about a defective congenital heart valve.
On January 7, 2012...
hi jeff i was in the same boat young, athletic in good shape, never had health issues. was watchiing the valve for 9 years when the time finally came i had an aeortic biscupid valve and an annerysium. Today is the exact day of my one year anniversary of the surgery. i really feel great to have this behind me. i am back to being the same way i was going into the surgery. i went with a minimally invasive surgery to repiace the valve and repair the annerysium. went with a cow valve and had the surgery at the cleveland clinic.
they say the catheter fed valves are comimg on strong and may be a great solution the next time around I am hoping for 15 years out of this valve. Life is great again and the most difficult part of this surgery is getting your head around the need for it.
Seem there are more Guys doing this than females. But thats ok - I like the company !
350? No way ! Keep up the good & positive posts. That's the best.
Later. Nancy Friedman. St Loiis. ( Mitch's non- cousin)
I'm not getting the "350? No way! Comment.
Jeff