Welcome to HVJ. Journaling with the others on this site has really helped me keep my emotions in check. That, in turn has helped me make better decisions.
I hope your aorta remains in good condition. I suggest you discuss with your surgeon the long term aspects of keeping your aorta. Mine is dilated. It will be replaced, root & all. The issue is that people with bicuspid valves tend to be missing a protein that keeps the aorta elastic. I hope you can keep yours. I could probably keep mine, but with mine, there would be a strong chance of needing to have it replaced later - and I only want to do this once.
Good luck with your journey. We're all here to help - as Linda said. If you have a question - post it.
Chuck Holmgreen
AVR 3/20
On March 3, 2012...
Hi Steven and welcome to HVJ, I am in the same situation as you born with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve and this site has been wonderful, for the first time in my life to talk to so many others with the same problems.
I had my cath done last week and i have an appointment with my cardiologist on March 19 to discuss options.
Best of luck to you and feel free to ask me any questions you like.
Cindy P.
Steven Kantor I'm having my Cath done this week. I'll let you know.
Thanks Cindy P!
Steve
On March 3, 2012...
Well you met the mayor of the HVJ. Linda. Who gives info freely and yet has not neen under. Ha ha
But shes right. It's agood site & lots of good info as we are all at different stages.
I'm post op 3 weeks. AVR. And feel great. Most do.
Your decisions will be weighty but once done you'll feel great ! Enjoy the ride. And welcome aboard
Welcome Steven to the HVJ site. Bet you had no idea how many of us "valvers" there are, I know I certainly did not. You will love this site, everyone is very free with their support and encouragement and advice. The recurring theme will be research, research, research; get a second opinion on everything and choose a surgeon who does your particular procedure on a regular, frequent basis. Experience of the surgeon and staff is the key to a successful, event free outcome.
Any question, put them out here. I will be leaving Thursday March 8th for Cleveland Ohio, to the Cleveland Clinic for my aortic valve replacement. I may also have dilated aorta repair, mine is slightly dilated, but not sure about that part yet, will know on March 12th when I actually meet and talk with the surgeon. My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday March 13th. Adam's surgeon database is excellent tool for learning where the experience surgeons are, reading reviews, etc. Living in New Jersey, I assume you have close access to New York City, where there are several excellent surgeons. Check out Mitch Friedman's journal as well as Chris Dixon and Jeffrey Shebovsky's. They have all been to New York for their surgery. Chris is still recuperating, don't think he has been discharged yet and Jeff goes in on Wednesday. They will all have lots of valuable info for you.
Take care, get ready for the ride. I don't know if you have ever had a cath before, but if not, don't worry at all about it. It truly is a piece of cake, the hardest part is lying without raising your leg or head for a couple of hours afterwards. No pain at all involved, just a little needle stick to numb the area, then lay back and watch the show. It is very interesting. But really...nothing to it.
Let us know how everything turns out and keep us posted on you journey.
Linda Dixon
Steven Kantor Thanks Linda so much.
I've looked into New York with their great hospitals but I think I'm going to ... Read more
Steven Kantor Thanks Linda so much.
I've looked into New York with their great hospitals but I think I'm going to start with University of Pennsylvania and their surgical team. I've not noticed many comments about the Penn doctors on this site yet but I'm sure I will see it soon.
Good luck to you in March! Thanks again.
Welcome to HVJ. Journaling with the others on this site has really helped me keep my emotions in check. That, in turn has helped me make better decisions.
I hope your aorta remains in good condition. I suggest you discuss with your surgeon the long term aspects of keeping your aorta. Mine is dilated. It will be replaced, root & all. The issue is that people with bicuspid valves tend to be missing a protein that keeps the aorta elastic. I hope you can keep yours. I could probably keep mine, but with mine, there would be a strong chance of needing to have it replaced later - and I only want to do this once.
Good luck with your journey. We're all here to help - as Linda said. If you have a question - post it.
Chuck Holmgreen
AVR 3/20