On April 5, 2022...

Rob Henderson posted a note for Timothy that says:

Good luck tomorrow Tim.......I am 61 years old and had the Ross Procedure on January 4th and I am now exercising everyday and getting ready to go back to work. Every symptom I had pre-surgery in now gone and I can do the things that I could not do before.......Sounds like your in good hands so don't be nervous and focus on recovering from the moment you wake up.....Good Luck Rob

Adam Pick, Andrew Dial, Timothy Andre reacted to this

Adam Pick You got this Timothy!!!

Timothy Andre Thank you Rob and Adam! Rob, I appreciate you sharing your progress, it sure helps and gives me hope... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you Rob and Adam! Rob, I appreciate you sharing your progress, it sure helps and gives me hope. I can't wait to begin recovery. It will no doubt be a challenge but I will take it a day at a time and do my best to be positive throughout the recovery journey

On April 5, 2022...

Ruth joy posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi Timothy ,
Great to hear that you are there in nyc and that you are almost ready for your surgery

enjoy sight - seeing and eating lovely meals .
It ‘s a misty morning here in Yorkshire , wishing you lots of good luck for your surgery and for a good recovery .

Timothy Andre reacted to this

Timothy Andre Thank you Ruth Joy, I appreciate you taking the time to send well wishes

On April 3, 2022...

Patsy Stewart posted a note for Timothy that says:

Timothy, just want you to know that prayers are going up for you as you face the day tomorrow. You’ve got this! As a believer, we all know that even though our family isn’t allowed past those surgery room doors, HE can go right in and be with you throughout the whole ordeal. Sending prayers that you feel His presence and that you feel at peace in your soul. ~❤️

Timothy Andre reacted to this

Timothy Andre Thank you Patsy, your message made me tear up a bit. God has definitely showed up for me throughout... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you Patsy, your message made me tear up a bit. God has definitely showed up for me throughout this whole process and I know he will be there for me on Wednesday. I appreciate your well wishes and prayers. God bless you

Rose Madura Wishing you all the best Timothy. Your faith will sustain you. Godspeed!

On April 3, 2022...

Dan Rhoden posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi Timothy, wishing good luck to you this week. Anxious time for sure. Trust your surgeon, nurses, staff 100%. You have the easy part to go to sleep for a bit then you're in recovery mode. Being a former athlete you'll do fine, the mind set to push through not so great feelings, pain, etc will be beneficial.

Lean on your support team and this great heart valve family.

You got this!
Dan

Timothy Andre Thank you so much Dan, I appreciate your words of encouragement. I will relax and take everything as... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you so much Dan, I appreciate your words of encouragement. I will relax and take everything as it comes. I have always been a "fighter" and pushed through whatever I've faced. Can't wait to join you in recovery

On April 2, 2022...

Merle Wildschut posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi Timothy I agree check in an air bnb if possible.relax deep breathes help calm body mind soul n spirit.

God us in control .HE is our creator know our fears etc.

All th best for 3rd today. Listen to relaxing music if possible.all will be well.

GODS ABUNDANT
GRACE

TIS my sons 38th birthday today

Timothy Andre Thank you Merle, I took a solo nature walk today and sat by the creek and prayed. It helped calm me ... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you Merle, I took a solo nature walk today and sat by the creek and prayed. It helped calm me down. I am trusting in God and his plan for me. During this entire process from diagnosis until now, it's clear to me that God has shown up for me. I truly feel blessed

On April 2, 2022...

Deena Elani posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi there Timothy, I travelled to and from Mt Sinai from Virginia (five hours each way by car). Was easier than I imagined. Used the hotel that Mt. Sinai recommended. Decent. Got a corner room so that it would be somewhat larger by NYC standards.

You probably will be able to travel back to NYC after your surgery. Not that hard. You stop every hour to walk around, surgeon's orders. Eat ice cream and relax with your heart health pillow in the back seat. Just have a safe driver:) I travelled back to VA the day after I was discharged and was fine.

Whatever you do, bring earplugs and/or headphones, because once you are out of the ICU (which has awesome "service"), the stepdown will be nosy at night. Buzzers going off.

Whatever food items you want, just ask the nurse or dietician for them. My family also brought me protein shakes. Your hemoglobin will be low. == low energy. Godspeed. You will be with the best. And the younger you are, the faster you heal!

Timothy Andre reacted to this

Timothy Andre Thank you Deena, I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I will definitely bring e ... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you Deena, I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I will definitely bring ear plugs and air pods.

On April 2, 2022...

Ruth joy posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi Timothy ,
if someone else is driving , you would be able to sit in the back and keep the safety belt away from you and keep your chest area very well padded up . It would be tiring but if you have your mum and step dad to help I think it would be do able with stops . Air b & b would be more homely and better for self catering too. Air b & b need your passport details to make sure everything is safe and secure . You ‘ll all feel tired . ? Maybe air b & b for 2-3 nights and then head home . You ‘re going to be okay .

Timothy Andre reacted to this

Timothy Andre Thank you Ruth for taking the time to share some advice

On April 2, 2022...

Ruth joy posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi Timothy ,
the hospital where I had the o h s ( Leeds general infirmary ) was 20 miles away , so not far away in comparison to your hospital . After my surgery I only had to go back to Leeds twice , once for an echo and the second time to be seen by the heart surgeon and he then discharged me back to the care of the cardiologists in my home town . Not sure if this is any help to you . What about air b & b , have you thought about that as an option ? A hotel might be better for providing meals . Other people will be able to offer more advice . Could someone drive you there and bring you back ? Sitting in a car would be tiring but you might feel better at home in your own familiar environment .

Timothy Andre Ruth, its the unknowns that are causing anxiety. The drive is 6 hours round trip, so I am not sure ... Read more

Timothy Andre Ruth, its the unknowns that are causing anxiety. The drive is 6 hours round trip, so I am not sure if I will be able to do that or not. I would have a driver, but there is definitely no place like my own home. I will look into AirBnb. That could possibly be an option. I will have my Mother and Step Father with me, so I am blessed that they will be helping me with recovery. Thanks for sharing

On April 1, 2022...

Ruth joy posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi Timothy ,
I hope you ‘re doing okay and have been able to get some sleep .

Timothy Andre reacted to this

Timothy Andre I am doing well, thank you Ruth Joy. Last night I finally got 7 hours of sleep. Thanks for checking... Read more

Timothy Andre I am doing well, thank you Ruth Joy. Last night I finally got 7 hours of sleep. Thanks for checking in

On March 30, 2022...

Andrew Dial posted a note for Timothy that says:

How are you feeling? Symptoms and your mental state….

Timothy Andre Feeling pretty good. The only symptom I have right now is fatigue. The dizziness/lightheadedness h... Read more

Timothy Andre Feeling pretty good. The only symptom I have right now is fatigue. The dizziness/lightheadedness has gone away. I've been staying hydrated so that has been a big help with that. I am a little nervous, but that is normal. When I leave for NYC on Sunday I am sure the nerves will kick in a bit more. Trying to prepare for the last minute stuff has me stressed but I am taking time to breath and meditate. I don't think one can be 100% prepared for this anyway. I am trusting in God and my surgical team and doing my best to give up all control. I can't wait to begin the road to recovery. Thanks for checking in Andy!! I appreciate it

Sheri Wright God will take care of you! Always trust in Him!

On March 25, 2022...

Ruth joy posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi Timothy ,
so relieved for you and very happy that you're well down the road to getting the surgery you need

.
The next few days will fly !

Timothy Andre, Andrew Dial reacted to this

Timothy Andre Thank you Ruth joy, the count down has begun and reality is setting in. before you know it I will be... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you Ruth joy, the count down has begun and reality is setting in. before you know it I will be posting about my post-op experience and recovery.

Karen Marvenko The waiting is the worst part, wishing you a smooth recovery and we’ll hear from you on the other s ... Read more

Karen Marvenko The waiting is the worst part, wishing you a smooth recovery and we’ll hear from you on the other side!

Timothy Andre Thank you Karen

It looks like your about 6 weeks into recovery. I hope its going smooth for you an... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you Karen

It looks like your about 6 weeks into recovery. I hope its going smooth for you and your healing up quickly.

Karen Marvenko Thanks, I appreciate that…I’ve had several set backs with fluid around my lungs but hopefully I� ... Read more

Karen Marvenko Thanks, I appreciate that…I’ve had several set backs with fluid around my lungs but hopefully I’m on the right side of things now. On the bright side, my heart itself feels great. We’re all happier once we get beyond the surgery 😁

Karen Marvenko Thanks, I appreciate that…I’ve had several set backs with fluid around my lungs but hopefully I� ... Read more

Karen Marvenko Thanks, I appreciate that…I've had several set backs with fluid around my lungs that had to be remo ... Read more

Karen Marvenko Thanks, I appreciate that…I've had several set backs with fluid around my lungs that had to be removed but hopefully I'm on the right side of things now. On the bright side, my heart itself feels great. We're all happier once we get beyond the surgery!

Karen Marvenko Thanks, I appreciate that…I've had several set backs with fluid around my lungs that had to be remo ... Read more

On March 24, 2022...

Andrew Dial posted a note for Timothy that says:

Yea u ever over on the west coast??

Timothy Andre Yes, I grew up in northern CA. I was supposed to be there right now but......something came up and I... Read more

Timothy Andre Yes, I grew up in northern CA. I was supposed to be there right now but......something came up and I couldn't make it.

I'll let ya know when I come out. Probably next Spring

On March 23, 2022...

Andrew Dial posted a note for Timothy that says:

What are your current symptoms? I can’t tell if mine are directly from my heart or if it’s stress induced somehow…

Timothy Andre Fatigue and shortness of breath. There is no doubt that some of my symptoms are from stress. But I’ ... Read more

Timothy Andre Fatigue and shortness of breath. There is no doubt that some of my symptoms are from stress. But I’ve been having the lightheaded/dizzy spells for over 2 years now and diagnosed only 5 weeks ago. I had major anxiety until my first consult with a surgeon who calmed me down. So I know that anxiety and stress can cause symptoms for sure. It’s hard to explain, but I just feel like something isn’t right. The level of fatigue is something I’ve never felt before. Like a deep cellular heaviness. I’m at peace with my situation and educated myself so I’m not really worrying and stressing. So, I would say 80/20 symptoms/stress.

On March 23, 2022...

Deena Elani posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hey Timothy,
Sinai team as you know is renowned for the Ross procedure. You did your homework well! I went there one year ago for my mitral and tricuspid valve repairs. Top notch. I am from NYC but live in VA now. And.. heck yeah, when you sneeze your rib cage will hurt somewhat (mine was a full sternum cut), but not excruciating (and seconds long:). Your heart pillow will be your best inorganic friend!

Timothy Andre, Andrew Dial reacted to this

Timothy Andre Thanks for sharing Deena, I figured sneezing wouldn't be a good feeling

I suppose I knew the answer... Read more

Timothy Andre Thanks for sharing Deena, I figured sneezing wouldn't be a good feeling

I suppose I knew the answer to that. I just wanted to hear it from someone who experienced it.

Yes, after all my research, Mt. Sinai seemed to me, the number one place I wanted to go have the "Ross". Due to insurance complications at Penn Medicine, I find myself heading to Sinai tomorrow for a second opinion. At this point, the financial bill isn't a concern. Something no patient should have to think about in these situations. I have faith that will work itself out. I'm just so happy to be meeting Dr. Paul Stelzer. He is, in Adam Pick's words, "a ledgend" when it comes to the "Ross". I feel blessed to be headed to NYC to meet him. Thanks for taking the time to message me Denna.

On March 23, 2022...

Martin Smith posted a note for Timothy that says:

Welcome to the site, Tim!
Waiting for surgery after diagnosis is tough.
The good thing is that you have a diagnosis and now your condition is monitored. I had a Ross procedure done 18 mos. ago. Recovery has gone well. Do your homework on your specific condition, and take charge of ensuring that your treatment gets the timely attention it requires. Feel free to ask questions.
Best wishes.

Timothy Andre reacted to this

Timothy Andre Thank you Martin, its nice to hear that your recovery is going well. I have definitely done my resea... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you Martin, its nice to hear that your recovery is going well. I have definitely done my research, maybe too much. It feels as though I am back in college studying all about cardiology and valve disease. I find it all very fascinating but a bit overwhelming at times. I'm praying my surgery gets scheduled ASAP. So far it is my insurance company that is holding things back. I cant see why they wouldn't want to pay many thousands of dollars for my surgery

It helps to make light of the situation, because we all know stress is my biggest enemy right now. The questions I have are about the ribcage. How long before all sternal pain was gone? And, did you cough or sneeze recently after surgery? And did it hurt as much as I think I will? I know, definitely not big things to worry about, but I am curious. Thanks for taking the time to message me.

Martin Smith Re: sneezing... I'm a sneezer from way back. But damn I avoided sneezing at all costs for at least ... Read more

Martin Smith Re: sneezing... I'm a sneezer from way back. But damn I avoided sneezing at all costs for at least 2-3 weeks after surgery. I was afraid I'd rupture something and blow apart at the seams. :) When I got the urge to sneeze I would grab my shnoz and squeeze until the urge subsided. Best practised in the privacy of one's own home. Within a month or so I was letting my sneezes blast like in the good old days. And no intense pain, just a little discomfort, much of which was mental.

Re: sternum pain... I was fortunate not to have to endure much pain in that area. But I treaded carefully for weeks, then months, around certain movements and activities. I was doing most exercices with light weight, high-reps 4-5 months post-op but held off doing pull-ups for more than a year. The chest area requires time to heal and I was cautious.

Timothy Andre Thanks Martin, I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions

Rose Madura I didn't have much sternum pain at all. And was thankful for it. And I was really didn't have pain... Read more

Rose Madura I didn't have much sternum pain at all. And was thankful for it. And I was really didn't have pain when coughing. Sneezing? I cant remember.....

Thomas Brusstar I remember my first sneeze, luckily probably 2-3 weeks after. I was in a parking garage. Yes, it hu ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar I remember my first sneeze, luckily probably 2-3 weeks after. I was in a parking garage. Yes, it hurt a ton for a second, and it might have been the loudest yell- sneeze I’ve ever had! So the sternum was still sensitive then. I definitely had dull pain in the sternum for months, and I could feel it for a year probably. Never bad enough to need drugs after the first week or so. It’s been 4 years now.

Timothy Andre Thank You Rose and Thomas, I appreciate you both sharing your experience

On March 23, 2022...

Andrew Dial posted a note for Timothy that says:

Hi Timothy, thanks for sharing your story. I was wondering what your symptoms are? I am 33 and am in same position as you; aortic stenosis/bicuspid/ascending aorta 4.8cm. I am experiencing fatigue. Not so much after exertion, but really just kind of all the time. I also get lightheaded if I don’t hydrate enough. Are you having any of this ?

you are probably like me, you don’t want to have to take blood thinners for life. I am having my Ross procedure done in June of this year. As long as your pulmonary valve looks good, you should be a candidate for the Ross. I will hope the best for you. Keep us updated.

Timothy Andre reacted to this

Timothy Andre Thank you for the message Andrew. Wow, it sounds to me like our conditions are exactly the same. The... Read more

Timothy Andre Thank you for the message Andrew. Wow, it sounds to me like our conditions are exactly the same. The fatigue I am feeling is the same as you. It's a feeling I've never experienced before so it's quite confusing. It's a constant heaviness and small tasks tire me out quickly. Now that I am staying hydrated the lightheaded and dizzy feeling pretty much subsided. It is so important to stay hydrated because the valve will stiffen and make the heart work even harder than it already is. Keep your head up, stay positive and trust the process. I'll try to keep everyone updated on my journey. I am thankful for Adam and this community he created because we are definitely not alone. I've been a member for less than 24hrs and already linked with you Andrew! "Keep on tickin"

Steve Neal Hi - I’m pretty much the same 39 years old had aneurysm of 4.8 and bicuspid aortic valve. Became in ... Read more

Steve Neal Hi - I’m pretty much the same 39 years old had aneurysm of 4.8 and bicuspid aortic valve. Became increasingly short of breath especially walking up hills over approx 4-6 months.
Had my surgery 4 weeks ago. Decided to go with mechanical valve along with the repair. Wanted mechanical as felt I wanted to avoid further surgery if at all possible. I am a dentist so have a fair experience of people of warfarin and after talking to some of them felt that it’s not a major issue as some people make out. I plan on still doing pretty much all the same activities I did pre op and my surgeon has cleared this (after a few months) including ice skating but wearing a helmet etc 👍

Timothy Andre Thanks for sharing Steve. It's interesting to me that there are so many options for the many valve di ... Read more

Timothy Andre Thanks for sharing Steve. It's interesting to me that there are so many options for the many valve diseases. It sounds like you chose the right procedure for your needs and you were at peace with that before surgery. The more I read about recovery and listen to other patient stories it is clear to me that in most cases people do well and recover quicker than I anticipated. How do you feel after 4 weeks? Are you driving? Lifting more than 5lbs? Back to work?

Steve Neal I’m taking it easy as ended my valve and calcification was a lot worse than showed on the MRI and e ... Read more

Steve Neal I’m taking it easy as ended my valve and calcification was a lot worse than showed on the MRI and echos. Had a pacemaker fitted 1 week post op as had complete heart block after surgery so because of that I can’t drive for another 3 weeks or so.
Have had pretty minimal pain really.
been able to lie flat on my side on a bed with just one pillow from about 7 days post op.
can now walk my pre op walk of 2 miles (was limited due to severity of symptoms) much easier. Will be trying to up that by a mile a week over the next 4 weeks or so.
I’m not lifting much really as again am limited by the new pacemaker, and also don’t really want to try to rush things too much.
Put it this way - I don’t feel like I have had a crazy major surgery less than 4 weeks ago!

Timothy Andre Steve, Thank you so much for sharing some of your personal post-op experience. I'm grateful for this. ... Read more

Timothy Andre Steve, Thank you so much for sharing some of your personal post-op experience. I'm grateful for this. It really helps to know I am not alone with my thoughts about this experience. Being a part of a community that understands my situation is priceless. I cant thank Adam Pick enough for this website and community that he created