Wade,

So, the Ross procedure has to do with replacing one of your heart valves with another of your heart valves, and the other one used is replaced with an artificial valve. Its not too hard to "Google" the procedure. I'd say you should be getting a least a second opinion from whoever you can find that has the most experience with fixing the diseased valve. I don't know who all that could be, but from my research I'd say you couldn't go wrong checking with the docs at Cleveland Clinic Foundation. They could well be the leading experts. Barry on the Mtn in New Mexico

Hey Wade and Natalie - know that you are both in my prayers. I prayer our great healer will wrap his arms around each of you and your medical team to give you strength, faith, patience and healing.

Let me know if there is anything I can do - I am even willing to fly down and be with you if you need me too.

Hugs to all.

Toi

Hi Wade,
Sorry, I'm a self-proclaimed know it all, but I have no knowledge about this. Adam might be able to help you in this area. Good luck.
Ruth Howell

Hi Wade,
I do not know anything about the Ross Procedure. I had a leaking bicuspid aortic valve, which I had repaired along with the removal of an aneurysm and replacement of that part of the aorta on Feb. 28. My surgeon did discuss replacement valves with me in the event he could not repair mine. He advised that I go with a tissue valve, which had been my first choice, because of the risks that go along with having to take blood thinners for the rest of your life when getting a mechanical valve, which he felt were significant. My surgeon said that by the time a tissue valve might have to be replaced, the technique where the aortic valve is replaced through a catheter rather than open heart surgery would be have been perfected. That is just something to consider. I know that all cases are different, but it doesn't hurt to look at all of your options. I wish you all the best.
Tia Phillips

for got to sign my name but you know I am old

Everett /Bea

Got you in my personal prayers Wade and will be thinking of you and following your case
Hang tight and God bless you and your sweet family

Hi Wade
I always assume people find this site as a result of reading Adam's book. Adam's surgery was, I believe 5 years ago and he had a Ross procedure. He goes into detail about it in his book. Good luck.
Fran

Wade, you, your family, and medical team are in our prayers. I am sorry to hear about your serious heart situation. I am confident that through prayer, this mountain you are now facing, will someday be a speed bump. May God bless you in the coming days and during recovery.
Larry and Beverly Killebrew

I had AVR surgery on the 28th of December, 2010. I had couple of set backs, but doing better every day. God is Good!
What kind of valve you putting in??

Dear Wade,
Robert and I just found out about your critical health condition yesterday. You seem to be strong as you approach this major surgery. Where will you have this surgery? We know you must be on an emotional roller coaster as well as Natalie, girls, parents, and brothers. We know we would be if we were dealing with such a surgery. It is good for you and all of us to count our blessings daily. You will be in our
prayers.
We love you and your family,
Robert and Joy

Wade-
Read your journal today. Church families are great for getting you through and feeding you too!!!! You got the your #1 item right so there is really no more that I can say...besides...you, your wife and family are in my prayers. Praying for the surgeon and staff hands, your heart's healing, your family's peace and victory in this valley...in Jesus Name...and it is ALREADY done...AMEN!!!!
Celeste

Wade, I had aortic valve replacement at The Cleveland Clinic on January 7th of this year. What a way to start out a new year !! They did minimally invasive which aids a faster recovery. It has now been 14 weeks and I sometimes forget I even had the surgery. I just turned 50 with two teenage children as well. This entire experience brought us all together in our otherwise busy lives and gave us time to reflect just how important family is. It was actually an amazing experience. If there is anything you are curious about, please feel free to reach out on my journal.

Dean Muglia

Have known several people who received Excellent care at Baylor Heart Hospital. You are in good hands.. with the hospital and with the Lord. Praying for you.....

You are going to do GREAT! I know this because I know YOU and I know Natalie and your girls and I KNOW Natlie and I have many, many more Spades games to beat you at! You are in my prayers. WE love you and wish we could be there with you all through this. Kerwin & Kristie

Wade,

I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve and diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis when I was 6 years old. I had valve replacement surgery over 10 years ago. Life has never been better. I've experienced things I never imagined I could do. The limitations my health placed on me were frustrating since I was very young. All of that is gone now. I was able to chase my son around when he was a child without having to gasp for air. Now, as a teenager, I'm right there besides him at every track meet. Oh, and yes, I do run now, too. That is something I wasn't able to do much before my surgery.
I wish you the best of luck in your upcoming surgery. I will keep you in prayer. God bless you.

You are in our thoughts and prayers. let us know if you need us!

Greg and Judy

Wade, as I said to you in facebook, I had aortic stenosis too, and had surgery in March 2008. I did very well, and I expect you will too....since you're so much younger than I. It took about 5 years after a murmur was noticed that I had surgery...and I'm doing better than ever! Wish I could hug you right now. I know you're anxious about it, but God will be with you and Jesus will be 'holding your hand.' I elected to have a bovine valve, but they are all excellent...it's just what is best for the individual patient. Let me know if you have questions. Love to you, Wade, and your sweet family! Jane

Its us, THE ULMERS,forgot in the last entry,age you know at least thats what ive been told.LOL

We Love you and you and yours are in our prayers.Today and in the days to come.

Hello Wade - and welcome. I am sure you will find a lot of support, encouragement and information here. I know I did. My surgery is scheduled for April 21 at the Cleveland Clinic and will be leaving Maine on Saturday for several days of pre-op testing. You can check out my HVJ for more information. Best of luck to you and ask all of us here for any help and support you need.
Ruth Howell
Maine

Wade!! Miss you and I am praying for you. Please take care.

With respect,

Laura Ross

Oh, and its me...Margaret...your sister in law that wrote the last entry...

Hey there "old man" (hehehe) Just kidding..
Thanks for adding me to your group. Prayers for the family and medical staff all goes well. I'm sure it will! I'm taking it upon myself to phone the hospital and request that only nurses that laugh & crack jokes be scheduled to care for you. How does that sound?

Wade I would honored to lift you, your family, and the medical staff up in prayer as you prepare for this procedure.
I am available as needed.
Aaron Cottle

Hi Wade,

Welcome to HVJ.. I am also from the Metroplex. I had AVR last May at the Cleveland Clinic at 49 yo, after knowing all my life I would someday need surgery due to a congenital defect. Having years to prepare and study this I had long ago decided on Cleveland as I have lived in many states during my life. If I had decided to go local it would have been Plano and Dr Ryan.

Hopefully you have Adams book. It is very accurate in what the event is like, although in my case it was an easier event. We are all a little different.

Best wishes as you get ready. Let me know if you have any questions.

Mark
Keller, TX

Welcome to HVJ Wade. I had the same surgery on Jan 7th in Cleveland. Minimally invasive...or about a 4 inch incision. You are going to a great medical facility there in Texas. Best of luck to you. Dean Muglia