Linda says, "My St Jude mechanical mitral valve is coming up on ..."
Valarie says, "Is it ok to have a little meltdown here? I ..."
Marie says, "I just returned from my annual pilgrimage to my ..."
Search for heart hospitals that specialize in heart valve treatment.
Dr. Gerdisch is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 4,000 heart valve repair and replacement operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
I would definitely consider Ross at your a... Read more
I would definitely consider Ross at your age. I highly recommend going to a Ross center of excellence where they do this procedure often as it is a more complicated surgery (though recovery is not much different than a single valve replacement). Check out Ross procedure org for a list of surgeons that specialize in Ross procedures.
If you have other questions, I'm happy to give my best answer
I think it is a little worry that there are two valves to watch now but I felt the benefits outweighed that concern. My hope is that this correction of my bicuspid is the best option for lasting longer than a tissue valve and with less risks from clots and the risks that accompany blood thinners using a mechanical valve.
My aortic valve is a live valve which is great because it has the greatest pressure. My pulmonary valve was replaced with a donated valve but it is not living, but inert, like a tissue valve (no rejection issues) but it sees much less pressure than the aortic valve so it should last longer in that position.
I don't think a Ross procedure was as much in favor 10-12 years ago, mostly because it's a more complicated surgery and most surgeons just don't have the training. Now that there have been more studies, since they began doing them, showing that it can offer recipients a great long-term outcome, there are more centers and surgeons learning and performing them. I know Dr El-Hamamsy travels all over and shares his expertise.
Glad you are getting several opinions and asking lots of questions, especially since you are chemically sensitive.