Michael's Journal

Today, November 22, 2025 will be my 8 year aniversary of my BAV replacement with an Edward's 2700TFX and my AAA replacement with a Gelweave graft. The total time from my first ever Echo discovered my BAV and an AAA of 5.3 cm to the recommended surgery only took a very short 98 days, complete with a second opinion and the surgery in another state. In this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to recognize a few: 1. Adam Pick and this Web site for providing us with this important source of information especially during those stressful times before surgery. 2. Dr. Patrick McCarthy and his team of professionals at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago for performing my life saving surgery. 3. Edwards lifesciences, to everyone involved in the creation and manufacturing of my 2700TFX Aortic pericardial valve. 4. My Blue Cross & Blue Shield Federal Employee Program insurance that gave me the opportunity to choose my doctors and made my medical care affordable.

Today, November 22, 2024 will be my 7 year aniversary of my BAV replacement with an Edward's 2700TFX and my AAA replacement with a Gelweave graft. The total time from my first ever Echo discovered my BAV and an AAA of 5.3 cm to the recommended surgery only took a very short 98 days, complete with a second opinion and the surgery in another state. In this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to recognize a few: 1. Adam Pick and this Web site for providing us with this important source of information especially during those stressful times before surgery. 2. Dr. Patrick McCarthy and his team of professionals at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago for performing my life saving surgery. 3. Edwards lifesciences, to everyone involved in the creation and manufacturing of my 2700TFX Aortic pericardial valve. 4. My Blue Cross & Blue Shield Federal Employee Program insurance that gave me the opportunity to choose my doctors and made my medical care affordable.

Today, November 22, 2022 will be my 5 year aniversary of my BAV replacement with an Edward's 2700TFX and my AAA replacement with a Gelweave graft. The total time of my first ever Echo that discovered my BAV and an AAA of 5.3 cm to the recommended surgery only took a very short 98 days, complete with a second opinion and the surgery at a top ten hospital.
I would like to Thank those special people who made all possible
1. Adam Pick and this Web site for providing us with this important source of information especially during those stressful times before surgery.
2. Dr. Patrick McCarthy and his team of professionals at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago for performing my life saving surgery.
3. Edwards lifesciences, to everyone involved in the creation and manufacturing of my 2700TFX Aortic pericardial valve.
4. My Blue Cross & Blue Shield Federal Employee Program insurance that gave me the opportunity to choose my doctors and made my medical care affordable.

Today, November 22, 2021 will be my 4 year aniversary of my BAV replacement with an Edward's 2700TFX and my AAA replacement with a Gelweave graft. The total time from my first ever Echo discovered my BAV and an AAA of 5.3 cm to the recommended surgery only took a very short 98 days, complete with a second opinion and the surgery in another state. In this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to recognize a few: 1. Adam Pick and this Web site for providing us with this important source of information especially during those stressful times before surgery. 2. Dr. Patrick McCarthy and his team of professionals at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago for performing my life saving surgery. 3. Edwards lifesciences, to everyone involved in the creation and manufacturing of my 2700TFX Aortic pericardial valve. 4. My Blue Cross & Blue Shield Federal Employee Program insurance that gave me the opportunity to choose my doctors and made my medical care affordable. God Bless Them All!

Today, November 22, 2020 will be my 3 year aniversary of my BAV replacement with an Edward's 2700TFX and my AAA replacement with a Gelweave graft. The total time from my first ever Echo discovered my BAV and an AAA of 5.3 cm to the recommended surgery only took a very short 98 days, complete with a second opinion and the surgery in another state. In this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to recognize a few: 1. Adam Pick and this Web site for providing us with this important source of information especially during those stressful times before surgery. 2. Dr. Patrick McCarthy and his team of professionals at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago for performing my life saving surgery. 3. Edwards lifesciences, to everyone involved in the creation and manufacturing of my 2700TFX Aortic pericardial valve. 4. My Blue Cross & Blue Shield Federal Employee Program insurance that gave me the opportunity to choose my doctors and made my medical care affordable.

Today, November 22, 2020 will be my 3 year aniversary of my BAV replacement with an Edward's 2700TFX and my AAA replacement with a Gelweave graft. The total time from my first ever Echo discovered my BAV and an AAA of 5.3 cm to the recommended surgery only took a very short 98 days, complete with a second opinion and the surgery in another state. In this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to recognize a few: 1. Adam Pick and this Web site for providing us with this important source of information especially during those stressful times before surgery. 2. Dr. Patrick McCarthy and his team of professionals at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago for performing my life saving surgery. 3. Edwards lifesciences, to everyone involved in the creation and manufacturing of my 2700TFX Aortic pericardial valve. 4. My Blue Cross & Blue Shield Federal Employee Program insurance that gave me the opportunity to choose my doctors and made my medical care affordable.

November 22, 2019 will be my 2 year aniversary of my BAV replacement with an Edward's 2700TFX and my AAA replacement with a Gelweave graft. The total time from my first ever Echo discovered my BAV and an AAA of 5.3 cm to the recommended surgery only took a very short 98 days, complete with a second opinion and the surgery in another state. In this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to recognize a few: 1. Adam Pick and this Web site for providing us with this important source of information especially during those stressful times before surgery. 2. Dr. Patrick McCarthy and his team of professionals at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago for performing my life saving surgery. 3. Edwards lifesciences, to everyone involved in the creation and manufacturing of my 2700TFX Aortic pericardial valve. 4. My Blue Cross & Blue Shield Federal Employee Program insurance that gave me the opportunity to choose my doctors and made my medical care affordable. At age 61 now, I feel great and can do whatever I choose. I am aware my tissue valve will not last forever and am very glad I accepted all the recommendations of my surgeon. After blood thinners the first 10 weeks, I was relieved to leave them behind. Since I had no symptoms the first go round, I am a little concerned, how my valve will eventually fail and how much time I will have to find a TAVR team.