Peyton's Journal

Sue Maize  Hi Peyton, I’m glad you had the Ross suggested to you and that this surgeon was honest about the fact that he hadn’t done many—it’s a very important criteria in the decision. The suggestion is about 100, but being in the US, and willing to travel, you have LOTS of options. You could go to Mount Sinai in NYC where Dr. El-Hamamsy and Dr. Paul Stelzer are renowned for having done the most (700 and 800+ respectively), but there are so many others too across the country. Check the directory on Rossprocedure.org—it lists many but not all of those in North America and also has their contact info. I’m sure others will weigh in here on their experiences too. You’ve got lots of choice. Best of luck! 

Peyton Davies  I talked to Dr. El-Hamamsy’s assistant today! I’m working on emailing him all my tests from the last month!! 

J Alexander Lassally  Hey Peyton - I traveled 2000 miles for mine - It is totally worth it - and plus, it is an adventure of sorts. You'll always remember it. 

Rose Madura  You are getting good advice here and I'm so glad you are getting other opinions.  It's important. Sounds like you are in top of things.

Valerie Allen  Hi welcome! No idea about tattoos, but there are only a handful of Ross procedure specialists in the country. The people here with more knowledge can clue you in as to who and where they are.

Peyton Davies  I think I’m going to have mine done by Todd Crawford. But we’ll know more after they all meet on the 22nd and discuss my case 

Allen Carkner  Hello Peyton, good luck with your procedures. I had a Ross procedure March 2023. Tattoo in December 2023. I asked my cardiologist and they weren’t worried about it. They said to skip my 81mg aspirin for the day but that was about it. However, with mechanical valve warfarin therapy, I’ve heard it’s not recommended due to bleeding risk.