Stephanie's Posts

Hello! Happy to be here. I’ll give some background information on myself. I am a 41 yr female with severe aortic stenosis of my bio prosthetic valve requiring my 3rd redo operation. I was born with a congenital heart defect including coarctation of the aorta (repaired at birth) and bicuspid aortic valve (repaired at age 7, replaced at age 25 with a 19mm tissue valve). Last operation was my 2nd open heart surgery at Mayo Clinic. Currently gearing up for a 3rd OHS for aortic valve replacement within the next 6 months. I live near Milwaukee and Ive met with the team from UW Madison (Dr A and Dr Hermsen) I also had a consultation with Northwestern in Chicago (Dr Malaisrie). The Ross is what I’ve been talked to about the most. It’s been the first time I’ve been told that this is a life long issue. No one procedure is a “free lunch” and most options come with the risk of reoperation. I always thought a mechanical would be the end game. I’m not afraid of warfarin. Somewhat nervous of the restrictions of what a mechanical brings to the table. Surgery always makes me anxious. The Ross complications make me anxious. I’m a cardiovascular surgical tech, which is a blessing and a curse. I have heart surgeons on speed dial (not any that could operate on me, but good resources nevertheless). I’ve just been so 50/50 on my options and it’s maddening. The more information I gather, the more I’m leaning towards Ross with mechanical back up. Any support or advice from this group would be greatly appreciated. I just hope I choose the right path, and the skilled hands I need. I’ve also talked to Mayo Clinic in MN (Dr Dearani). All of the surgeons I’ve spoken with seem very skilled and professional. Each one comes with their own skill set and ideas of what might be best for me. I’m so exhausted about making this choice.