Susan's Posts

Hello and welcome! I know it's not the type of "club" anyone wants to be in, but always so grateful for this supportive community. Making decisions about where and what type of valve, procedure are always so hard. So many times I just wished someone would do it for me. I do suggest that while researching surgeons, also look at the quality of after surgery care of the hospital, too. We sometimes put the focus solely on the surgeon, but we can't forget how important the care and attention of the nurses, hospital truly are. Thinking of you!

Welcome, Susan! You'll know more about your husband's condition after the TEE. Most of us advise consulting with surgeons who do a high volume of the heart procedure that's is necessary. While approaches in heart surgery have greatly improved over the years, there's no substitute for experience. To Shannon's point, the team during and after surgery are also important. If you have narrowed your research down to those two surgeons, they're probably both very qualified. If you feel more confident with another consultation at the Cleveland Clinic, do it. Your and your husband's attitudes going into the procedure will be directly contingent upon knowing that you made the most informed choice. Wishing you both the best. Please keep us posted on Adam's progress! ❤

Hi Susan, I think that additional consultation is always a good idea. And I agree with John the Cleveland Clinic would probably be the place in your region to do so. However, if you feel comfortable with both surgeons as you have stated, I think having too many cooks in the kitchen only makes the decision more challenging. I had my 1st AVR at 24 and I am preparing for my 2nd here in the next few weeks at 31. I have not made a decision on my procedure, so I am not positive on who my surgeon will be but I have fully mentally committed to which surgeon I will use for each respective surgery. For me, removing that level of variability from a surgeon standpoint also me to fully commit to the process and have a very positive feeling and approach to each respective surgeon. I am not sure there is any "right" decision but taking in some for the ancillary factors such as location and convenience might be something to weight if you have done your research and feel that both surgeons are perfect for you and your family. Wishing you and your family all the best.

Thanks all for your support. We (my husband mainly) felt God was very much leading us to Franciscan Health in Indianapolis. Dr. Gerdisch, his staff, the nurses...I have been blown away. Although other hospitals may do more, we have received such compassionate care while being there. And, best of all, the surgery was successful in repairing his aortic valve - so thankful for this experience. This site is amazing too and by far the more resourceful available!