Tim's Posts

Welcome Fellow Pennsylvanian! I had a heart murmur caused by a leaking mitral valve. I underwent surgery at the age of 57, had a quick hospital stay, and easy recovery. Everyone is different, but my advice is to think positively and take it one day at a time. Most of us will tell you, you're going through the hardest part right now - waiting. If you can keep your mind occupied between now and game day, you'll be just fine with the rest of the process! It was much easier than I ever imagined! These surgeons and their teams execute every step seamlessly. All you have to do is show up! Wishing you all the best!

Welcome Tim. I had similar surgery (minus the mitral valve issue) at age 59. I had a bicuspid valve and at age 6, I had rheumatic fever which damaged the valve even more. I knew for most of my life that I would need surgery. Since my surgery, I feel so much better. It's amazing. My suggestion is to do your due diligence in educating yourself. There are plenty videos on this site to help you. See the Learning Center. Also, I always recommend a 2nd opinion or even a 3rd. Ask away if you have any questions. Everyone here is willing to help. Godspeed.

Thank you all for your responses and great advice! You're so right that this site has loads of great info including surgeon profiles. My recent MRI showed that my pulmonary valve is in great condition so I'm a good candidate for the Ross. I got a follow up TTE and CTA in June which revealed my ascending aortic aneurysm has increased from 4.6 cm to 5.1 cm over the past 17 months. I have a follow up in Sept. If that trend continues I'll need surgery in 2027. I'm getting a 2nd opinion consultation with experts at Mt Sinai Hospital which apparently does the most Ross surgeries on the East coast. I've always been health conscious but since Jan I've really doubled-down by cutting out caffeine, eating healthier, and getting > 20 min cardio exercise at least 5 days/week. I switched from moderate jogging to brisk walking so my heart rate doesn't get too high (< 130 bpm). I'm at my "ideal" weight to keep my BP at 120/80 or lower. I also add 100% cacao powder to my decaf coffee which has health benefits like lowering BP and increasing nitric oxide. Also drink 1-2 cups of green tea per day. I started eating a keto diet a few weeks ago. Anything I might be missing? Thanks!

Tim, sounds like you’re on the right track. I am also headed to Mount Sinai for the Ross procedure. Nothing is set in stone yet but I believe we are aiming for November of this year. I’ve heard amazing things about Dr. El Hamamsy and his team. Best of luck to you!! 🙌🏻