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Wow, thanks for all the insight. It looks like there's a lot of variation and it's hard to tell what actual out-of-pocket costs might be sans insurance. I'm from the US and was on Medi-Cal when I took some time off work in 2018, so I know that's an option before I can get on an...

I'm currently living in Italy, and looking at AVR #2 sometime this month. I have a tissue valve now which will be replaced with a mechanical valve. I'm 36 so I expect to have a lot of life in front of me and my family and I tend to be quite nomadic. Since 2003 I've spent about equal time living...

In Italy, surgeons are not allowed to operate in public structures past the age of 70. I was surprised to learn this isn't the case in other countries and was at first reassured that talented surgeons in their 80s were still going strong. So, yes he retired from his role of chief of...

Thanks for the input. I'm currently shopping around but will probably opt for an excellent surgeon who has the support of an excellent hospital (72 year old is now operating out of a private clinic). Have a meeting set up Monday with my first choice. Will probably not go with my original...

Ciao a tutti! I was pretty active here surroundong my last OHS in 2009 (AVR) and I've been enjoying the revamped site! After 10+ years, it's time for OHS #2... I always thought I'd want the same surgeon. However, after consulting with him, and doing some research, I discovered he's now 72 years...

Hello all, It has been quite a while since I've posted!! Quick background: had AV replacement with carpentier edwards valve (bovine) and bentall procedure for dilated ascending aorta. Was 26 when I got surgery and the whole idea behind the bio valve was to have kids one day. Fast forward to...

got my bovine valve 1 year ago today!! will be running my first 5k post op this sunday!!! moo.

yikes, just took a look and for non-US residents that are travelling to the US there is one measly little insurance policy that does not include pre-existing conditions..... looks like I'll have to go through an Italian insurance company.... :( thanks anyway jkm7!!

grazie!!:D

making a trip home for xmas and want to get some travel insurance.... can anyone suggest one that won't make me pay an arm and a leg for coverage on a pre-existing condition?? thanks ciao

Don't get me wrong, I could live just fine without my work identity!!:cool: In fact, during my time home I was fantasizing about never having to go back again, joining a gym, volunteering, travelling. But, then I realized that I needed money to do all of these things. And that, unfortunately I...

first day back at work went well! i had exactly 2 tasks to complete and it almost took me the whole 3 and a half hours i was there to complete them. man.... i think almost a full month of watching as much TV as i wanted has reeked havoc on my ability to concentrate. my boss, colleagues and i...

:o well, don't i feel silly now. it's good to know that not everyone goes through rehab!! i thought i was really missing out!! although, it would be nice to have a personal trainer (especially if it's paid for by the public health system!!) thanks for all your responses! i am officially...

helllooooo everyone! saw the doctor today for my first post op checkup (about 5 weeks post-op). i did chest x-rays (and they made me swallow the most AWFUL white cream to "illuminate" my heart on the films), ekg and consult with a heart surgeon (not mine :( was kind of disappointed about...

Four weeks ago today I had already been admitted to the hospital and I was "enjoying" my last pre-op meal of tasteless broth with little pasta stars in it and water. ...not that I was really that hungry. I was a little too preoccupied with the fact that the next morning I was going into...

that's so awesome! i'm just 3 weeks out and stopped running last may when the docs said it was time for surgery and time to cool down on the physical activity. i'm really itching to get back to it and knowing that you ran a 5k at 6 weeks is really encouraging!!!!!! congrats!

Buona fortuna, Kim! I hope the side effects go away soon and all goes well. Sending positive thoughts your way!

Hello vhmoriarty! It sounds like you've already been through entirely too much for someone your age and I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking a lot of positive thoughts for you and your upcoming surgery. I'm 26 years old and about 3 weeks ago I had AVR surgery and ascending aortic...

My surgeon surprised my parents and boyfriend with my BAV in a jar fresh out of surgery!! He even took it out of the jar and insisted that they touch it and saw how calcified it was!!!!!!! Needless to say they were kind of grossed out, but as I type, the jar is still sitting on top of my fridge...

I just had the same exact surgery: was wheeled into the OR at about 7.45am and was sleeping like a little baby shortly after. My post-op packet says that they opened me up at 8.50am and closed me at 1.30pm. The chief of surgery who actually performed the "dirty work" was in at 10am and out by...