J
jj3
Hello. I truly appreciate the site -- a good chance to read about results from people who have already walked this path.
I'm 40yo male with four sons. My PCP noticed the murmor about 12 years ago and I have followed it with my cardiologist for these past 12 years. Though he said the last echo (fall 2004) did not show much change, I feel it.
Heart cath last week confirmed need for surgery. I happen to have Von Willebrand's blood disorder; so, my hemotologist will weigh in with what will probably be the deciding factor for the valve choice. I am strongly leaning toward the mechanical -- and think that is what she will also say.
Date is set -- January 27. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Surgeon -- Joseph Bavaria. I hear good things about him -- my issue is a bicuspic aortic valve and possible aortic root concern. He specializes in the arotic root/valve. The only posts here are rather dated on Bavaria.
Just met wtih Dr. Bavaria yesterday to get the date. When he asked when I wanted it done, I said "tommorrow!" I feel that the two week wait is doable -- but just barely (emotionally). Really just want to be put to sleep for the surgery and wait to wake up... more concerned for my wife who will have to wait through those long hours of surgery!
I am ready for the surgery. I always thought that I would want it delayed as long as possible, but I can't run, can't play hard with the kids, and now I even feel discomfort when walking the dog! So, this has to get done.
I guess that's it..........
I posted the Von Willebrand question I had earlier.
I wonder about Dr. Bavaria, but I am actually confident given the local referrals I have received.
Dr. Bavaria said they use a St. Jude valve and an Onyx (On-x?). He seemed a bit enamored with the Onyx, but I am more comfortable with the track record that the St. Jude valve provides.
And -- now I wait. I think I will get through my work days for this week and next. Not sure that I will go in the week of surgery!
************ wow, who would have thought!
Joe
I'm 40yo male with four sons. My PCP noticed the murmor about 12 years ago and I have followed it with my cardiologist for these past 12 years. Though he said the last echo (fall 2004) did not show much change, I feel it.
Heart cath last week confirmed need for surgery. I happen to have Von Willebrand's blood disorder; so, my hemotologist will weigh in with what will probably be the deciding factor for the valve choice. I am strongly leaning toward the mechanical -- and think that is what she will also say.
Date is set -- January 27. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Surgeon -- Joseph Bavaria. I hear good things about him -- my issue is a bicuspic aortic valve and possible aortic root concern. He specializes in the arotic root/valve. The only posts here are rather dated on Bavaria.
Just met wtih Dr. Bavaria yesterday to get the date. When he asked when I wanted it done, I said "tommorrow!" I feel that the two week wait is doable -- but just barely (emotionally). Really just want to be put to sleep for the surgery and wait to wake up... more concerned for my wife who will have to wait through those long hours of surgery!
I am ready for the surgery. I always thought that I would want it delayed as long as possible, but I can't run, can't play hard with the kids, and now I even feel discomfort when walking the dog! So, this has to get done.
I guess that's it..........
I posted the Von Willebrand question I had earlier.
I wonder about Dr. Bavaria, but I am actually confident given the local referrals I have received.
Dr. Bavaria said they use a St. Jude valve and an Onyx (On-x?). He seemed a bit enamored with the Onyx, but I am more comfortable with the track record that the St. Jude valve provides.
And -- now I wait. I think I will get through my work days for this week and next. Not sure that I will go in the week of surgery!
************ wow, who would have thought!
Joe
Hugs.
