Garys 4th consult with surgeon today!

[Chrisandgary]

today we went to Cornell in NYC and met with Dr. Len Girardi - Gary really likes him - he was very confident - confirmed that this was in face bicuspid aortic valve disease. The other 3 doctors didnt seem to think this was an important issue.
Girardi said he would do the Bentall procedure with the dacron graft and a new valve already attached (as one unit) Dr. Griepp said he was going to leave the mechanical valve he has now and sew in the dacron graft. Girardi said it is a tighter fit if it is placed as one unit.
Griepp also is adamant about changing Garys homograft pulm.valve (from Ross proced) Girardi said to leave it alone - dont mess with something that is not broken! He said most people have a leaking pul.valve - it does not handle that much pressure. By the time Gary would need it replaced - they are doing so much with it that they wouldnt have to open him up to repair or replace it.
(he stated they are doing it in Europe already) and in U.S they are already doing balloons and other things (I kinda tuned out here when he said the risk of the Garys OHS goes up if we mess with the pulm.valve)
Gary is in full agreement on this and doesnt want them to mess with that valve.
Girardi said it is 5% risk. He does 250 aortic aneurysms per year and alot of Ross procedure reops.

Thank you guys for listening - I am so overwhelmed right now. Girardi also said Gary should have this done in 3-8 weeks. Griepp we would have to wait until September as he is not in the office for the month of August.

One more thing - you guys all said Gary should not lift anything heavy, no exertion, etc. Girardi was adamant about this - no raising of pressure, no straining to lift - no more than 30 lbs. The other 3 doctors told him he could do whatever he wanted! One even said as long as you dont try to lift a car!
So I just wanted to tell you all you were right - I truly feel a 5.6 aortic aneurysm is too big to let lie.
Thank you,
Christine
So what do you all think?

 

[Phyllis]

Gary really likes him

That does it for me! If you have confidence in the surgeon, agree with what he said and he can do it sooner, than I think it's a no-brainer.

 

[geebee]

What do we think? Glad you like the surgeon. Now, get the surgery scheduled ASAP. Please don't wait any longer. I am really worried about that aneurysm - way too big to be safe.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It sounds like you have found your surgeon.

Is he 'in network'?

If not, will your insurance company cover it because of 'extenuating circumstances' and special expertise is required?

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Chrisandgary]

It sounds like you have found your surgeon.

Is he 'in network'?

If not, will your insurance company cover it because of 'extenuating circumstances' and special expertise is required?

'AL Capshaw'

He is in network YAHOOOOO and the hospital is in network!! Thank you guys for responding!!
Christine

 

[Karlynn]

Sounds like you have your guy!

 

[Mary]

You've got your surgeon!

 

[PJmomrunner]

I'm too tired to check, but I think Cornell=Presbyterian=#4 hospital on the Top 100 Heart Hospitals list from Money magazine, isn't it???

Yep, schedule. 5.6cm is too darned big to mess around with!

 

[EVELYN]

Congratulations.....as long as you're both pleased with the surgeon and he has the room to do the surgery ASAP, which is what it sounds like he needs, I would say GO FOR IT.

See, things always do have a way of working out.

Evelyn

 

[Cris N]

Sounds like things are falling into place for you & Gary. Hopefully you'll be able to get it done soon. Best of luck!

Cris

 

[Cooper]

Hi Christine,

My husband had a mitral valve repair in May. Dr. Girardi was one of three surgeons we consulted with and my husband and I liked him a lot. In fact, I did a fair amount of research on Dr. Girardi and he has a very good reputation among cardiologists and patients. Our Cardiologist told us that she has sent some very complicated cases to him and he handles them with ease. We also have a friend who had a valve replacement done by Dr. Girardi last year and she was very pleased.

We ultimately ended up going with another surgeon because Dr. Girardi did not perform (or recommend) minimally invasive surgery. My husband's situation was not too complicated and it was his first (and hopefully, last) OHS. So, minimally invasive was important to him. Otherwise, I think my husband would've chosen Dr. Girardi. So, for what it's worth, we liked him as well and I hear he's a very skilled surgeon, especially for touchy cases.

Best of luck,

 

[Chrisandgary]

Thank you Cooper - that was good to hear!!!
Christine

 

[tobagotwo]

Sounds like you've found the one that fits you. Sometimes you have to look so hard, it's difficult to believe you're finished looking.

You're done. Get it scheduled. We're all behind you.

Best wishes,