Hello

[jess]

Hi
Im 17 and from western australia im not quite sure whether anyone else is from australia would be wuite interested to know. Im having the ross procedure in 17 days. I would like to hear anyones experience to help me out, preferably younger people as not many people my age have this surgery
Thanks Jess

 

[Ross]

Hi Jess and welcome to the forums

We have a couple folks from your country here, but I don't think anyone has had a Ross. Nonetheless, they'll all be along to offer support and advice soon. Meanwhile, read all that you can stand to read in the forums and try to educate yourself as much as possible. It will make things easier and more digestable for you.

 

[geebee]

Jess,

Just wanted to welcome you. I can't help with the Ross information but I am sure you will hear from others. I will pray that all goes well and you find the comfort you seek.

 

[Cris N]

Hi Jess,

I know almost nothing about the Ross procedure (except what I've read on this site) but I would like to welcome you. I pray that your upcoming surgery will go smoothly and your recovery is uneventful.

Cris

 

[Mary]

Jess,
We have a member named Surfsparky in Australia who had the Ross procedure done over there. You might send him a PM (private message) to find out his experience.
Good luck!
Mary

 

[OldManEmu]

Jess
Welcome aboard. As you can see I am also from Australia. I was meant to have a Ross Procedure, however my condition deteriorated in the week before surgery and it was then considered to risky so I received a tissue valve. This was last year and I was older than you at 41. To my knowledge there are no surgeons in Perth that do the Ross so I assume you are travelling to the Eastern states to have it done.
There is a site by one of the American surgeons that specialises in the Ross and has a good description of the procedure. I have included the link.
http://ps4ross.com/index.shtml

 

[hensylee]

Welcome, Jess - we have quite a number from down under but like the others above, I don't know about the Ross.

We have had young ones like you, tho, who have had valve surgeries and did very well. Perhaps they might see your post and drop by.

Glad to have you with us.

 

[vboesen]

Jess
I haven't had your specific surgery, but I hope and pray everything goes well with your surgery.Keep up the positive attitude

 

[Eric]

Jess,

I'm heading in next Monday (10 days) for an aortic replacement and (maybe) aortic valve replacement here in L.A. I checked into the Ross but was not a candidate. Good luck, mate. I know you'll come out of it great!

 

[WendyD]

Hi Jess

Hi Jess

Just wanted to say welcome to the site !
Ernie & I are just "over the ditch " in NZ.
Wishing you all the very best
Ernie & Wendy

 

[Abbanabba]

Hi Jess... well, I just realised at 34 I'm twice your age. Boy - talk about a shock to the system!!!! I sure don't feel that old..!

Anyway, I'm one of the other Aussies on the board. I was actually a WA girl myself until last year when I moved to Victoria. I live about 2 1/2 hrs from Melbourne where I see a cardiologist that specialises in adults with congenital heart defects (who are you seeing in Perth?). I don't have any experience with the Ross procedure, but I've sure had my run of cardiological tests in the last couple of years (and also a couple of heart surgeries under my belt.....or should that be shirt?? ).

Anyway, feel free to drop me a line if you want to chat about anything. My email is [email protected] or you can send me a PM here.

Cheers
Anna : )


Old Man Emu - I've managed to miss your posts so far - what a shame you've been lurking in the background for so long! Looks like we're getting quite a few Victorians on this site. Maybe we'll all have to meet up one of these days.

Cheers
Anna : )

 

[Candy]

I had a Ross Procedure 1 1/2 years ago. Although I am past 40, I am very active and fit. I teach dance for a living! So far so good. I take baby aspirin, and that is it. Please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Best of luck to you.
Candy

 

[gijanet]

Hi, Jess!

Hi, Jess!

Welcome to the group! Actually, the Ross procedure is performed fairly frequently on kids over here. There is a mom on here who only checks in sporadically due to work and life in general, but her name is Katie (handle: LuvmyEvan ). Her son Evan had a Ross-Konno as an infant. Probably younger than you were looking for, but it's a start. I think someone said a while back something about there being a Ross site as well. YOu might try there. In the meantime, I will keep my eyes peeled for someone more around your age. Good luck and please keep us posted. Hugs. Janet

 

[surfsparky]

Hi Jess!

Hi Jess!

Hi Jess!
I can't believe that I missed your post! Welcome to this great site...you're joining a growing list of Aussies! My husband Chris had the Ross Procedure done here in Melbourne 2 years ago by a brilliant surgeon, Mr. Peter Skillington. Chris and I did a lot of research and he decided that the Ross Procedure would be the best type of AVR for him. He is really happy that he was able to have the Ross Procedure and within a few months was back doing what he loves most, surfing! Who is your surgeon? Which hospital are you going to? You will be fine, although I'm sure you're pretty scared right now. If you'd like a detailed description of what Chris went through, and what you might expect (although I'm sure that being 17 you'll bounce back in no time!), let me know. I'll also let Chris know about this post and I'll let him reply too about his experiences.
Great to 'meet' you,
Yolanda (Chris' wife)

 

[surfsparky]

Me again...

Me again...

Just noticed that you sent us a private message, so when Chris gets home from work tonight, we'll reply and let you know his experiences.
"Chat" to you soon!
Yolanda

 

[INRtest]

Jess,
I had to post, even though I know nothing about the Ross Procedure. I just want to wish you all the best.

Regards,
Jess

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Welcome Jess!

As you can see, we've had a number of Aussie's come by over the years, along with members from NZ, Singapore, and of course several Brits and a few Irish.

You may also want to do a VR.com SEARCH for "ROSS Procedure or RP" as several of our members have had that procedure.

If you browse through the Pre-Surgery Forum and Post-Surgery Forum, you will find LOTS of information about what to do and expect before and after your surgery.

Best wishes,

'AL Capshaw'

 

[TenPly]

Welcome, Jess!

You've found an excellent site here, and soon you'll find that the people here are outstanding too.

I'm 21 and I had my aortic valve and root as well as my mitral valve replaced just 10 days ago. You can take comfort in knowing that you will do just fine. Your young age is just one of your advantages. You'll heal quickly and not too long after your surgery you'll be back to your normal self!

Things may seem scary to you right now, but if take a little time to learn about your heart and educate yourself, that fear will get smaller and smaller.

If you want to hear more about my experience, you can email me at [email protected]

 

[cocoalab]

Jess,
Another welcome. My son is just a bit younger than you but not a computer chatter. He did not have the Ross but had his second valve replacement a couple months ago.

Is this something that just cropped up for you or have you known you had a heart issue before?

I have met a boy who had the Ross done at 13 but don't know him per se. He had 3 previous surgeries before this. He is doing fine. (He is a friend's nephew).

We are in the states.

 

[Arpy]

Woo Hoo - Another Sandgroper

Woo Hoo - Another Sandgroper

Hi
Im 17 and from western australia im not quite sure whether anyone else is from australia would be wuite interested to know. Im having the ross procedure in 17 days. I would like to hear anyones experience to help me out, preferably younger people as not many people my age have this surgery
Thanks Jess

G'Day Jess

Its good to see another fellow sandgroper on the site!
Welcome aboard to this site and its wealth of information and great people.

I had an AVR at Mount Hospital under Dr David Andrews in November last year. A tad older than your good self at 39. Since then though I have cycled near on 4000km and begun running with a view to competing in triathlons - like so many other inspirational people on this site. The point being that although the operation is a significant event, life goes on and often continues with a better quality after the operation as it allows you to do things that, pre op, just were not sensible - or not achievable. Sure there are some limitations and some lifestyle changes - principally more from a self awareness aspect than anything else.

Anyway good luck with the operation and Im sure you will find a significant amount of information via the search engine to satisfy your query. If I can help answer any specific questions from a Perth boys perspective for either you or your folks just sing out.

BTW Where are you having it done and by whom?

regards

Russell