Homographs can go on and on.....

[AnnaHM]

I had my first heart surgery 36 years ago to correct a congenital defect. Donald Ross performed a valve switch in the National Heart Hosp in London in 1973 when i was 27 yrs old. Moved pulmonary valve to replace damaged aorta and homograph to replace pulmonary valve. I had no problems at all and did not have to take any medication until 2 years ago.

Contracted endocarditis last year which so badly damaged the homograph that I had to have it replaced (again with a homograph valve) this year in London by surgeon Magdi Yacoub. It is 8 weeks since surgery (I am now 62) and everything is absolutely fine. I spent 10 days in hospital and have been walking at least 3-4 miles a day since I came home. Whilst the initial 2 weeks after surgery was painful as the first time, I quickly got back to normal and was pain free very soon. I will be returning to work in 4 weeks.

After feeling so ill last year with the endocarditis I now feel absolutely great. Back to normal!

 

[Mary]

I had my first heart surgery 36 years ago to correct a congenital defect. Donald Ross performed a valve switch in the National Heart Hosp in London in 1973 when i was 27 yrs old. Moved pulmonary valve to replace damaged aorta and homograph to replace pulmonary valve. I had no problems at all and did not have to take any medication until 2 years ago.

Contracted endocarditis last year which so badly damaged the homograph that I had to have it replaced (again with a homograph valve) this year in London by surgeon Magdi Yacoub. It is 8 weeks since surgery (I am now 62) and everything is absolutely fine. I spent 10 days in hospital and have been walking at least 3-4 miles a day since I came home. Whilst the initial 2 weeks after surgery was painful as the first time, I quickly got back to normal and was pain free very soon. I will be returning to work in 4 weeks.

After feeling so ill last year with the endocarditis I now feel absolutely great. Back to normal!

Hi, and welcome!
It's great to read that you've done so well with your homograph. Both Dr. Ross and Dr. Yacoub are brilliant doctors; you were fortunate to have them as your physicians.

 

[Karlynn]

Welcome! I know our Ross Procedure members are going to be very inspired by your post. You're a pioneer! Best wishes with your new homograph. It sounds like you are saying your aortic valve (which was your pulmonary valve lo those many years ago) wasn't damaged by the endocarditis. Is that correct?

 

[john79t]

I have wondered but have never seen why the Ross procedure is only performed on the young? Since it seems to be long lasting why would it not be used more? I understand it is a tech. difficult operation but seems surgeons would get the training if it is signifivantly better.

 

[AnnaHM]

Hi
That's right, my aorta is still going strong (well it's not perfect but nothing to do with the endocarditis). The difference since my recent op is fantastic. I have been told the life of a homograph is 15 years but in my experience, which I know is unusual, 36 years is nearer the mark!!

 

[AnnaHM]

Hi John
I know the valve switch was chosen for me at the time in 1973 as being female and still of childbearing age the alternative would have been an artificial valve which would have carried with it all the issues of anticoagulants for the rest of my life. So maybe it avoids those complications? Not really sure

 

[rckrzy1]

Welcome! I know our Ross Procedure members are going to be very inspired by your post.

Here, Here. I'm a rosser and love to hear things like this