How Many 20 yrs and younser have Had the Ross Porcedure?

[djlfranklin]

I was just wondering how many out there have had the Ross prodcedure at a young age. My Son is 16 and will be having this done Friday the 21st of March. We hope we are doing the right thing. James loves to be very active and just Loves his dirt bike so we choose the Ross as to avoid ACT. If you don't mind me asking how old were you when you had it done and how is it going for you?

 

[CHDDoug]

not under 20 years old...

not under 20 years old...

I'm 33 years old (not younger than 20), but I had the Ross done a little over a month ago. I don't regret my decision and I don't think I will. If I had to do it over again, I'd go with the Ross again!

Good luck with your son's surgery. It will go well!

 

[Bradley White]

I was 17 years old when I had the Ross.

Brad

 

[kchristian]

Best to All

Best to All

It sounds like a great choice. I am 55 but have known that I would need a valve replacement some time in my life since I was 12. Ross Procedure was not an option back then. Thank goodness for all of the advances in cardio surgical methodologies. Supporting your son's desire to live his life fully by choosing this option shows that you want the best life has to offer him. Be at peace with your selection. Focus your love and attention on him and in just a few months he will be back on that dirt bike tearing up the desert once again.

Be sure to take care of yourself too. Being a loving, concerned parent takes alot of time and energy. But it's THE best job in the world!

Sending heartfelt prayers your way....

 

[francie12]

I can understand your interest in the Ross procedure. It's a possibility in the cards for my son too. After much research and pondering about it (I'll leave the details to those who've experienced it and know first hand), the one thing I would like to throw out is that it is essential to find a surgeon who is very experienced in performing it. I think it is worth traveling to the best Ross surgeon you can find.

 

[CHDDoug]

Absolutely agree!!!

Absolutely agree!!!

I would absolutely agree with Francie on finding the best Ross surgeon to do the procedure. I went to Dr. Ryan in Dallas, TX. I also 'interviewed' Dr. Stelzer in New York. Both are stellar! Both are willing to talk with you and review your charts/records at no charge.

I couldn't agree more with your statement! I drove 12 hours to Dr. Ryan (and also drove 12 hours back after surgery)...and it was worth it.

 

[Jami]

I had my Ross in 1999 the day after Easter so my 9th anniversary is coming up! This was the best decision my parents ever made! I couldn't do sports or PE and after the surgery i was cleared for anything. I took up soccer, softball, and vaulting. The only downside I see is that now instead of one valve you have two valves to watch. Both mine are still great. The only problem I have had is NSVT which I am getting an EP study and possible ablation on Monday. I deffinatly think this is the way to go for a young person. I may be overly confident in it because it worked so well for me! Good luck to you son!

 

[alpha 1]

ross

ross

hi,
dont know what nsvt is, but i have always heard good about dr. stelzer and watched a video of him doing the ross, very impressive. also i have emailed him and he has always got back to me, which i cannot say for all. dont know of dr ryan. but sounds good too. we were thinking about the ross but dont know if we want to involve 2 valves. this is all such a big decision, and as the parents we have to help make it which is much harder than one deciding for themself. good luck on the 21st i will be praying for you we are in similar situations. we are still trying to decide what to do. i wish i could know for sure what is best. good night and hope all goes well.
alpha 1

 

[Bryan B]

Sorry for chiming in as an "old fart".

I had my Ross Procedure on March 17th 2004 at the age of 43, so I just passed the 4 year mark and my annual checkup in January revealed that both valves are working perfectly. I did not however have a bicuspid aortic valve. My need for aortic valve surgery was due to aortic insufficiency caused by a congenital VSD that was causing aortic valve prolapse. Then I contracted Endocarditis which put me over the tipping point. I agree with the advice that if you and your son decide on the RP (at 16 I think he should be involved in the decision process) you need to find a surgeon that specializes not only in the RP but performing the RP on patients with bicuspid valves. You need a surgeon that can determine if your son is free from any connective tissue disorders that sometimes accompany bicuspid valve disease, as the RP is contraindicated in patients with connective tissue disorders.

As far as my experience has been with the RP...I haven't felt better in a long, long time. I actually feel so good that I'm doing things that the rest of my old 47 year old body is griping about (mainly my right hip).