Minor leaks...

[stormrev]

Hi guys

Just thought I'd let you know I had a report back from my scan last week which show I have very mild leaks in both aortic and pulmonary valves after my Ross procedure earlier this year. The cardiologist is not too concerned and doesn't want to see me for another 9 months. I guess no leaks would have been great, but from what I understand many Ross patients experience a trivial or mild leak in at least one of the autograph or homograph replacements. Thanks for the support and encouragement along the way.

Kind regards

Grant

 

[Ross]

Did he really term it minor or trivial? Some leaking is normal, but if it got beyond minor, I'd be concerned.

 

[tobagotwo]

All right, Grant!

Another successful Ross procedure. Very mild sounds pretty reassuring. If it's a peripheral leak, it may even close up still, as that's kind of the nature of the beast.

Hope your plumbing holds up even better for the next checkup.

Best wishes,

 

[bvdr]

That sounds like a good report. 9 months until your next check up sounds great. It sure is nice to hear you got favorable news especially after the difficult recovery you went through!

 

[tommy]

Grant,

That sounds good. How do you feel?

 

[stormrev]

Hi Tom et al

Thanks for the encouragement - I actually feel fine and have been able to run up to 12 kms (albeit slowly and with some slowing and/or walking on the steeper hills)

My Aortic mean gradient was only 6 mm HG ("no more than mild regurgitation") and the Pulmonary was measured at 12.

Would have been nice to get some more answers to some other questions I had (i.e. how much exercise/stress levels etc, expected progression????) but unfortunately my cardiologist seems to be so busy that he got his secretary to ruing me and when quizzed had no more information than "very mild regurgitation on both valves... make an appointment for nine months."

I'm not real happy with this and am going to change cardiologists and call my surgeon to ask him whether he is concerned.

Thanks again for your kind words

In the meantime, Tom, I'm not planning any marathons!

Regards

Grant

 

[tommy]

Grant,

Glad to hear that you feel good and are able to get some good exercise. Don't sweat the walking. I alternate run/walk on my long runs - following Jeff Galloway's program. It supposedly does not change the endurance or aerobic effects, and greatly improves the recovery.

That's too bad about the cardio. My cardio has switched me to his (new) nurse practitioner for routine visits. She is great, but not as knowledgeable - and I pay the same price. The one advantage (1 visit at this point) is that she does not seem so rushed and took more time with me. Part of that was getting know me and my history. Thankfully, she was interested in talking about the history instead of just reading the chart.

 

[Abbanabba]

Hi Grant, great to see you're doing well post-op.... although I can understand your annoyance at not being able to speak with your cardio with your concerns about these leaks. Hopefully this flippant treatment is a sign that there really is nothing to worry about (..and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that this is the case..).

Keeping the positive thoughts flowing your way...
Anna : )

 

[Candy]

HI Grant- I just had my 7 month Ross anniversary. At my 6th month check-up I was alson told I have a very small leak from the arota. I was scared to death, but my cardio and my surgeon both told me not uncommon with Ross patients. I have been a professional dancer/ insstructor most of my life. The past 5 years I wasn't ble to do much. I feel terrific now, and am ready to go! (I have a calf muscle tear holding me back a bit). I am not happy with my cardio either. I feel he has beent to busy for me. Glad to hear you are doing well!
Candy