Preparation for surgery before the end of the year

[jdroe31]

Hello all. This is my second post to the website, the first being in the bicuspid Aorta forum. I have a Congenital bicuspid Aortic valve with severe regurgitation. It was not found until I was 18 and having a physical for playing sports in college. I was placed on an annual checkup frequency and after this year's appointment surgery was mentioned. I had progressed from mild to moderate and now am severe. I have had an ECHO and CT-A with an idodine contrast and we are moving forward with surgery before the end of the year. The drivers for the surgery are a 7.0 cm LV and a 4.1 cm Ascending Thoracic Aortic Anuerysm. I have completed my first surgerical consult at Memorial Health Care in Chattanooga, TN with Dr. Richard Morrison. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced with all valve replacements. He is very personable and if I did not have the option of branching out beyond our local reach I would be perfectly comfortable with him performing my Aortic valve replacement and aortic anuerysm correction. I am now in the process of sending my information/records to Lars Svensson at Cleveland Clinic and Duke Cameron at Johns Hopkins. I have decided on a Homograph valve and aorta since it is not likely that I will be able to have a repair. Acouple questions for the group.

1. Did anyone travel over 300 miles for their surgery?

2. If yes, were you able to fly to and from the surgery without incident?

3. If yes, how were your follow-ups handled?

4. Does anyone have experience with the Surgeons on my consult list?

Thanks
Jason

 

[kfay]

Jason, I traveled from North Carolina to Minnesota (Mayo Clinic) for my surgery. I flew back one day after I was discharged from the hospital. My surgeon told me to use a wheelchair throughout my day in the airports and I'm very glad that I did. I didn't have any problems flying home. My Dr's at the Mayo had sent all my records post op to my local cardio who was more than happy to take over my care once I was back home. Any time any questions or problems have come up, I don't have any problems getting help from the Mayo.

Sorry, I don't have any experience with your surgeons, but I know there have been others on here that have used both the CC Dr and the one at Johns Hopkins. Hang in there, this time before surgery is the worst for many of us.

Kim

 

[Eva]

Jason,

I just want to wish you good luck. I am sure others will chip in with more answers to your questions.

 

[jdroe31]

Thank you Kim and Eva. Waiting to hear back from Dr. Svensson and have face to gave with Dr. Cameron in acouPle weeks. Looks like a December surgery most likely. Will update once I have more info.

 

[escargome]

Hey Jason,
Lots of positive thoughts coming your way from sunny calif (yea sure it's autumn!) Anyway, like you said, keep us posted. Everything will fall into place and soon all this will be but a memory. HUGS!!