Guestbook of Ben Whitener

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Ben Whitenergot a new guestbook post

60 days ago

Pankaj Kumar posted a note for Ben that says:

Same problem sir

Ben Whitenergot a new guestbook post

65 days ago

Rose Madura posted a note for Ben that says:

Ben, in the future, you may need the same surgery that I had over 7 years ago. Watch and wait can be nerve wracking for sure. While I definitely ...Read more

Ben, in the future, you may need the same surgery that I had over 7 years ago. Watch and wait can be nerve wracking for sure. While I definitely recommend a second opinion, or third, If it were me I'd wait until it gets into the severe stage or the aneurysm gets to over 5. I think they will all say to wait to see what next round of tests are. However, do your diligence in research if the conditions, doctors and facilities. It's good that you have time. Ask any questions and we all will help you. You have come to a good community. God bless you on this journey.

Ben Whitenergot a new guestbook post

66 days ago

Grace Mason reacted to this

Valerie Allen posted a note for Ben that says:

Hi Ben! The shock of a new diagnosis is real! I remember it well although it was 12 years ago now. The bicuspid valve is generally genetic. I knew my grandfather ...Read more

Hi Ben! The shock of a new diagnosis is real! I remember it well although it was 12 years ago now. The bicuspid valve is generally genetic. I knew my grandfather had one but my father didn’t so I never thought about having one myself until I was told at 60 I had a 4.3 aortic aneurysm. I’d say I was very upset and anxious for a good while, until I had enough tests to show it was slow growing. Then it became more background, as I mentioned. I lived a “normal life.” When the aneurysm got closer to 5.0 I got some heavy lifting restrictions. You will get used to the idea, believe it or not. Just confirm how slowly it is growing and you won’t feel so anxious. Keep in touch!

Dan Fouratt Ben, I was in the watch and wait for 30 years. I started the watched and wait about your age. I mo ... Read more

Dan Fouratt Ben, I was in the watch and wait for 30 years. I started the watched and wait about your age. I monitored it. I was led to believe the 50 to 60 year range I would probably need it. I lasted until 63, still asymptomatic. I failed a stress test. I tell you this as do not skip your annual meetings with your cardiologist even if you feel great. When it finally got to "severe" I did look for other opinions.

Ben Whitenergot a new guestbook post

67 days ago

Grace Mason posted a note for Ben that says:

Hi Ben,
Glad you found Adam's awesome blog!

I was the same age as you when I first discovered I had a bicuspid aortic valve and 4.2 cm aneurysm on ...Read more

Hi Ben,
Glad you found Adam's awesome blog!

I was the same age as you when I first discovered I had a bicuspid aortic valve and 4.2 cm aneurysm on my ascending aorta. I was in watch mode for 20+ years and didn't need surgery until age 56.
Hopefully, you will have plenty of time before intervention is necessary and you will have lots of time to ask questions, research your options, and possibly experience the next great advances to help people like us.