Betsy, I know that same frustration regarding cardiologists. Don't waste energy on anger over the past. Learn how to use whatever expertise they ...Read more
Betsy, I know that same frustration regarding cardiologists. Don't waste energy on anger over the past. Learn how to use whatever expertise they may have, in your favor. For example, ask for tests, like a Holter, carotid ultrasound, coronary artery calcium score. Use this site to find a Level 1 valve surgeon/hospital that uses the ERAS protocol and rigid sternal closure. TMK you will be the one making the decision about the valve type. It's a tough one. If you are healthy, and you want to outlive a tissue valve, make sure nothing else is going on... get a GRAIL Galleri test.
Betsy Davenport I had the Holter a couple of years ago. I am mostly healthy. I definitely feel healthy but the lab wo ... Read more
Betsy Davenport I had the Holter a couple of years ago. I am mostly healthy. I definitely feel healthy but the lab work says I have kidney disease but I'm keeping that steady by not asking them to do too much. Other than that, I've got a zero on the frailty scale abs I am accustomed physical work on my farm.
What is the GRAIL Galleri test?
Joanne Heckmann GRAIL Galleri is also called "liquid biopsy". It is a blood test for about 60 different types of can ... Read more
Joanne Heckmann GRAIL Galleri is also called "liquid biopsy". It is a blood test for about 60 different types of cancer including those that there is no other test for. It's not covered by insurance. The goal is to catch anything very early, even before it can be seen by other test methods.
Hi Betsy! It’s frustrating when cardiologists don’t really listen to us and our symptoms. I hope you have found a great team who will take good care of ...Read more
Hi Betsy! It’s frustrating when cardiologists don’t really listen to us and our symptoms. I hope you have found a great team who will take good care of you. Best of luck to you.
Dan Fouratt Betsy, It is time for a second opinion. Duke, where I was treated and is one of the better rated hea ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Betsy, It is time for a second opinion. Duke, where I was treated and is one of the better rated heart hospital and is a short drive down the road. I too had a aortic valve replacement. the interventional cardiologist I used is gone so no one to recommend there. however my surgeon does booth replacement and TAVR, I would recommend, Dr Gaca. Good luck on your decision journey.
Valerie Allen Hi Betsy! I am 71 and just got a new aortic valve, along with aneurysm fix, in April of this year. Th ... Read more
Valerie Allen Hi Betsy! I am 71 and just got a new aortic valve, along with aneurysm fix, in April of this year. The plan was to do OHS this time, and set me up with a big enough valve to do TAVr in 10-15 years when I need a new valve. I’m very satisfied with this and feel I’m at a great age to have this plan. My surgery went very well and I am recovering nicely. It sounds like you have a lot on you. Prayers for strength and clarity. 🙏
Dan Fouratt Betsy, I did the above without the aneurysm fix at 63 with the same thought as Valerie, set myself yo ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Betsy, I did the above without the aneurysm fix at 63 with the same thought as Valerie, set myself you for a TAVR in 15 years.
Betsy Davenport Thanks, everybody. I'm on the west coast so a second opinion, after I get the first one, is likely to ... Read more
Betsy Davenport Thanks, everybody. I'm on the west coast so a second opinion, after I get the first one, is likely to be more local than at Duke.
Dan Fouratt Sorry I missed the Oregon part of the city, there plenty of options out west.
What is the GRAIL Galleri test?