Kelly 's Guestbook

Kelly, your incision at 5.5 inches seems big for a mini sterotomy/key whole incision which is normally 3-4" did they say why? Also, how long did your surgery last? Did you have the whole root great with asending aorta aneurysm repair too? Also any complications with bleeding or needing transfusions? Thank you!

Hi Kelly, glad your healing well heart sister! I pray for contined healing for you! I'm thinking of Lars Svensson for my AVR and root repair, what was your impression of the doctor, whole team, anastesiologist and hospital after care? Can you give me some insight? Thank you! God bless!

I see you are about to have your surgery. I pray that everything goes well for you, and look forward to hearing about your recovery. My aortic valve replacement surgery is scheduled for December 2nd, so I'm right behind you!

Kelly - I wish you the best of luck for your surgery tomorrow. I hope they are able to repair your aortic valve and you are on your way to a speedy recovery.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us, I hope they will be able to repair your valve instead of replacing it. My 14 yr old son was just diagnosed with bav and just visiting here for some reassurance and insight.

Hi Kelly, I was just reading through your Journal and it sounds like we have very similar cases. I pretty much found out about my aortic valve condition by accident. I wasn't having any symptoms except a slight irritation in my chest. One test lead to another and finally found out I have a bicuspid aortic valve with severe regurgitation. I also have an aortic aneurysm and an issue with mitral valve. I met with my surgeon yesterday and was basically told I'm in "too good of shape" to have surgery. They want to retest in 3 - 6 months. My mind was all set to go into surgery next week and not back to the waiting game. I wish you the best of luck on your surgery when you have it. I was hoping to get a consultation with someone at Cleveland Clinic just to give me piece of mind that my surgeon was taking the right approach. Now that I have some time, I might get a chance to get that done. Take care, Steve

Hi Kelly, it is glad to know someone so close to me. My father-in -law lives in Boliver. I am just wondering if you saw any cardiologists closer to our area or just went to the Cleveland Clinic? I have been debating about going there. I know they are out of network for me so it will cost more for me but since they are so terrific and so relatively close I can't decide. Aultman hospital is a center for excellence in heart surgery so I think maybe I could just go there. Anyway, I am torn and since you are from this area just wondered what you had experienced.

Hi Kelly, thanks for your note on my recent post. Glad it was helpful to you. I am hoping too that your aortic valve can be repaired. If anyone can do it, it is Dr. Svensson. Aren't you fortunate to llive within driving distance of the Cleveland Clinic. I agree, the thought of open heart surgery is overwhelming, but you are going to the best place with the best aortic valve specialist. God willing your age will be an asset in a faster recuperation. Be sure to ask for a visit from Sandy an RN on Dr. Svensson ' s staff to come and give you some Reiki massages while you are there. She is fabulous.

Hi, Kelly. I guess Dr. Svensson might know a little bit more about this stuff than us, haha. As unsettling as this BAV and Aneurysm stuff can be, it's very nice to know that we have the best in the business taking care of us. I wish you all the best, please keep us updated.

Hi Kelly, I just read your story and wanted to welcome you to the site. I had my BAV replaced Oct. 31, 2014. If I can answer any questions, feel free to ask. I've done really well and it hasn't been as bad as I anticipated. Prayers and best wishes!