Susan's Guestbook

I just read your post and feel that I must comment. I strongly recommend that you get at least a second opinion. I don't have aortic issues, but had mitral valve repair at Inova Heart Valve Institute about four years ago (by Dr. Paul Massimiano, he is amazing!). They are one of the top heart surgery centers in the U.S., so it would not hurt to send your tests over there to see what they say. I too had spinal surgery many years ago to correct severe scoliosis, have Harrington rods, etc., so a minimally invasive surgery worked best for me. It is imperative that you go to a heart valve center that has extensive experience at valve surgery and the surgeon must be an absolute expert at this. This surgeon (Dr. Alan Speir) did a valve replacement on a family member (aortic), more info is here: http://www.inovaheart.org/heart-care/valve-surgery http://www.cvtsa.com/doctors/alan-speir-md Fairfax Inova is an amazing heart center, can't say enough about them. It is so critical to go to a surgeon that has done the procedure many, many times at a heart center/hospital that is modern and geared just for these procedures. Feel free to email me if you like, the run up to surgery is full of anxiety, but doesn't have to be. I wish I'd seen this board prior to my surgery, but it helps to read it even now four years on.

Hey Susan! Welcome aboard! I hope the educational info and the people here can help you along your journey! If you need anything, please let me know. Adam (patient & website founder)