Valerie's Guestbook

Hi Valerie, I pray all is well with you. Thank you for reaching out. My surgery is scheduled on Wednesday, March 19. I will be going to the hospital tomorrow March 18 to have a catheter angiogram because on top of the stenosis and the aneurysm I have two blockages so they want to get a better look. I have been experiencing some anxiety which I think is causing my heart to have palpitations.

Thanks Valerie, send me some country music titles or any other and I'll try training to do a few dabbles. Long live rock!, as The Who said in one song

🤣

😂.

Talking about the Aortics Band… I play guitar and love country music,  Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Carter Family and others, besides Elvis and Bob Dylan, of course.

Hi Valerie,

This may sound a bit odd but I am just wondering after surgery did you have a problem wearing a bra or have to change what kind you wore? Just wondering if the scar caused any problems with wearing one or a need to change to something different. Also, did you have any issues with trying to raise your arms after surgery? I think I am over thinking things but as I get closer to surgery I am trying to check off all my boxes :)

Glad all is well and you’re doing ok. Like you I have aortic stenosis and aneurism. My surgery is scheduled for March 19. Surgeon says I might be a candidate for the Ross procedure. Praying that works out. 

Hi Valerie, there are similarities between your position and mine. A question I cannot seem to get an answer to is whether TAVR and TAVI can be done at the same time or a short distance apart. I feel I am being pushed down the OHS route by my cardiologist that I would like to avoid at all costs, partly because of the enormous stress involved beforehand, but also due to the long recovery period. Were you ever given an option? Hugh

Hi Valerie, there are similarities between your position and mine. A question I cannot seem to get an answer to is whether TAVR and TAVI can be done at the same time or a short distance apart. I feel I am being pushed down the OHS route by my cardiologist that I would like to avoid at all costs, partly because of the enormous stress involved beforehand, but also due to the long recovery period. Were you ever given an option? Hugh

Hi Valerie! Thank you for the comment. I’ve been so scared the last 5 days. I’m 32 and being told I have a bicuspid aortic valve and a 4cm aortic aneurysm is frightening. I’m feeling better and better each day though. I plan to get a few opinions in the coming weeks. 

I believe we have the exact same diagnoses! I’m so glad to see that your surgery went smooth. How have you been since the surgery? I’m still in the “monitoring” phase and I’m unsure how long this will be but the anxiety is rough. Thanks again and hope to hear your story! 

Dear Valerie ,
Thank you !!! 😊

It was a very tough time in my life and I was very close to dying .
 I was in hospital for 5 weeks and it was during covid times . 
I try to keep my celebration low key / hardly mentioned now , with my husband and sons . 
It was horrible for them to see me so poorly for so long and I can tell that they just to all get on with life and living now . 
Every day is a gift !!! 

I had a 3 1/2 hour direct flight home.  Wheelchair was a must and the airline took excellent care of me with assistance through security, pre boarding etc. Was not fun being on lasix, though.

Hi Valerie,

I hope all is well. I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm caused by a bicuspid aortic valve. My surgeon was Dr. Eric Roselli, and he really is the best in the world.

Thank you Valerie for your encouragement but will encourage you as you are hopefully going to tell us soon that you are progressing well. I am practicing deep breathing and enjoying sunrises. 

Hi Valerie, Thank you for asking! At almost 5 months post op, I'm doing very well. I find I can go hours, even almost a whole day, without thinking about my heart though it's never far from my mind.  I'm only on a tiny dose of Losartan and my usual supplements; I'm back to hiking,dancing and Yoga.  Feeling SO grateful. Glad to hear you are well on the road to complete recovery.

Hi Valerie! I hope you’re doing well in your recovery! My surgery is coming up soon and I’m anxious.  I can’t believe I am looking forward to the aftermath of recovery but it’s definitely better than the alternative. Hope you’re feeling stronger each day!  Best wishes to you!

All the best to you today Valerie!  You will do great!! Thinking and praying for you today.  Can’t wait to hear from you through your recovery. 


Angus 

Hi Valerie

      My son at the age of  46 had this operation done at Toronto General Hospital Toronto Ontario Canada  . His Surgeon was Dr Robert Cuissimono .



    My son did not look well for about 4 weeks before surgery . I thought his complexion looked a little off . One day he came for dinner after work and I sent him downstairs to get a coke . We love our pasta with a  coke. He was totally out of breath. I begged him to see his doctor.  That weekend he went golfing with his dad and he could hardly play 9 holes. My Husband to told him to go to the hospital . He decided to go home and rest . He woke up and felt like he was drowning.  He went to our local hospital and after 2 or 3 hours they had a doctor check him out. Within a half hour he was in intensive care.  He called me and he said hi I am in the hospital . He sounds just like my husband so I asked when did you leave ,  he said mom it is me . 
        I asked the medical staff at our local hospital if my son could be operated on by Dr Cussimono as my husband had a pig valve and 5 bypasses done by him. How lucky we were. They said yes and after 1 week he was sent by ambulance to Toronto General Hospital  . Chuck was operated on May 4 2015.  He is now 57 and living his best life. Prescription drugs will always be part of his life but a small price to pay.
        Valerie you will be fine do not worry this operation nowadays is like taking out tonsils back in the day. I have a heart condition which no operation can help . After seeing  both my guys  after these operations and playing golf again heaven it is a miracle .
      You will feel so much better. Take your time recuperating . ENJOY your life.