About Me (In My Own Words)
After a short jog on the beach, I finished the job back at the spot my family was setting up. Feeling very dizzy and foggy, I sat down in my chair and proceeded to pass out, and was told I was gasping for air - turned ghost white, sweating and not responsive.
In short, we knew this was way more than heat stroke (it was a very warm summer day) and something just wasn't right about what happend.
I made an appt with my primary at the time, and scheduled and echo. The echo, which I was hold should take about 15-20 min was taking a VERY long time. After about 30 minutes of many many different movements, positions and pictures being taken, the tech told me she wanted to go get the doctor. I knew something was wrong even though she couldn't tell me.
The doctor came in and asked me if I felt OK to leave today. I didn't understand and asked why. She said while she didn't fully go through my echo yet, that from what she was told my aortic valve was severely calcified and while due to how severe it was they can be positive, but it also appears to be bicuspid.
This was a Friday, and she told me to take it very slow over the weekend, give her the weekend to review the entire echo and come see her for an appt first thing Monday morning.
It was at that appointment we got the news - everything above was confirmed and I would need to have surgery to save my life. I needed it asap.
My wife and I started our research right away, and we did all our homework on procedures, doctors, etc.
We determined I was a perfect candidate for the Ross and after interviewing many teams, I felt super comfortable with Dr. El-Hamamsy and Dr Williams at Mount Sinai.
I had a successful Ross done on Thursday September 7th, 2023 and am just about a year into my recovery and thankfully doing well.
I found that in the coming weeks and days leading up to the surgery, I was desperate to hear from other people who had just gone through this or were about to go through it. To hear their stories, ask them questions and find out what to expect was extremely helpful to me.
I would love to offer that same support to anyone here who needs someone to speak to or listen, and help them with their questions, what to expect before and after.
It helped me, and I hope I can help others
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Westfield, New Jersey
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My surgery date is:
September 7, 2023
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Ross Procedure
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