Mona G - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Mona Gposted an update

11 hours ago

Hi All,

I went to get a second opinion on my surgery at Duke and my cardiologist suggested I can wait for few more months/years depending on my symptoms. ...Read more

Hi All,

I went to get a second opinion on my surgery at Duke and my cardiologist suggested I can wait for few more months/years depending on my symptoms. She assured nothing much changed before and after pregnancy so I don’t need immediate surgery.
The cardiologist I went during my pregnancy mentioned waiting will only increase risk of heart failure. Few doctors in India said I need surgery like ASAP.
I’m not sure why there is so much difference in opinion. I’m very confused and scared which advice to follow. I tried calling Mount Sinai to schedule appointment but no luck so far.

Grace Mason Hi Mona,
Did you try Mt Sinai at this number? If you try this number on Monday ask for Leemor. She ... Read more

Grace Mason Hi Mona,
Did you try Mt Sinai at this number? If you try this number on Monday ask for Leemor. She can help schedule a zoom if you would like another opinion.

Mona Gposted an update

22 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Hi All

My name is Mona. I’m 32 years old with 9 month old baby. I’m born with bicuspid valve. I never had symptoms but got tired easily. My aortic ...Read more

Hi All

My name is Mona. I’m 32 years old with 9 month old baby. I’m born with bicuspid valve. I never had symptoms but got tired easily. My aortic stenosis got worsened during pregnancy and post pregnancy I had heart failure. I recently got MRI done and doctors suggested to get valve replaced as soon as possible. I was presented with two options. One is Mechanical valve and the other is Ross procedure.He explained risks associated with both the surgeries.Doctor was leaning more towards mechanical valve as I have both tightness and leakage. I don’t want to be on blood thinners. I’m not saying it’s bad I just don’t want to rely on pills for the rest of my life. But how risky is Ross procedure. Did any of you have similar experience?

Darrell Malone Hello Mona. Many people on this site have had Ross Procedure including myself. I was hoping for thi... Read more

Darrell Malone Hello Mona. Many people on this site have had Ross Procedure including myself. I was hoping for this Procedure so I didn't have to be on blood thinners I am active. Others can chime in with there experiences. For me I am very happy with my decision. I would also say to get more than one opinion. Whatever you decide will be right for you. We are all different. Good luck on your journey.

Kimberly Eisenhut Mona, welcome to our community! I hope you find all the support and answers to your questions. I hav... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut Mona, welcome to our community! I hope you find all the support and answers to your questions. I have not had surgery yet, but will have you in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted as you mpve along with your journey and enjoy every moment with your precious little one

Adam Pick will also be more than happy to be of help to you as you can reach out directly to him also.

Deena Z Hi Mona, there is a strong fairly tight knit group of young adults, such as yourself, on this website ... Read more

Deena Z Hi Mona, there is a strong fairly tight knit group of young adults, such as yourself, on this website that have had successful ROSS procedures. Knowledge is power! If you go to the search box on the top of the web page and enter "Andrew Dial" you will see he has posted a ton of info. He even made an awesome video! I think in your case it may also be helpful to talk to some the ROSS warriors over the phone or via email. Most are willing and wanting to help in this way. I get that this surgery has even magnified more given you now have a 9-month old that you want to be strong for. Dig in and learn, and as importantly, if you choose the ROSS procedure, go to a high volume, highly successful surgeon.

Grace Mason Hi Mona,
I chose a Ross procedure for my surgery in September of 2023. I am happy with my choice. I do not have to take blood thinners or aspirin.

I had both stenosis and regurgitation, as well as, a 5 cm aneurysm. Recovery from a Ross is pretty much the same as open heart surgery for a single valve replacement.
I would also recommend a second opinion- particularly getting one from a surgeon at a Ross center of excellence, where the procedure is done often, as it is a more specialized surgery.
... Read more

JOHN DANGELO Hi Mona, 33M over here in a similar boat. I am planning to do with the Ross Procedure, but it's a hi ... Read more

JOHN DANGELO Hi Mona, 33M over here in a similar boat. I am planning to do with the Ross Procedure, but it's a highly specialized surgery so I'm flying to Los Angeles (USC Dr. Starnes) for the operation.

Susan Lynn Mona - It's definitely an individual choice, but at your age - maybe with more children in your futu ... Read more

Susan Lynn Mona - It's definitely an individual choice, but at your age - maybe with more children in your future- you'll want to look into the Ross procedure. Good luck with your research and decision.

Mona G Thank you all for your response. I truly appreciate it!!
I want to take that extra 1% risk and go ... Read more

Mona G Thank you all for your response. I truly appreciate it!!
I want to take that extra 1% risk and go for Ross but all the doctors in India I spoke to and my doctor here in US suggested Mechanical valve as I won’t need another surgery later down the road. I live in Charlotte and I’m currently waiting to get second opinion from a cardiologist at Duke. I just need one doctor to tell me I can go for Ross!!
Did anyone got their surgery done at Duke?

Valerie Allen Remember. A specialized center is best for a Ross. They would also be the ones to tell you if you are ... Read more

Valerie Allen Remember. A specialized center is best for a Ross. They would also be the ones to tell you if you are a candidate. I don’t recall Duke being on that list but I could be totally wrong! Dan Fouratt had surgery at Duke I think, but for a different heart issue I think.

Dan Fouratt I had surgery for valve replacement at Duke with Dr. Gaca. He never mentioned the Ross procedure. For a valve replace he was great.

here is a link to their Ross Program:
https://physicians.dukehealth.org/articles/ross-procedure-restores-patients-life-expectancy

Here is another website for the Ross procedure:

https://therossprocedure.org/ross-procedure-surgeons/

Dr. Beckerman is listed in it. As you can see he did not get to Duke until this past fall.

If you come up here let me know and I can give you some in sites to getting around the hospital and warnings, the biggest one is their food it awful. Here is my email Dan4att@gmail.com.

Good luck on your decision journey.

Dan

The Ross Procedure Restores Patients’ Life Expectancy

https://physicians.dukehealth.org/articles/ross-procedure-restores-patients-life-expectancy

Pioneered 60 years ago, the Ross procedure, moving the pulmonic valve into the aortic position, is the only aortic valve replacement that restores patients' life expectancy to that of the general population.

susan harris If you want to have more children, Ross or tissue valve are your choices. My understanding is that i ... Read more

susan harris If you want to have more children, Ross or tissue valve are your choices. My understanding is that its not impossible, but very difficult, to have a child w a mechanical valve and blood thinner. Tissue valve will need replacing (another surgery) and in younger patients, they don't last as long as older patients. But if you want kids, its worth it.