"My experience with Dr. Catarino, Marion and Cedars-Sinai team was exceptional!
At 46 years old, undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery was not something I expected to do this early in life.
I was born with a congenital heart condition, a bicuspid aortic valve, and had been monitoring it closely since I was four years old. As someone who has always lived an active lifestyle, I hoped I had more time before needing intervention. I have been an avid fitness enthusiast, marathon runner, and lifelong believer in taking care of my health. While I knew this day would likely come eventually, I was surprised that it arrived when it did.
In fact, I first learned that my aortic stenosis had progressed during a routine cardiac evaluation before I planned to begin training more intensely for an Ironman. At the time, I was focused on seeing how much more I could challenge myself physically, not on the possibility of heart surgery.
What I learned is that some things simply cannot be out-trained or outworked.
My bicuspid valve served me well for 46 years, but eventually it reached the point where it needed to be replaced. As I like to say now, my original valve had a good run and it was finally time for an upgrade!
One thing that may surprise people is that I was not experiencing symptoms, before surgery. I still felt healthy, active, and capable of doing the things I loved. However, after years of monitoring my condition, I knew the valve had reached the point where replacement was the right decision. I wanted to address the issue before it placed additional strain on the rest of my heart.
As someone who lives independently and values an active lifestyle, I wanted to make this decision from a position of strength rather than waiting until symptoms dictated the timing. My goal was not only to replace a valve, but to protect the long term health of my heart and preserve the quality of life I enjoy.
Being the researcher that I am, I approached this decision carefully. I consulted with and evaluated surgeons and teams at what I considered to be the top heart hospitals in the country. I asked a lot of questions, compared approaches, reviewed outcomes, and spent time understanding not only the procedure itself, but the people who would be caring for me.
In the end, I chose Dr. Catarino and Cedars-Sinai, and looking back, it was absolutely the right decision!
Dr. Catarino possesses a rare combination of technical excellence, confidence, humility, and compassion. From our first meeting, I felt I was in the hands of someone who had mastered his craft and genuinely cared about his patients. He took the time to answer my questions, explain my options, and ensure I felt informed and comfortable every step of the way.
What truly sets Cedars-Sinai apart, however, is that exceptional care does not stop with the surgeon.
Marion was incredible, and the nursing team was simply outstanding. Every nurse I encountered brought kindness, professionalism, patience, and good humor to what can be a vulnerable experience. They celebrated the small victories, answered countless questions, helped me through uncomfortable moments, and somehow always seemed to know exactly what I needed before I asked.
The entire team worked together seamlessly. From the physicians and nurses to everyone involved behind the scenes, there was a level of coordination and dedication that inspired confidence throughout my stay.
Another pleasant surprise was the recovery itself. While open-heart surgery is certainly not something anyone looks forward to (actually, I did as I was ready to get on with life and get it off my list), my recovery progressed much faster than I anticipated. Thanks to the incredible care I received, I was discharged after just three nights in the hospital. Every day brought noticeable progress, and the team gave me the confidence to focus on healing rather than worrying.
Heart surgery is serious, but the people around me made the experience feel far less intimidating than I had imagined. They cared for me not only as a patient, but as a person.
Today, I am recovering well, feeling grateful, and looking forward to the next chapter with my upgraded valve. Watch out world! I am excited to return to the active lifestyle I love and continue pursuing my personal and professional goals with confidence.
Thank you, Dr. Catarino, Marion, and the entire Cedars-Sinai team. Your expertise, compassion, and commitment made all the difference. Entrusting someone with your heart is one of the most important decisions a person can make, and I am deeply grateful that I placed mine in your hands!"
