Rush Structural Heart Disease Center

I had rheumatic fever when I was 15 years old, and recovered very well with only an innocent murmur that was gone by my early 20s. I have led an active, healthy lifestyle, including a daily exercise routine and a plant-based diet without meat or salt. It was a routine doctor visit at Rush with a suggested follow-up echocardiogram that rapidly changed my image of me being a very healthy 65-year-old.

An echocardiogram in November 2015 indicated that my aortic valve showed severe stenosis. Instead of a 3.0 cm area for blood to flow, I was at about .7 cm. A series of follow-up tests and a meeting with the Rush cardiology team determined that I definitely was a candidate for an aortic valve replacement. The doctors explained that my rheumatic fever was the cause of my aortic stenosis and the need for a new valve. It was the first time in 50 years that I learned about the connection between the rheumatic fever and my current heart issues!

Due to my positive physical condition, ongoing daily exercise routine, plant-based diet, and no other physical issues, a trans-catheter valve replacement via my femoral artery was ruled out. (The FDA dictates that these be reserved for patients with greater physical problems.) In consultation with Dr. Robert March, Dr. Clifford Kavinsky and the team at Rush’s structural heart disease center, I chose the bovine valve replacement. I wanted the old valve removed, and a new valve sewn in, even though it meant a more invasive open heart surgery.

Following a series of blood tests, X-rays, a stress test, an EKG and a cardiac catheterization procedure, my aortic valve replacement surgery was scheduled for September 13, 2016. I entered Rush University Medical Center on Tuesday morning of that week and was back at home on Friday afternoon. Dr. March, my surgeon, was outstanding. Beyond his skill set as a surgeon, he was an excellent communicator and was willing to answer all my questions in a calm and reassuring manner. Dr. Clifford Kavinsky, the interventional cardiologist who performed my cardiac catheterization procedure as part of the pre-surgery requirements, had a similar skill set. In addition, the rest of the Rush team, including nurse practitioners, RNs and housekeeping staff, were a dream team. I cannot say enough regarding their skill, dedication and caring attitude.

My recovery since surgery has been much easier than anticipated. My wife is a retired RN, and the excellent care which began at Rush continues. I began short walks within five days of surgery, and within 10 days I was up to ½ mile. Two weeks after surgery I could walk two miles, and began to average three miles per day. By October 4, I was back at my health club riding a stationary bike and walking on the treadmill. I am now seven weeks post surgery, and I am able to do most of the activities that I did pre-surgery. The 20 lb. weight limit for the first three months is the most limiting restriction, and I work hard to follow that requirement even though I would like to exceed the limit.

I look forward to a full recovery and am extremely thankful for the care I received at Rush throughout this process. I would recommend the hospital and cardiac staff to anyone who needs this care.

Paul L. Rieger
Dixon, Illinois