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Jessica's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Pulmonary Stenosis

Member Since: March 16, 2025

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Jessica F got a guestbook from Luis Castro MD

7 months ago (September 26, 2025)

Hi Jessica, I donâ€™t need to say this, but I will anyway: youâ€™re an inspiration to everyone who reads your story. Your strength and openness speak volumes. You mentioned having a mechanical valve placed in your pulmonic position. Mechanical valves are typically made of metal and can last for decades,... Read more.

Robert Miller

My second surgery was with Dr. Castro. My mom found him... He is great!! As for your message, I am not sure if you have any questions. Yes, if you have a mechanical valve you will be on Coumadin of Warfarin. My cardiologist calls Warfarin rat poison but they are... Read more.

Deena Z

Great note by Dr. Castro, know of him despite being East coast based. He is one compassionate surgeon!

Jessica F

Dr. Castro, thank you for your advice! After reading your post I just did a quick keyword search in my medical records to see what was written about the nature of my valve: I have been mistaken all these years, because they used a pericardial tissue valve rather than a... Read more.

Jessica F got a guestbook from Patty

7 months ago (September 25, 2025)

Hello, Jessica, I understand what a challenge it is to decide, but I would be more inclined to go sooner rather than later for several reasons - I think your recovery will be better if you are not feeling compromised before surgery. And I see how new advances are being... Read more.

😂 Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Jessica F

Thank you very much for your note, Patty! I absolutely agree that the waiting and wondering is very hard (I would say it might be the hardest part of living with heart disease). I will take your words proverbially 'to heart' and will listen to my gut. I greatly appreciate... Read more.

Jessica F got a guestbook from Judy S

7 months ago (September 25, 2025)

Hi Jessica! I had an aortic valve replacement in 2018, and symptoms such as fatigue were very noticeable but nothing was imminent so I didn't feel I had to make an immediate decision even though I had severe stenosis. What I found, as others have said, is that surgeons who... Read more.

Jessica F

Thank you for sharing your insight, Judy! Dr. Castro kindly left me a guestbook post as well, he seems like a very compassionate and knowledgable surgeon and I am glad to hear from so many people who have done well under his care.