Gail's Profile

I was diagnosed with mild aortic regurgitation in college when a doc heard a heart murmor. After seeing a Cardiologist I found out it was due to being born with a bicuspid aortic valve. I had yearly echos to check the regurg and everything was stable. Then I got endocarditis when I was 29 years old. Due to that I emergently had open heart surgery and had the Ross procedure in 1999. I now have severe aortic regurgitation and a thoracic ascending aortic anyeursm (5) that needs to be replaced. I'm having the Bentall procedure Monday 2/1. My Ross lasted 16 years and unfortunately patients born w/bicuspid aortic valves are more prone to anyeursms. Here's the the thing, though...I truly can't decide on metal or tissue. Looks like it's going to be a game day decision.