Mitch's Profile

On 12/13/11 I learned I need to have my aortic valve replaced. This is to correct a regurg that has been progressing over the past 10+ years. Even though I knew this day was coming, and had done some preliminary research, the words "time to get it fixed" caught me off guard and immediately filled me with fear. In addition to being fearful, I felt completely overwhelmed. On 12/14, I found this web site and got lost on it for hours as I feverishly read all I could. I then ordered Adam’s book and have read it thoroughly. I highly recommend it to everyone who is going through this. Me: I am 47 and in very good shape. I have two beautiful daughters, ages 11 and 6 (in Jan). I live in New York City with great doctors easily available to me. However, I am also thinking about possibly exploring the Cleveland Clinic as an option. My Heart: My regurg has progressed from ‘moderate / severe’ to ‘severe.’ The real concern is caused by the fact that the enlargement of my left ventricle took a jump such that my LVIDd is now at 7.4 cm. Update (1/6/12): I am having surgery on February 2. Surgery is being done by Dr. Len Girardi at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Testing will be done on Feb 1 to determine if I also need to have my aortic root replaced. Update (1/24/12): Change of plan, I had a CT scan a few days ago instead of Feb 1 as per previous plan. Today I learned my lower ascending aorta is at 4.5cm, so that will be replaced during surgery. I have also decided to go with a tissue valve. My surgeon uses bovine tissue valves. Update (2/7/12): My cardiac cath on 2/1 was clear. On 2/2 they replaced my aortic valve with a new bovine tissue valve and my lower ascending aorta with a Dacron graft. I was in ICU until midday on 2/6 due to some minor complications (a-fib cured with amiodarone and a serious drop in pressure that was cured with two bags of blood). I am planning to go home tomorrow, 2/8.