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Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: December 4, 2018

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Derek Schilling posted an update

3 months ago (February 12, 2026)

Do we know of anybody on this forum who has had a Ross procedure as their second AVR after initially getting a tissue valve?

Susan Harris

sounds like a question for dr ismail el-hamamsy at mt sinai. he is very approachable. call his assistant Leemor Salitto. not sure if i have spelling correct but thatâ€™s the team for Ross. theyâ€™ll know!

Derek Schilling

Thank you

Derek Schilling posted an update

6 months ago (October 20, 2025)

Hello- I am just wondering what the main drawbacks would be for going out of state for an avr reop that may not be conducive to local surgeons expertise? Looking to go to a surgeon with many more cardiac surgeries completed vs. local where original operating surgeon may have retired.... Read more.

Chris Germano

Derek, I'm traveling from Southport NC to The Cleveland Clinic for my 1st SVAR. 10/27/25 I'd say it's worth traveling for the best care and CC is at the top of most lists.

Derek Schilling

Yeah,top notch facility. You will be in good hands !

Derek Schilling

Chris Germano- I see you were at CC for pre op activities . Do you plan to drive or fly back to NC after surgery? And then post op checkups in NC also?

Pamela Gregory

Hi Derek. I traveled from DE to the Cleveland Clinic and for me personally it was well worth it. I flew 1st class on the return flight so that I didn't have to worry about navigating people and luggage. Also if you drive a long distance you need frequent stops... Read more.

J Alexander Lassally

Hi Derek - Interesting question. Probably for me, the tricky part was in the transition back to my home docs and hospital. I traveled from the northwest to Cleveland, and while Cleveland was exemplary in every way, the care and rehab was lackluster at best back west - so you... Read more.

Valerie Allen

I stayed in Cleveland for 2 weeks, part in hospital and part in connected hotel. It was an excellent arrangement. I had to fly to Atlanta then after a couple hour layover, fly to Savannah. With the first class seat, the reserved wheelchair assistance and a heart pillow to hold... Read more.

Derek Schilling

Thank you all, great info! That is what I was looking for, to see how others accommodate the travel pre and post.

Chris Germano

Hi Derek, I'm flying up and flying back 1st class, just like Pam. I've set up for an airport wheelchair as well, just in case I need one on my connecting flight. I've had a Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist ever since I was diagnosed with my bi-cuspid aorta at a Duke... Read more.

Derek Schilling

Thanks Chris, sounds like you have a great plan! Keep us all posted post-op. You will be back to good health in no time. Time flies through the good and not so good times!

Derek Schilling posted an update

6 years ago (September 9, 2019)

At 1yr post-op for aortic valve and root replacement, what tests are typical to schedule with the cardiologist to check on things? Can an ultrasound be accurate enough?

Rose Madura

I did not have any tests at one year. Each cardiologist will have their own protocol I would think. They may do an echocardiogram to make sure everything looks good.

Marie Myers

I had an echo at around 10 months, and have not had one since (Jan 2018) I think if your heart sounds good, and you are not having any symptoms, there may be no need to do an echo or an even more invasive test like CT scan.

Leslie Terjesen

I had aortic valve replacement on 2/19 and having my carotoids checked tomorrow and an echo at the end of November. Feel wonderful and enjoyiing working out although I hurt my shoulder overdoing it on a rower. My husband is starting Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's on Monday, 3x a... Read more.