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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: November 23, 2016

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John Palumbo posted an update

9 years ago (December 13, 2016)

More disappointing birthday news...this time health insurance related. I am currently self-employed and have single-person coverage with HBCBS of NJ. Unfortunately, I just found out from an insurance broker that there are NO PLANS available that would allow me to go to an out-of-state doctor. My only options are: 1.... Read more.

Phyllis Petersen

That's awful. I've been self-employed and know how expensive individual plans are. At one time, I actually went back to school full-time for a semester to get into an affordable HMO so I'd have coverage. Thankfully, it worked for my needs for a few years, but weren't always as responsive... Read more.

Ben Hyman

Stephanie Jones is another patient on this site that lives in NJ and had a very succesful outcome with her Mitral Valve repair at a NJ hospital. She also did a highly regarded and well done video blog on her experiences. You may want to reach out to her to... Read more.

Steve Farthing

FYI - Dr. Brown in NJ evidently does a higher volume of aortic valve surgeries than Dr. Stewart. In 2012-13 Dr. Stewart reported 159 aortic valve replacements for medicare patients and Dr.Brown reported 248 such procedures. Of course, that is not to say one doc is better than the other;... Read more.

Cathleen Weed

Have you tried calling the business office of the NY hospital you would like to use? The insurance people there will know if there's a way. They will call your insurance company for you. Maybe your surgeon of choice has rights at a hospital in NJ as well. Just a... Read more.

John Palumbo posted an update

9 years ago (December 13, 2016)

Well, today is my 48th birthday and as a present I received the hard copy of the MRI and MRA performed last week. My cardiologist and I spoke last week when he received the results and he confirmed I had a bicuspid valve, moderate regurgitation and mild stenosis. In addition,... Read more.

Phyllis Petersen

If you can't get a more definitive answer, you may want a second opinion. My cardiologist was very clear that because of the way my regurg progressed, I was not restricted, but that I did need surgery sooner rather than later. His office was also very helpful in getting my... Read more.

Eddie Patton

I got pretty much the same. Basically it boils down to no heavy lifting, especially where you have to bear down, presses, squats, and so forth. The deal is by bearing down it will press on the valve and close it even more. You can't do any damage it's that... Read more.

Eddie Patton

The only thing on your routine would be kettle bells. Just depends on weight and exercises. Based on the other stuff I doubt it would be a problem. If you are going from ground to over head just don't get too heavy.

Clare Auten

My doctors also said cardio was fine but no lifting.

Michael Bronshteyn

I exercise myself similar to what you do. I would just avoid things like very heavy weight lifting, bench press. Something what you struggle with.

John Palumbo posted an update

9 years ago (December 6, 2016)

First of all...thank you for all the kind messages and information. Signing up for this site was the best thing I've done in a looooooong time! So, yesterday I was tossed into the MRI machine for an hour and 15 minutes and got THREE MRIs in a row (the "breathe... Read more.