Recent content by cpj123

Fred, I was 52 before they ever heard a murmur...then about 3 echos...TEE... Then a CAT said tri-cuspid. In the end the regurgitation was such that I had to go ahead and do it. The end of the story is that it was BAV but it was never confirmed until surgery.

So I have few questions and comments. Thanks in a large part to info on here my recovery has been really predictable….in a good way. My surgeon got inside and said he could not justify fixing my aneurism (3.8). Which brings me to my follow up with the surgeon in which in fact was only with...

CPJ123....not sure what I did to sign in as guest

12/8/2015. Weird when you get an actual count down. I had posted earlier in the summer about getting a 2nd opinion ...I did and DR. Gaca at Duke University will be doing my surgery. AVR and aneurysm. I really like my local surgeon …but if there was ever a time for a calculated decision and...

I have no idea what this might have to do with my cardio situation...maybe nothing. ​I have been struggling with I can only describe as dead legs....not really cramps but a definite sensation similar to cramps. more in my hips and down my legs...started out as not much but woke me up in pretty...

Saw the surgeon and he officially put me off until November. Actually even hedged his bets on that ...my cardio really wanted to rush it after a nasty case of endo. but after CT I am at 4CM and otherwise healthy. To be honest I was ready also but I have really felt better..basically that is...

Found it super easy...even sedation wore off really quick...I was already in the hospital but I could have easily walked out 45 mins after the procedure....no sore throat or any tough effects....of all the poking and prodding you go through this was the easiest thing....JMHO

I am assuming others have struggled with this: 1. I like my surgeon and he has a good rep. But he does other heart work and does not only do valves. Also Moses Cone Hospital is not a leader in the field. Duke is nearby and has a better hospital reputation. 2. Is it prevailing thinking to get...

I'm in a bit of the same boat...don't like my cardio...but he is connected to the surgeon I really like. I don't really care that I don't like him but not liking his work habits is another thing...late.....then did not show for CT....sent another doc last 2nd...just red flags. See surgeon...

Soccer girl...My surgeon brought this up to me Friday and I almost kissed him. I had no clue this was an option for BAV/AVR. I am getting a CT next week to see if I am a candidate....do you know what the deal killers are?

1. I think we have a similar profile.....maybe not in your class fitness wise...but I have been pretty steady p90X over the years and have thought myself pretty healthy. 2. But reading your profile has made me worry more about the "after" symptoms. Everyone tells me how great I am going to...

To me this is the tricky part. The dr. thinks December is a good target date. It works good for my life but at the same time that is 6 months of wondering: I have been dizzy just about everyday. Usually an hr at a time or so. Nowhere near a passing out feeling. More like a 2-3 drink buzz...

Thanks to you both... life altering moment for sure.....I had no clue. I did not even know how to navigate my insurance because I had never used it outside the GP. Time to dig in and figure it out. I have a feeling I will be around asking a lot of questions.

I am rookie...so please excuse me if I have hi-jacked this post. It just seemed silly to start another similar one.I found out a month ago ( endocarditis ) about my BAV. Made it to 52 with no symptoms and no clue. I met my surgeon the other day. My wife and I were ready to battle it out over...