Search results

Genine, very sorry to hear that you already need a new valve. I went through many of your emotions once I learned that I would need a replacement for what I was led to believe was a permanent fix. I came to realize, however, that surgeons and cardiologists don't want to dwell on the possible...

Thanks for the post. I had my second AVR done by Dr. Schaff three years ago. He is excellent, as is the entire staff at Mayo. There is no question that many surgeons are very biased regarding mechanical vs. bio, and this 35 minute discourse should be listened to by everyone facing AVR. I wish...

I will jump in also. I had a BAV but it was never diagnosed (despite annual physicals at places like Cooper Clinic in Dallas) until I developed endocarditis at age 55 and underwent a Ross Procedure. Beginning around age 30, I began to have aura migraines on a monthly basis. These lasted until...

I find it completely incredible that anyone or any doctor would be opposed to home testing. Let me make just two examples of why I say this: 1. When I visited with the surgeon at Mayo, and talked about whether I should go mechanical or porcine, he stated quite clearly that with the...

Ross Procedure Ross Procedure I had a ross procedure just over 10 years ago at age 55, and would make these comments: first, don't consider any surgeon who has not been performing ross procedures for at least 5 years, and who does less than one or two each week. This is a complicated...

I have been home testing for approximately 18 months, and no, I never go back to the lab or my cardiologist's office for retesting. My cardiologist completely agrees with this. My experience is that after you have tested for a while, you know immediately upon testing whether you are in range...

I agree with hook. Also, my doc at Mayo pointed out that any statistic regarding warfarin prior to the development and use of home testing (in his opinion, any statistic using data prior to 2002-2003) was corrupt and basically useless. So, as in anything, be very careful what statistic you are...

All three facilities are excellent. I had a re-op April 2010 at Mayo, and was very impressed by the facility, the ICU, the nursing care and the surgical team. Mayo provides an individual ICU with an ICU nurse sitting next to you the entire time you are in there. Then, I was released to the...

My Ross began failing after 7-8 years, so I decided to go for a second opinion at Mayo, and at their urging (and that of my cardiologist) I elected to go with a mechanical valve. Perhaps the primary reason for this was an attempt to avoid a third surgery down the road. I know that this is...

I received them and listened to them. Frankly, they seemed a little silly to me, but then again my Mayo trip was a re-do, so I knew what to expect and, while I wasn't looking forward to it, I wan't nearly as anxious as the first time. I also found prayer more helpful than meditation. For...

Julie, Dr. Schaaf performed my reop April 2010, and you will be very impressed with him and his staff. You will probably meet your namesake Julie, one of his Nurse Practitioners...she is terrific! All the testing they did on me was a very extensive echo, plus blood work. I was having no...

A conversation about this issue is what initially drew me to this web site 6 or so months ago. I was suffering from ocular migraines on a frequent basis, and when I told my cardiologist at Mayo about this the response I got was basically a shrug and raised eyebrow. My situation was also kind of...

Most major life insurance carriers will insure you at standard rates one year after surgery, assuming the surgery was successful and you don't have other health risk problems. After developing endocarditis and having a ross procedure in 2001, I purchased two policies over the succeeding years...

I agree with those who are encouraging you to seek a second opinion. In Michigan you are probably less than a day away from Cleveland Clinic and Mayo. I am sure there are other great heart hospitals nearby. No matter which direction you ultimately take, you are talking about a second serious...

Jason, Coagucheck will send a nurse out to train you. Mine was really good...had been doing it for a long time, and trained me in about 30 minutes. Good luck!

I had OHS last April at Mayo in Rochester. It was my second operation, my first being done 9 years earlier at a large well respected hospital in Dallas. So I have a frame of reference to make a comparison. There is a reason Mayo is ranked as one of the top Heart hospitals...the place is...

Furthermore, do you want to be an "early adapter" with ACT. Not me!

A hiatal hernia will cause pain like that, but please have it checked out by your cardiologist. If it is some acid reflux regurgitation, the ER probably recommended Prilosec OTC, but before you take that check it out with your heart doctor.

Yes indeed...what you are experiencing was my worst pain, and as some other posts have indicated, it lasts several weeks. One thing I discovered really helped after my most recent surgery a year ago was to lay on my back with a physical fitness roller extended down my backbone from the neck to...

Aortic Aneurysm Aortic Aneurysm My advice: go to Mayo, Call Dr. Hartzell Schaff. He did my aorta and AVR almost a year ago, and is (like all of their doctors) excellent! Good luck!