JayTwo, Welcome
JayTwo, Welcome
Again, Welcome to this wonderfull site of carring group of folks.
As my story says, I was diagnosed with 'conginital valvular aortic stenosi' at a very young age as was your son. I had mine followed until I was approximately 15 years old. (At this point I became a complete idiot and ignored my annual check-ups)
Approximately 11 years later...two children, and a great start to life later... I, by the grace of God, ended up back at a cardiologist office to have a check up when I was not having any abnormal feelings or symptoms that I was aware of.
Long story short, the decision you and your SO, along with your son are facing is the toughest by far part of the valve surgery process. I don't believe there is any right answer that anyone can tell you IS right. I am very sure that there is a right answer for your situation, but it is very individual and difficult to advise on.
I, on one hand was extreamly petrified of the coumadin use (smarter now and no longer scared) but also was not wild about the bovine options for other personal reasons. The Ross, which had not actually been offered as an original option, seemed to be the one option for me that I kept comming back to learn more and more about.
Not to sound religious, preaching, or otherwise... I felt as if God had directed me to an answer that was right for ME. As the story goes, there were way too many coincidences (sp?) for me to ignore what was being laid out in front of me as the correct choice.
I finally made my choice for that procedure very late in the game and have had extreamly good luck and great health since.
I am completely back to a normal lifestyle with the exception of not having the same physique I once did. But you know I learned that the physical appearance doesn't even come close to the importance of another chance. That was a big leason for me. My second chance is more aimed at time with family, friends, and success.
God Bless you and If I can help in any way please feel free to contact me.
[email protected]
Ben Smith