I had a Ross Procedure in 2004 and have developed aortic root and ascending aorta dilation that have started to increase in progression at levels that lead my cardiologists to believe they will not stabilize but continue to increase. I had a surgical consult in August 09 but did not have insurance or any financial assistance at the time so they have been treating me with medication to try and slow down the progress. This therapy has only slowed the progress slightly. My cardios have me on a "no work" restriction so I have applied for SS disability. That has been a slow process. I think smashing my thumb with a hammer would be more enjoyable than dealing with the people at SS disability. The main contact I have been dealing with said he was waiting for my November 9 followup appointment before making a determination. Well after my cardio listened to my heart he immediately sent me to the echo lab (which was not planned for this appointment since I had one when I was in the hospital in July). After getting the results he said my dilation has once again increased as well my valve regurgitation. He has scheduled me for a surgical consult which I have November 19th.
I am hoping that this information will finally be enough proof for SS disability to approve my claim so that I can get this over with and get back to living my life. They will only do the surgery without insurance or financial assistance if my situation becomes emergent, and my cardiologists (I'm sure the surgeon will too) are all in agreement that they do not want to have to wait until I reach that point. My aortic root had increased to 4.7cm and my ascending aorta has increased to 5.7cm in the last 15 months even though I am taking Vasotec 10mg twice daily and Lopressor 50mg twice daily. My regurgitation has increased from mild-moderate to moderate in 3 months (although I'm pretty sure my MRI in July 09 already showed me as moderate). My cardio still thinks there is a reasonable chance of saving my autograft if I have the surgery soon but the odds will continue to diminish the longer we wait.
I am hoping that this information will finally be enough proof for SS disability to approve my claim so that I can get this over with and get back to living my life. They will only do the surgery without insurance or financial assistance if my situation becomes emergent, and my cardiologists (I'm sure the surgeon will too) are all in agreement that they do not want to have to wait until I reach that point. My aortic root had increased to 4.7cm and my ascending aorta has increased to 5.7cm in the last 15 months even though I am taking Vasotec 10mg twice daily and Lopressor 50mg twice daily. My regurgitation has increased from mild-moderate to moderate in 3 months (although I'm pretty sure my MRI in July 09 already showed me as moderate). My cardio still thinks there is a reasonable chance of saving my autograft if I have the surgery soon but the odds will continue to diminish the longer we wait.
