Jason, My Little Man

Jason was born with mild aortic insufficiency, mild aortic stenosis and a bicuspid aortic valve. This was noticed two weeks after his birth at his first check up with his pediatrician.

We were then sent to see a pediatric cardiologist. We were told that Jason will eventually have to have open heart surgery, the Ross procedure. Basically, this is a double valve replacement, using his own good pulmonary valve to replace his aortic valve, then a human donor valve in implanted in the pulmonary position.

At first we were told this would not take place until Jason was approximately 10-12 years of age, but Jason's condition rapidly worsened. His aortic valve at age of 11 months was severe and insufficient and moderately to severely stenotic. Jason's heart began to enlarge and was working extremely hard. I remember holding Jason and his heart was pounding so hard you could actually see it through his clothes. Jason was in congestive heart failure.

Jason's operation took place June 17 2002, one month before his 1 year birthday. What a difficult time. I worried non-stop because there was always a chance of sudden death before his surgery.

Today Jason is doing very well. He will have to have his pulmonary valve replaced eventually because it will not grow with him.

October 2006 Update

I have not updated in a few years. Since Jason's last sure in 2002 Jason has had a 2nd open heart surgery at age 4. Jason enjoys school and has many friends. He has several physical restrictions due to his ascending aortic root aneurysm. So it is very difficult to keep a very active boy calm. I just adore my little man.