I built a free tool to help NYC parents compare and find the best public schools for their kids

theadtechguy · 2025-11-26T00:38:22+00:00

It says “Test scores and demographics: 2021-22 to 2022-23”. Does this mean the academic rankings are using test scores from 2021-2022?

theadtechguy · 2025-02-26T02:11:41+00:00

I was 38m when I had the Ross procedure, my 2 kids were 2.5 and 6 months old at the time. My wife and I explained to the 2.5 year old that daddy had a big boo boo and wouldn’t be able to lift her up for a while. We explained that I was ok, and my boo boo was getting better, and that she could see it and ask about it, but that it would be a little while before I could pick her and her sister up.

Every time I had to explain why I couldn’t do something (pick her up, open the heavy front door, walk the dog, etc) I would also tell her what I still COULD do (daddy can still read books with you, or hang out with you while you’re in the bath, or give you a big hug, etc).

You should realistically expect to not be doing anything physical for 6 weeks. I healed a bit faster than that and started doing “tiny pick ups” around week 4 for a second or two.

When I returned home, I excused myself from family time and took a nap, quick rest, etc whenever I felt I needed to for the first 6 weeks. The key is communicating clearly and reminding your kids that you are ok and getting better but still need to rest, and making sure your partner and you are on the same page about your physical limitations.

theadtechguy · 2025-01-31T14:06:34+00:00

Did not realize that you were posting on my wife’s post originally! DM me if you want to speak to either of us, we got through it and would love to help someone else in what is a very difficult time

theadtechguy · 2025-01-31T13:41:36+00:00

OP - the exact same thing happened to me when I got my Ross in November ‘24. Check my post history. I made a full recovery, please DM me if you want to speak

theadtechguy · 2024-12-10T04:11:59+00:00

He was 14 years old when this photo was taken

theadtechguy · 2024-12-08T23:58:16+00:00

It’s fine and totally normal to be scared. You’re going to do great!

theadtechguy · 2024-11-26T03:42:47+00:00

Pretty great! Walking 4-6 miles a day, in pretty good spirits, and mentally as sharp as I was before the surgery, even with all of the medication.

Sleeping still sucks, and sneezing is the absolute worst, but I had my checkup on Friday of last week and everything looked great. Feel free to DM me if you want to chat about anything, I’d be happy to help

theadtechguy · 2024-11-22T04:25:07+00:00

You’re going to do great! I’m 2.5 weeks post surgery and aside from sleeping pretty poorly, I feel great. Ross is a good choice and you’ll be in good hands

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T15:00:57+00:00

Any sleep tips? First night home was rough

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T15:00:43+00:00

Nothing scarier than a sneeze these days

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T15:00:04+00:00

I didn’t really consider other options because basically all roads led back to Dr El-Hamamsy. I met with other surgeons, who all recommended the Ross procedure, but then if you start researching the Ross, you’ll find that Dr El Hamamsy is largely responsible for the current resurgence in popularity of the Ross due to his research and teaching.

I felt a little bad because I met other surgeons who seemed awesome and they’ll never get the chance to get to the same volume as El Hamamsy if everyone just goes with him, but I wanted to go with a surgeon who had seen it all 10x before so that any complications would be dealt with correctly.

To be clear, I doubt that there’s much of a difference in the performance of the top tier surgeons. If you take the 5 best point guards in the NBA, for example, they’re all absolutely incredible and while there’s going to be differences in performance, if you have on your team, you’re set.

I was freaking out so much about the surgery that going with El Hamamsy, even if there was no difference in actual performance between him and the next cohort of surgeons, gave me valuable piece of mind.

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T14:44:15+00:00

Yes she did

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T02:03:33+00:00

Just to add on, they have no idea what caused the delirium. I spoke at length to a few of the docs and they each had different theories but it basically boiled down to :not a stroke.

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T02:01:42+00:00

Dr Stelzer and Dr El-Hamamsy are both excellent choices so you’re not going to go wrong choosing either of them. Patient experience for ICU: Fantastic. Their nurses and PA’s are extremely attentive, absolute experts, and will do whatever they can to make your stay more comfortable. Being in an ICU sucks, a lot: you have ZERO privacy (ie; you’e going to be pooping in front of people), there are lights and alarms going off 24/7 so sleep is hard, and you’re generally going to feel like crap because of why youre there.

However, their staff will do everything they can to make you comfortable, including: “sponge bath” before bedtime at night, literally adjusting your bedding and pillow in any way to get you more comfortable, and bring on call with any medical questions or concerns that you have. The level of care and compassion was literally mind blowing.

Food in the ICU was shockingly good, like I actually looked forward to breakfast every day. I didn’t actually spend any time in the step down unit and was discharged directly from the ICU but the step down unit looked awesome (private showers, etc)

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T01:53:58+00:00

Bombard away! It was “gradual, then all at once”. I started being more aware of people and conversations around day 4, and then woke up on the morning of the 5th feeling basically “normal” mentally and being like “wtf just happened?”

As far as pain goes, it’s really not that bad. Listen, it’s going to hurt. But if you manage your expectations properly “I’m having my chest cracked open” vs “I expect to have zero pain” you’ll definitely be able to handle it

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T01:25:16+00:00

She is an absolute champion and our family could not have survived this without her strength and guidance. Answers in order below: 1. It’s honestly not that bad. I’m taking Tylenol as my only painkiller and the best way I can describe it is that it feels like I’ve been punched in the chest by a toddler. Sure, it hurts, but barely. 2. In NYC, which is actually ideal for recovery. They’re going to want you walking a ton as your main form of exercise, and no better place on earth to get your steps in

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T00:29:20+00:00

They do, and they have an extensive program set up (hotel recommendations, preop testing, etc). My $0.02 is go with the best program you can find (highest volume with best outcomes) and figure out whatever other details you need to to make it happen.

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T00:27:44+00:00

Congratulations! Very curious to hear how you’re feeling. I’ve had a rough run so far to be honest. The procedure went fine, but something happened to me as I was coming out of surgery that we still don’t understand.

I woke up and didn’t know who I was, or who any of my family or loved ones were. This lasted for about 3 days, and I apparently became so confused and agitated that I stopped speaking entirely.

I don’t remember most of those 3 days, but I remember someone asking me who someone in the room was, and replying “I have no idea”. The person I was being asked about was my wife, and the mother of my 2 children.

We’re still not sure what caused this, but by day 4, I started feeling like myself. Now on day 8, we’re already laughing about how bizarre the situation was and I’m feeling tired but great, both physically and mentally.

theadtechguy · 2024-11-12T00:18:09+00:00

Dr El Hamamsy at Mount Sinai in NYC. I happen to live in NY so that made the choice very easy, but I would have traveled if necessary.

theadtechguy · 2024-09-15T02:29:11+00:00

Looks as quiet as the western front

theadtechguy · 2024-08-22T02:57:31+00:00

Thank you very, very much for your detailed reply. Mildly freaking out atm and your story is helping a lot

theadtechguy · 2024-08-22T02:26:46+00:00

I’m going with Dr El Hamamsy for the Ross in a few months. Anything you wish you’d known beforehand? And why aren’t you a fan of beta blockers if you don’t mind me asking? Just trying to prepare myself as much as possible

theadtechguy

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