Comments on: G.I. Bill’s Heart Valve Replacement Selection – Three Weeks And Counting

By: Maribel

Maribel — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:59:01 +0000

Bill: Tomorrow’s the first day of the rest of your life, tomorrow I’m also having surgery they are taking my ovary off (big cyst) but believe me all my positive thoughts will be with you, you’re going to be just fine. I know it is hard to think you need such a big surgery if you’re probably feeling all right, my husband Sergio felt the same but it is better to do it now that you’re ok because your recovery is going to be better. As I told once to dear mom Mercy: it is going to be a blink of an eye!! you’ll be ok very soon. I will give you the same advice I gave Mercy: be carefull with the visits, everyone wants to be there with you (in the hospital and at home mostly) have mouth covers always were you are and make people wear them when they are with you, you don’t want to catch a cold, coughin and sneezing can be very painfull. Take care of yourself and good luck in the wild ride!!! Remember we will all be thinking about you!!!

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:26:21 +0000

John, Maribel, and Mercy
Again, your insights and kind words are worth more than you can imagine. I enjoy hearing from each of you and you always give me incouragement and insight. As you said, I will be better and live longer after the procedure. It’s just hard to imagine when I am asympthomatic and know what lies ahead. I cannot imagine being “down” for that length of time.
Mercy, you sound like an outstanding Mom…John is lucky to have such a loving and caring Mom and I am sure you and your family are a big part of his recovery. Indeed, I am sure the caring support of all your families and your personal determination brought you thru this…
11 days and counting….
Bill

By: mercy turan

mercy turan — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:02:38 +0000

Bill: May 12 is already circled in my calendar (it is my best friend’s Sarah’s birthday!) but now it will also be your new birthday! Several days prior, I have a little star marking the day to remaind me to really concentrate on my prayers for you. I will pray for strength, both physical and spiritual, for you. I will pray for God’s hands to work through your surgeon’s and I will pray for the greatest possible outcome from your surgery! Our son had surgery (Ross procedure) on March 5, 2008. It was a very tough time until we found Adam, his book and his blog. I had prayed for peace in our minds for so many hours, then I sat down to once again search the websites, and the very first thing that appeared in front of me was Adam’s name. I truly belive that I prayed with all my heart and hopes for a light in the dark path we felt we were crossing, and there it was! Then again, it was a roller coaster of a time for the first 48 hours (including the day of surgery, which was about 8 1/2 hours) It is tough, but it is doable, through it all, our faith and hope sustained us and kept us full of strength until we began to see the light and the days passed little by little, with great improvement each day. God bless you. You’ll do fine. Mercy, mother of John Turan.

By: Maribel

Maribel — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:35:15 +0000

Bill: My husband was fixed two months ago february 18th and he is better than before eventhough he was totally asympthomatic. His quality of life is better also he is more awake, he is driving, working the same number of hours than before and he is cycling again!!! Everybody says he looks better than before, so alive!!! Whatever valve you choose your life is going to change and for better. Only you and your doctor can make the decision but please don’t be afraid of blood thinners my husband is quite used to the controls and very few things he’s not eating. It is not such a sacrifice. If you decide for a mechanical please contact me and I can give you a lot of info on the blood thinners ( my mail maribelgarzon@yahoo.com) If you already decided it please let us know!!! See you and good luck in the 12th of may wild ride!!

By: Jim Hayden

Jim Hayden — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:36:39 +0000

Bill: You asked a good question: were there any circumstances that caused the new valve to fail? We are trying to determine the answer. The failed valve was submitted to Edwards Life Sciences for analysis but we have not received any results. I have also asked if there is any way to preserve the new valve but have not received any answers. Adam Pick has not been able to get any answers and is still in line to receive an answer.
I will be in California until May 17 and I hope to visit Edwards Life Sciences. I’ll let you know if I receive some answers.
Good health to you, the procedure is bearable and worth the effort – you’ll live longer.
Jim Hayden

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:15:22 +0000

Myola,
I agree with John, to keep asking and find the right surgeon. Their views of recovery are often very different, and you probably know how well you will do after surgery based on your physical abilities. Never give up however, as it sounds like you are having such bad problems. You will find the right surgeon and the right answer…and be just fine…
let me know how it goes…
Bill
fly-guy@comcast.net

By: John T. Smith

John T. Smith — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:35:58 +0000

Myola check with Cleveland!! You did not say where you live .I am 72 going to cleveland may 27 for possible too valve repacement. Keep looking for a surgeon to do it

may god be withyou
John

By: MYOLA hATFIELD

MYOLA hATFIELD — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:01:41 +0000

I am a 78 y/o female who is facing Aortic Valve replacement. I had a quadruple graft 10 years ago and my heart has not deteriorated, until I aam now in Heart Failure and am suffering from exertional Angina most of the time. Just walking I have to tke Nitrobid for the paiin. One surgeon said he would not do the surgery beccause I would not survive the Recovery period. I am to see another surgeion on April 29, 2008. I still do not know what to do. I am not ready to committ suicide. but I can;t live like this either. Any suggestions?

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:11:43 +0000

Maribel and Jim
Thank you for your inspiration and information. It is all so helpful and appreciated. I am still in the decision mode, but leaning toward the tissue valve. The Surgery is scheduled for 12 May. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers for sure…I am sure it will be one “Wild Ride”….
Jim…question for you if I may? &.5 years seems early for the valve to fail. Were there any circumstances that helped cause the failure. ?
Maribel, how long has it been since your husbands surgery?..and do you feel that his life is pretty much back to normal now…activity wise and overall quality?

By: Jim Hayden

Jim Hayden — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:59:12 +0000

G.I. Bill: God Bless you with your decision. I had my aortic valve replaced on April 3, 2000. It was replaced with an Edwards Lifesciences periocardal valve. I had a good 7.5 years with that valve when it started to regurgitate and needed replacement. When my cardiologist told me that it would necessitate the same surgery as the previous surgery – I cried. But, over the course of three days I knew I had no choice. On Nov. 26, 2007 I had my aortic valve replaced again – same procedure – same type of valve. I am back on the tennis court since Feb 15, and usually play doubles but just played a set of singles on Monday. I am 71 years of age and very active. I chose the cow valve because I am active and do not want to use blood thinners if I fall or lose my balance.
Adam is right there are new procedures on the horizon that will be less invasive by the time a cow valve would have to be replaced, should you choose that option. However, be aware that these valves do fail at some point. They talk about 20 year possible time of existence but be sure that is the right side of a bell curve. The bulk of them will fail within nine to thirteen years.
Considering the alternative, whatever you decide, find out as much as you can about the procedure, and go for it. Chose your surgeon well – that is your most important choice. Discuss your options with him
Good Health to you,
Jim Hayden