Comments on: David Shifts From Edwards Lifesciences’ Employee To Patient

By: Steven Reinstein

Steven Reinstein — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:25:49 +0000

Dear Dave;
great story.. I too had my calcified Aortic bicuspid valve replace 7/29/09.. I have since had one bout with A-Fib, went on the meds for two months and am now off and doing fine. I go to cardiac Rehab three times a week. It’s gong to take a while to get any muscle strength back in your upper body so give it time. The cardio however is great. keep walking and don’t over do it.
Have a great Holiday

By: David Swendson

David Swendson — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:08:13 +0000

To Bob Caruso:
My answer to your question is that my choosing the tissue (biological) valve over a mechanical is based on 3 things: 1) Tissue valves do not require Coumadin (warfarin) for the rest of your life, 2) Mechanical valves with their hard carbon disks make an audible “clicking” sound, & 3) the specific tissue valve I chose has up to 20 years durability experience with havin further improvements on it. Mechanical valves have more years of proven experience, but at my age the tissue valve is appropriate.

David Swendson

By: Phyllis Cooke

Phyllis Cooke — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:58:56 +0000

I also have the Edwards bovine valve and my surgery was done the “old fashioned way” July 21st in San Diego by Dr. James Hemp. I also had the mammary bypass. Things are going well with the exception of depression which seems to have come on me in the last month. I am dealing with it and know I will come out of the woods soon. So glad your surgery went well. I am 65.

Phyllis Cooke

By: Carol Lang

Carol Lang — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:53:21 +0000

David,
I totally relate to your experience. In June 2008 I had a CarboMedics mechanical AVR. I am a RN currently in Nursing Administration. When I had the surgery I was a patient in the same ICU I worked & took Charge of 30 years ago! They say that we reap what we sow, but this is a bit much! I must say however, I felt secure & safe waking up in “my Unit”. Sure is a lot different when it’s you lying in that bed!
Have a speedy recovery. That atrial fib is NOT fun. I was in it for 12 hours one day & finally the IVmeds kicked in & converted me.
As Adam says,
“Keep on tickin!”

By: bob caruso

bob caruso — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:46:23 +0000

Dear Adam,
I an 67 years old and will have aortic valve replacement surgery early next year. I must choose between a mechanical vs biological valve and would like to contact Mr. Swenson re his decision. IF possible, perhaps you could ask him to e-mail me at the address above, or phone me at 702-455-4211.

Appreciatively, Bob Caruso