Darrin, glad things are going well with the AVR - I'll be going through this same process later in October. I'm a little older than you (59) but going through ...Read more
Darrin, glad things are going well with the AVR - I'll be going through this same process later in October. I'm a little older than you (59) but going through the same decision of mechanical vs. biological. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the mechanical as I'm hoping to be around longer than the average biological valve lifetime and like you, hope this is a one time event. An acquaintance of mine when through a mitral replacement with a mechanical about 5 years ago and he indicated the anticoagulation therapy has not been much of a factor for him i.e., a non-event for the most part. I've been told that for the most part, all mechanical valves are about the same - did you have any research regarding any pro's / con's of the various manufacturer's valves? Best of luck - it's been interesting to read about everyone's experience as it helps to gain insight from those who have done it... Pat
Yes...it is quite the daunting decison mechanical vs. tissue. My healthcare team was very cautious about how they approached the discussion and always encouraged me to make my own decison. However, on the morning of the surgery when I had to choose it was very apparent to me that my team was very please with my decision to go mechanical due to my age and everyone said that the anticoagultion these days was "not a big deal" and "very manageable".
Obviously, it is a life changing decison either way and many people do not even like the idea of being on a maintenance medication for the rest of your life but as i reasearched I found that there are a certain percentage of tissue valve recipients who end up on anticoagualtion medications at some point anyway and the risk of reoperation is much higher if you recieve a tissue valve prior to age 60.
My surgeon told me that he would be using either a St. Judes or a Carbomedics mechanical valve depending on the conditons present when he had my heart open. I researched both and found them each to be an excellent choice. I think the key is to make sure that your surgeon is very comfortable with the type of device he is implanting and has performed the procedure many times. I know it sounds cliche' but try not to worry too much and focus on how good you are going to feel a couple of weeks/months after the surgery.
I know it is daunting and coming face to face with your own mortality is not easy but it is not insurmountable and you will recover faster than what you think.
I wish you the best for your upcoming surgery and sincerely hope you will take comfort in whatever valve you decide to choose.....My best to you for an excellent outcome and a speedy recovery.
Yes...it is quite the daunting decison mechanical vs. tissue. My healthcare team was very c ... Read more
Yes...it is quite the daunting decison mechanical vs. tissue. My healthcare team was very cautious about how they approached the discussion and always encouraged me to make my own decison. However, on the morning of the surgery when I had to choose it was very apparent to me that my team was very please with my decision to go mechanical due to my age and everyone said that the anticoagultion these days was "not a big deal" and "very manageable".
Obviously, it is a life changing decison either way and many people do not even like the idea of being on a maintenance medication for the rest of your life but as i reasearched I found that there are a certain percentage of tissue valve recipients who end up on anticoagualtion medications at some point anyway and the risk of reoperation is much higher if you recieve a tissue valve prior to age 60.
My surgeon told me that he would be using either a St. Judes or a Carbomedics mechanical valve depending on the conditons present when he had my heart open. I researched both and found them each to be an excellent choice. I think the key is to make sure that your surgeon is very comfortable with the type of device he is implanting and has performed the procedure many times. I know it sounds cliche' but try not to worry too much and focus on how good you are going to feel a couple of weeks/months after the surgery.
I know it is daunting and coming face to face with your own mortality is not easy but it is not insurmountable and you will recover faster than what you think.
I wish you the best for your upcoming surgery and sincerely hope you will take comfort in whatever valve you decide to choose.....My best to you for an excellent outcome and a speedy recovery.
DG