On August 20, 2013...

Jim Jones posted a note for Aubrey that says:

Aubrey
Information matters. This is a big decision. Best of success as you do your research and make your decisions. I believe you'll know for sure why you made each choice and will be confident that you made the best choices for you.
All the best

Aubrey Jones Jr Thanks Jim, I wholeheartedly agree. I was very concerned until I began to understand the details and ... Read more

Aubrey Jones Jr Thanks Jim, I wholeheartedly agree. I was very concerned until I began to understand the details and we are much more relaxed and just a couple more questions to finalize.

In one of the more light-hearted moments in this journey, one of the cardiologists stated engineers are interesting patients because of the detailed questions. It truly comes down to the best choice for the individual.

On August 19, 2013...

Jean Trausch posted a note for Aubrey that says:

Aubrey-
I went with a St. Jude mechanical valve and am on Warfarin (blood thinner). I have 2 cousins that have both had the same surgery and one (female) has been on Warfarin for at least 20+ yrs with no problems. The other had his surgery a few yrs back and gets bruised easier (doing yard work, etc.), but is grateful he had the surgery because his life/health has improved so much.
My aorta was enlarged a little bit, but not enough to need a graft. Prior to my surgery I was on blood pressure medicine to reduce the pressure on the aorta from the valve and I will continue taking it. I am doing great and only had maybe 2 nosebleeds a short time after surgery that were of any concern. Saline solution and a little Vaseline in the nose took care of that during the winter time. I don't seem to bruise much easier than before I was on the Warfarin (Coumadin), so all it good :)

Aubrey Jones Jr Great news. I hope your,situation is good forever. I get the impression my doctors have had a bad e ... Read more

Aubrey Jones Jr Great news. I hope your,situation is good forever. I get the impression my doctors have had a bad experience with a patient or two in their eighties after about 30 years on the blood thinner. May have had other complications as well.

I am a little bummed out but it is only temporary because the doctors have slowed me down so much until the surgery. I have a team in South America doing some work and wish I was there with them but it will not be long before I am back in the thick of it. Have admit the Zanax is helping me take it easy during the day, lol.

Your experience reinforces what the doctors are telling me, the technology is very good now on almost all the valves.

On August 19, 2013...

Ernie B.S. posted a note for Aubrey that says:

Aubrey!!!!!!!

Welcome to my world. ;) Bicuspid aortic valve. Surgery Aug. 28th. Bovine valve to make me "Strong like Bull!" I'm already bullheaded and have a pair of calves, so I figured I should just stay with the cow motif.

Aubrey Jones Jr Pretty cool, we will have surgery on the same day. We will be praying for you too. The bovine tissu ... Read more

Aubrey Jones Jr Pretty cool, we will have surgery on the same day. We will be praying for you too. The bovine tissue composite valve is a good one. We are also looking at the mechanical and the Medtronic Freestyle.

On August 19, 2013...

Jean Trausch posted a note for Aubrey that says:

Hi Aubrey-
I, too, had a bicuspid aortic valve, but was diagnosed when I was about 14 yrs. old. They had been monitoring it for years and I had know that at some point I would need the surgery, too. I, also thought it wouldn't be until my 60's, but I was symptomatic enough last year to realize that it was time for the surgery at 48 yrs. old.
I was panicked, but found Adam's book and this website online and it really helped me know what to expect with the surgery.
Today's my 6 month anniversary of my heart surgery and I am feeling so much better than I was last year!
God bless you on your upcoming surgery and recovery. It is definitely worth it :) Take care, Jean Trausch

Aubrey Jones Jr Jean, thank you so much. I am curious what decision you made about your valve replacement. Or could ... Read more

Aubrey Jones Jr Jean, thank you so much. I am curious what decision you made about your valve replacement. Or could they repair it? I know where we are leaning but would appreciate your perspective. I am glad you had a good outcome. I have the same hope as well.