That is great news - thank you for the update. Prayers continue for Bill and family...it is often more difficult for family. Glad to hear they were able to do the less invasive method. Dale & Martha
On May 8, 2012...
Hi Bill, My AVR is next month also...You are in my thoughts for a speedy, strong recovery! Tracy
On May 8, 2012...
Uncle Bill,
Hope everything goes smoothly, recovery is complication-free and you are back home soon. Prayers and hugs.
Love,
Janet and Mark
On May 7, 2012...
Bill,
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
On May 7, 2012...
Hang in there Bill, my valve job is next month so you have a head start on me.
Tom
On May 7, 2012...
Goog luck BIll.
You will do well like all the others. I am right behind you as my surgery is on May 14th.
Bill, you will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow! Denise K
On May 7, 2012...
Go get 'em Bill! You will be in my prayers, you will do great!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
On May 7, 2012...
Hi William, Good luck tomorrow. You will do just amazing. After tomorrow you will be on the other side of the mountain and looking for a good future to come. Keep us all posted so we know. God will be there holding your hand during and after surgery.
Will keep you in my prayers too.
For the long haul
Linda H
On May 7, 2012...
We continue prayers for you, Jackie and the team of physicians and nurses. God is guiding their eyes, hands and your journey. May God richly bless this experience and provide a speedy recovery. Dale and Martha
William Fix Thanks Martha and Dale your thoughts and prayers are a great comfort.
Bill
On April 22, 2012...
Hello, Bill. We are rooting for you and will keep you in our prayers. Please let me know when it will be okay to visit you at St. Luke's.
Gratefully,
Shawn
On April 18, 2012...
Bill, We are thinking of you and praying for the days preceding the surgery to be filled with love, peace and joy! God has gifted these medical teams with incredible abilities and talents. God has gifted us with the ability to be praying and believing in your successful surgery and recovery. Dale and I will be fervent in our daily prayers for you.
Martha & Dale Menner
On April 17, 2012...
Hey Bill!
This is a surprise! But, you are choosing wisely by having the valve replaced. The alternative is lots of medication and a weakening valve. Sometimes even with the bovine tissue valve, coumadin has to be added so mechanical valve is an excellent choice.
I'll be praying for and thinking about you and when you recover quickly, I'll need you on the bass part for "You Raise Me Up"!
Sounds like you are ready. Lucinda Gyurci
William Fix Thanks Lucinda
I hope to be able to at least attend the BPA and would love to be able to sing You Rai ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Lucinda
I hope to be able to at least attend the BPA and would love to be able to sing You Raise Me Up. That song has a special meaning to me now because of all the love and support I have been receiving from friends and family.
Bill
On April 17, 2012...
Bill,
Thanks for sharing all your thoughts. God's Hands are a great place to be!
Jessie
On April 12, 2012...
Hi William, I am your age also and am waiting. You will do fine, like you said just put it in Gods hands. He will take care of you. I have and it does help. Good luck to you.
For the long haul
Linda H
On April 12, 2012...
I am the same age as you and leaning towards a mechanical valve. I asked my cardiologist what he would do if he was in my shoes.
I feel confident about my chances in surgery because there are many people older than us who have come through with flying colors.
Life is full of danger and you never know what will happen to you outside the OR.
My wife and I were sideswiped on a freeway in a rain stoem and hit the center barrier at 65mph, but were not seriously injured.
William Fix Thank you. You are right we face unknown dangers every day. I think having more than a month to think ... Read more
William Fix Thank you. You are right we face unknown dangers every day. I think having more than a month to think about the surgery gives me too much time to dwell on it. I think it will become easier as I get closer to the date.
Bill Fix
On April 12, 2012...
Hi William, Congratulations on making your decision! I'm sure it will all work out just fine. I definitely had a sense of calm once I made the decisions I needed to make. I hope you have the same kind of peace and comfort I felt. Lily Cardlin
William Fix Thanks Lily. I know that when it comes time for the surgery and everyone else responsible for the pro ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Lily. I know that when it comes time for the surgery and everyone else responsible for the procedure takes over it will be easier to let go and relax.
Bill Fix
On April 9, 2012...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Houston.
John, Beth, Christen and Lindsey May
On April 9, 2012...
Hope you guys had a great Easter. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lewis & Pat S.
On April 9, 2012...
Bill, you will & Jackie are, as always, in my heart and prayers. I love you two so much! Take care of yourself. I'm so glad you put this website up. That way we won't all be bugging you!
William Fix Thanks Kate in the future just put your name at the end of your messages the web site does not show m ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Kate in the future just put your name at the end of your messages the web site does not show me who posted the message. But I knew who posted this,I am so blessed to have you, Mike and Nell be a part of my life. I will overcome this problem and be a better person for it like another friend said to me "Vietnam couldn't kill you and this won't either".
Love you
Bill
On April 7, 2012...
Hi William,
Great to hear the book and website has been helpful!!!
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
William Fix Thanks Adam. Your book and web site has taken the mystery and fear out of my upcoming surgery. My 81 ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Adam. Your book and web site has taken the mystery and fear out of my upcoming surgery. My 81 year old brother had triple bypass surgery last September and is already cutting his own lawn. If he can get to that point at age 82 I know that I can do it at age 66.
Bill
On April 7, 2012...
Hey Bill, I had surgery 2/6/12 for aortic stenosis. My valve was replaced with the On-X valve. I have a mini sternonomy and I am doing great! Sometimes I hear the valve, but it has not been an issue for me. There is some change in your diet,but not drastic. You will feel better when you get your new valve. I will be getting a home testing kit for checking coumadin levels soon. It makes testing easier and you can control that part of your life with ease. Prayers are with you and your family. Have a Happy Easter!
Robert Hartner
William Fix Thanks Robert, I am glad to hear from someone who has the ON-X valve and also that it can be installe ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Robert, I am glad to hear from someone who has the ON-X valve and also that it can be installed with the mini. You mentioned some changes in diet I am diabetic and wonder how that will affect the diet. I am used to testing my blood so using a home meter would be natural for me. Have a Happy Easter and many many more.
Bill Fix
On April 6, 2012...
Bill, this is odd. I just got of the phone with my cousin. Her dad needs a new valve also, he had open heart due to blockage about 14 years ago and is now 80. He too is having shortness of breath, no blockages this time, but valve is bad.
You may recall I was on coumadin for 3 months after my DVT (blood clot) in my arm. One gets used to it. It is a matter of eating the same amount of certain food types to keep your level within a certain range. The blood tests go along with it, about once a month, if I recall correctly. Take care, I will keep you in my prayers. Have a Happy Easter - Ann D.
William Fix Thanks Ann it's great to hear from you. I am a little concerned about having to take coumadin but peo ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Ann it's great to hear from you. I am a little concerned about having to take coumadin but people have told me it's not really too bad. They now have a home meter to check levels similiar to the meter I use for my diabetes. This will definitely be a life changing event, hopefully for the better. Feeling tired and having shortness of breath is not the way I want to live. hope to see you soon.
Bill
On April 6, 2012...
Hi William and welcome to HVJ, so glad you have found this site and all the wonderful people on it. Like everyone has said valve choice is very personal and you have to go with what makes you feel comfortable. I am 44 and decided to go with the Ross Procedure and that will be the full zipper.
Best of luck in your decision making, you'll make the right choice!
Cindy Pastrano
William Fix Thanks Cindy. This site and Adam's book have been a God send. I have known for a few years that the v ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Cindy. This site and Adam's book have been a God send. I have known for a few years that the valve might have to be replaced. I thought it would be many years from now. Obviously the valve has other ideas, I was stunned at how rapidily it deteriated. My surgeon didn't mention the Ross procedure probably because I am 65 and the conventional wisdom is if you are over 65 a tissue valve is the best choice. I would still like to go with the ON-X mechanical valve unless he can convince me otherwise. It sounds like the Ross procedure has worked well for Adam I hope it works well for you also and helps you to live a long and healthy life.
Bill fix
On April 6, 2012...
Hello Bill!!
Two years older, worse typist, same history however.My surgery is 5/4 at Cleve Clinic. Too lazy to research, I am leaving decision to surgeon. Options (repair,replace,pig,artificial) to be decided, altho cardiologist has steered the whole thing in favor of AVR,pig type, which Clinic rates at 20 years. We will see. We have a great life in front of us, and should keep in touch.
Best Regards,
Jack Teeft (here John Teeftt)
William Fix Thanks Jack. My surgeon seemed to favor a stentless tissue valve so he may try to talk me out of a me ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Jack. My surgeon seemed to favor a stentless tissue valve so he may try to talk me out of a mechanical valve. I will make my case and let him make his and then make a final decision. Good luck with your surgery I understand that the Cleveland Clinic is one of the best places to have it done.
Bill Fix
On April 6, 2012...
I am ever impressed, but never surprised anymore at the depth of your character. I will be continually praying for/with you. Please let me know if there is any way I can be helpful.
William Fix Thank you although I am not sure who posted this, please sign your name as the web site does not show ... Read more
William Fix Thank you although I am not sure who posted this, please sign your name as the web site does not show who left the comment.
On April 6, 2012...
Hi William- I'm to be 60 this summer and in Dec. I had a mitral valve replacement..the On-X. It is working great and i'm being followed well. Being on Coumadin is not that bad-eat your normal diet, just maybe half the ones that are known for high Vitamin K content. I'm actually on a research study for lowered coumadin for this type valve. So far I'm doing well, back to work after my six weeks and I'm feeling so much better! Keep in touch if you will. I'm in Washington state. Take care of yourself! Patrice Lehde
William Fix I am glad to hear from someone who has had the ON-X installed. Were they able to implant it with the ... Read more
William Fix I am glad to hear from someone who has had the ON-X installed. Were they able to implant it with the minimally invasive surgery. I am considering it for my aortic valve replacement. Did your surgeon recommend it? I am encouraged by your success thanks for posting your experience.
On April 6, 2012...
HI I"m a professional actress so when I say "rehearsal" my ears perked up ! you'll do great. having theatre behind us will be ahuge help You'll see.
sorry to hear about your wife..hoping she's ok
I had wanted MIN. Invasive however, bottom line the pain is the same/ the length of recovery is pretty much the same; I got the Full zipper.. it does give better view to DR so go for it. ! you want the best.
this is such a routine operation.. go in positive , happy and relaxed and you'll do great. those that; fret most don't do well.
keep busy the rehearsals will help !!! good for you.
thanks, Nancy
William Fix Thanks Nancy. My wife is recovering nicely but didn't need this extra stress. I guess I will put this ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Nancy. My wife is recovering nicely but didn't need this extra stress. I guess I will put this experience in my sense memory bank, you never know when it might be needed in a play. Some of my friends and fellow actors think I am nuts for delaying my surgery just to finish a show, but I knew that this late in rehearsal 3 weeks from opening it would be a hardship on the director and cast to drop out. I wonder if a pig valve would be more appropriate for a HAM.
Bill
On April 5, 2012...
Hi there. I'm 8 weeks post & my office is in Bridgeton mo. I live right near your hospital of choice. I had mine done at mo Bap - 2-9-12
All is well. Let me know what questions I can help you with. We re close in age & I went with tissue. It's a very personal & difficult choice. But make it & you'll be fine
Pls feel free to call on my cell. 314-276-1012.
Nancy Friedman. St Louis. AVR.
William Fix Hi Nancy. Glad to hear that you are doing well. Did you have the minimally invasive surgery or the fu ... Read more
William Fix Hi Nancy. Glad to hear that you are doing well. Did you have the minimally invasive surgery or the full incision? I am not sure which I will have it depends on which valve I choose. The surgeon reccomended a stentless tissue valve but it would require a full incision. I haven't talked to him about the ON-X valve yet but he did leave the decision to me although I am sure he will tell me if he doesn't agree. I think this is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. I hate the stress this is causing my wife she has just recovered from surgery to remove a cancerous thyroid. Thanks for caring enough to respond to my post. I guess the reference to The Mousetrap might have seemed confusing I am the president of ACT II Community Theater in St Peters and was already in rehearsal for the play when I found out that the valve had gotten to the point where it needed to be replaced. I got the surgeon to agree to let me finish the show before operating. Thanks again my phone number is 636-940-1298. GO CARDS!
On April 5, 2012...
William,
You'll find this to be an incredibly personal decision. I'm 44 and went mechanical for the same reason you are considering it. I do not want a second surgery if I can help it.
I asked a lot of questions about the coumadin and chose that route over the certainty of having another surgery.
Again, all of the decisions are valid and very, very personal. I wish you luck in yours.
Chuck Holmgreen.
William Fix Thanks Chuck. Which mechanical valve did you get? I am looking at the ON-X valve, from the research I ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Chuck. Which mechanical valve did you get? I am looking at the ON-X valve, from the research I have done I have learned that the FDA has since 2006 been conducting clinical trials to see if this valve can be used without coumadin and so far the results have been very good. It would be great to have a valve with a long operating life and no coumadin.
Bill Fix
On April 5, 2012...
Hi William I am 38 and just went with a tissue valve. Bovine(cow) valves are lasting about 20 years.
Keep researching. They usually the cutoff is 60 where they reccomend a tissue for those over.
I didn't want to deal with coumidin. I know in 20 years I will need a new valve but they will be done via a catheter instead of open heart.
Feel free to read my journal.
Good luck!!
Jimmy Johnson.
William Fix Thanks Jimmy. I read your journal and was encouraged by your speedy recovery. I am glad that you are ... Read more
William Fix Thanks Jimmy. I read your journal and was encouraged by your speedy recovery. I am glad that you are back to work and life is returning to normal.
Bill
On April 5, 2012...
Hi William Welcome to HVJ. You will find this site wonderful. There are a lot of people here to help out. Trying to decide what kind of valve you want is a big step. Ask a lot of questions and do a lot of research. You might want to read Mitch's and LInda Dixon journal. That might help a lot in deciding. I hope all goes well for you. I am the same age as you but just in waiting, hoping not to much longer. I have been having some symptoms and would like to get it over with. Good luck to you.
For the long haul
LInda H
Deb Argetsinger