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After Tissue Valve Replacement And Pacemaker Implant, Connie Keeps On Walking

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 13, 2025

I just received a great patient story from Connie Batich. Considering that Connie's note touches on so many elements of heart valve surgery - diagnosis, symptoms, second opinions, angiograms, vent tubes, atrial fibrillation, recovery - I thought you might appreciate reading about her experience. Here is what Connie wrote to me:

Adam,

We both had heart valve surgery. Only difference.. You were 33 and I am 85!

I've had a heart murmur all my life. But, in 1996, I felt palpitations and went to a cardiologist who diagnosed stenosis of the aortic valve. Since then, I've seen a cardiologist yearly for an echocardiogram and stress test. Then, about two years ago, my cardiologist called me all excited that my stenosis was severe and I should have the valve replaced right then-and-there!

Connie Batich, heart valve replacement and pacemaker patient

Connie Batich, Heart Valve Surgery Patient

Well, my family wanted a second opinion... So, I went to another cardiologist who said, "Well, let's wait until you get symptoms."

I kept on doing my two-mile daily walk and gardening, etc., etc.

Eventually, I became very fatigued and finally decided myself that I needed the operation. So, I went to Morristown Memorial Hospital (supposedly one of the best for heart surgery) in New Jersey. Doctor John Brown operated on me. Dr. Brown used a tissue valve replacement. After all, how long can I live? And, I dreaded the thought of being on Coumadin the rest of my life.

When the cardiac catheterization was done the day before surgery, I learned that all my heart vessels were fine! On the day of the surgery, I woke up in the intensive care unit. I turned to my daughter and said angrily, "How come they haven't operated on me yet? I was supposed to be first one on the docket."

My daughter calmly said said, "Mother the operation is all over with."

I couldn't believe it. I was thankful. I wasn't ever aware of the ventilator tube which I had dreaded. The tube was already removed from my throat when I woke up.

I had to stay in the hospital for 10 days on account of atrial fibrillation. My heart actually stopped beating for 3 or 4 seconds. Doctor Brown wanted to monitor it. The medical team even considered "electroshocking" my heart which didn't sound like fun. To resolve the issue - the day before I left the hospital - the doctors put in a pacemaker under local anesthetic (which was somewhat painful).

My recovery is going well. I have been taking walks around the block. Last Saturday night, I went to a school track and did half a mile. I am really anxious to have some pep and be back to my old self... Or, even better!

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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