News Feed For Patients With Heart Valve Disease

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Ana Brussoposted an update

9 hours ago

Fidel Martínez Ruiz reacted to this

Richard Munson and our Shadow. Is he using his treadmill yet? Thinking of you with this terrible storm. 🙏❤️

Richard Munson He is using his treadmill. The bad news is not with the motor on. The weather outside if frightful, b ... Read more

Richard Munson He is using his treadmill. The bad news is not with the motor on. The weather outside if frightful, but the snow is so delightful. Maybe not. I had to struggle to open the door at 4:30 a.m. so shadow could do his morning business. Drifting snow and howling winds. He was a party pooper. He managed to eke it out. When you gotta go, you gotta go. He has a bad case of frozen butt. No telling how much snow we are going to get. Glad i started my car saturday.

Pamela Gregory Richard- Hahahahahahaahaaha!!!

Hope everyone is safe and has lots of food, drink, and movies ready t... Read more

Pamela Gregory Richard- Hahahahahahaahaaha!!!

Hope everyone is safe and has lots of food, drink, and movies ready to go for a day or two

Richard Munson Yes, i might take a picture once i can open the door enough to squeeze out. Right now its coming down ... Read more

Richard Munson Yes, i might take a picture once i can open the door enough to squeeze out. Right now its coming down sideways. To all those global warming alarmists the world over i say waaaaaaaaaa. The good news is we did buy a generator a few years back which turns on by itself when we lose power which has occurred a few times already. So will they tell me to conserve water this summer ?

Educational Video About Mitral Regurgitation

Surgeon Q&A: The Risk Vs. Benefit of Asymptomatic Mitral Valve Surgery

Doctor Interviewed:
Dr. Junaid Khan

Surgeon Q&A: The Risk Vs. Benefit of Asymptomatic Mitral Valve Surgery

Upcoming Patient Surgeries

Susan Cannizzaro
Mitral Regurgitation
February 24, 2026

Kevin Grant
Mitral Regurgitation
February 26, 2026

Jodi Schellenger
Aortic Stenosis
February 26, 2026

Joanne Carvittojust updated her profile

11 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Alina Wilsonposted an update

12 hours ago

Rose Madura, Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Happy Valve Disease Awareness Day to all of you, warriors! May you always fight the good fights and always find health and hope in all your journeys!... Read more

Happy Valve Disease Awareness Day to all of you, warriors! May you always fight the good fights and always find health and hope in all your journeys! Thank you all for sharing your stories with all of us!

Ana Brusso Thank you and same to you. 🙏❤️

Mirza Baigposted an update

13 hours ago

Rose Madura, Pamela Gregory reacted to this

I have my TAVR procedure done about 1 year ago, I felt great

Joanne Carvittoposted an update

15 hours ago

I’m headed for a redo SAVR in 3 weeks. A TAVR was not a good plan for me so it’s open heart again……I got almost 10 years out of my St Jude’s trifecta ...Read more

I’m headed for a redo SAVR in 3 weeks. A TAVR was not a good plan for me so it’s open heart again……I got almost 10 years out of my St Jude’s trifecta valve which is more than many got. My symptom of valve failure are different than the first time. I’m having chest ache/pain rather than feeling faint. How have surgical redos gone for others and do you have any advice?

Pamela Gregory Good luck to you! We will all be here for you in any way we can help support you

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Michael Baldwinjust updated his profile

20 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

J Alexander Lassally Welcome! Mitral here also... Let us know if you have questions...

Fidel Martínez Ruiz

Megan Berryjust updated her profile

20 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Karen Hannajust updated her profile

21 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

J Alexander Lassally How is your INOVA repair doing?

hadassa corazzajust updated her profile

21 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Edgewood, KY - Sponsored

Gary Fabre

“I just went in for an annual check-up. After listening to my heart, my doctor told me I had a heart murmur. I never knew I had a heart murmur, and I didn’t know much about them. The images ... Read more.

We made the decision, at the time, to keep an eye on it for a year because I had no symptoms. Based on my second echocardiogram, it was determined that my mitral valve prolapse had progressed, and it was time for surgery. Now, I am ecstatic to say that my wife and I just returned from a 10-day holiday in Saint Lucia which included four scuba dives.

Dr. Castillo-Sang gave me the confidence that I would be able to dive again, and he was 100% correct."

-- Gary Fabre, heart valve patient

Elaine Luciajust updated her profile

21 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Adam Pickposted an update

22 hours ago

Fidel Martínez Ruiz, Grace Mason , Alina Wilson and 2 others reacted to this

Yes! Today is National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day! What should you know about this special day which is celebrating its 10th anniversary? How can we ...Read more

Yes! Today is National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day! What should you know about this special day which is celebrating its 10th anniversary? How can we all raise awareness to this dangerous disease that will kill 25,000 people this year? Find out at -
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2023/02/21/day/

Today Is National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day!

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2023/02/21/day/

Help us raise awareness to heart valve disease which is under-diagnosed, under-treated and deadly!

Fidel Martínez Ruiz That´s really true everywhere, Adam

Grace Mason Thank you Adam!!

Mirza Baig I have my TAVR procedure done about 18 months ago, I am feeling great

Kathy Blank Adam-What would we do without this amazing resource you created???

Ana Brusso Thank you dear hvs brother 🙏❤️

clifford Favajust updated his profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Susan Cannizzarogot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Kathy Ozio writes, "Welcome Susan! I had my surgery three years ago on Feb 24th! You are so lucky to have found this site before your surgery. It's such a wealth of information ...Read more

Kathy Ozio writes, "Welcome Susan! I had my surgery three years ago on Feb 24th! You are so lucky to have found this site before your surgery. It's such a wealth of information and wonderful people. Good luck this week and keep us updated! "

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Maya Suddardsgot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Jodi Schellenger writes, "Welcome, Maya! I have the same diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis with symptoms, but it's due to a congenital bicuspid valve--which I've learned a ton about ...Read more

Jodi Schellenger writes, "Welcome, Maya! I have the same diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis with symptoms, but it's due to a congenital bicuspid valve--which I've learned a ton about in a short amount of time, as I'm sure you've been doing (learning about all this!) while you're waiting. I'm in the USA, in Montana, and you have made me realize how fortunate I am to know when my surgery is! It's next Thursday. And I hope you find out more soon! I'm impressed with the positivity- you're an inspiration 😇 Praying you will have a gifted surgeon and a smooth process from here on out! "

Maya Suddardsposted a journal

1 day ago

Grace Mason reacted to this

It is a beautiful sunny Sunday in Brisbane Australia. I feel very positive.

Marie Myers Lots of reason to feel positive. The odds are in your favor to have a great outcome for a fixable pro ... Read more

Marie Myers Lots of reason to feel positive. The odds are in your favor to have a great outcome for a fixable problem. Welcome to the website!

Maya Suddardsjust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Hey Maya. A warm greeting from the other side of the ball !!

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Sending you my best wishes for your heart and health.

Maya Suddardsposted a journal

1 day ago

Greetings Fellow 🫀Surgery Participants

My meme is Maya… what I written is powerful. It’s honest, vulnerable, and very “me” — ...Read more

Greetings Fellow 🫀Surgery Participants

My meme is Maya… what I written is powerful. It’s honest, vulnerable, and very “me” — colourful, strong, reflective, and grateful all at once. I hope this helps at least one person on their journey of heart surgery.

The Beginning of My 🩷 Journey
I am waiting for open heart surgery — a replacement of my aortic valve.
I have severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.

Some days I am smiling and life feels orange, red and yellow.
Other days are blue and frustrating.

For more than a decade I had mild stenosis, a heart murmur. Yearly visit and yearly tests with my cardiologist. Missed my last visit as I was moving to Thailand to retire. Too excited to worry about my mild murmur. Over the past 12 months it quietly became severe. I became breathless. Huffing and puffing. Unable to walk far. Very swollen feet. Occasional angina. One frightening episode of cold sweat and almost passing out 😵

And still… I didn’t put 2 + 2 together.

I told myself:
“I’m 72.”
“I’m a bit chubby.”
“It’s hot and humid.”
“I’m just getting older.”

I came back to Brisbane for 6 weeks (staying with my daughter) to catch up with friends and to spend Christmas with my family. On 9 December my daughter drove me — all of two minutes — to Emergency.
The angina was strong, spreading to my jaw, and did not pass after 15 minutes. I thought I was having a heart attack.

I wasn’t.

After 20 hours in ED, I was admitted to the coronary ward.
On 12 December 2025, at Ipswich Hospital, I received the diagnosis: severe aortic stenosis.

I was placed on an urgent (Category One) list for open heart surgery at PA Hospital in Brisbane — meant to happen within 30 days.

It has now been 70 days.

Public health means waiting lists. It means the most critical cases go first. It means bed shortages. And I understand that. I am severe — but stable.

Every day I live with angina and breathlessness. I am very restricted in what I can do. But I am deeply grateful that I am not in constant severe pain while I wait.

You can only read and binge-watch Netflix for so many hours.
You can only play so much canasta with friends.
You can cook yummy food often… and apparently gain 3 kilos in 10 weeks 😅😳

So I wait.
I smile when I can.
I feel the blue days when they come.
And I stay positive and grateful. 💜

Because this is only the beginning of my journey — not the end 🥰

Grace Mason Welcome Maya! I hope they can get you fixed up soon! Wishing you well ❤️

New Posts About Medical Technology

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Maya Suddardsposted a photo

1 day ago

Grace Mason reacted to this

All me 😁

Rose Madura Welcome to this site! I would think your case is a critical one. I hope you get treatment soon.

Mary Jean Yarbroughjust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Jason Kantnergot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Barry Brasseaux writes, "Jason. Just sent you a note about my mechanical valve experience, but I'm happy to get on a call with you to discuss it further if you have any additional ...Read more

Barry Brasseaux writes, "Jason. Just sent you a note about my mechanical valve experience, but I'm happy to get on a call with you to discuss it further if you have any additional questions."

Barry Brasseauxjust updated his profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Educational Video About Mitral Regurgitation

Surgeon Q&A: The Risk Vs. Benefit of Asymptomatic Mitral Valve Surgery

Doctor Interviewed:
Dr. Junaid Khan

Surgeon Q&A: The Risk Vs. Benefit of Asymptomatic Mitral Valve Surgery

Elaine Luciajust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Helen Moorejust updated her profile

2 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Jason Kantnerposted an update

2 days ago

Born with a bicuspid valve and have monitored it my whole life. I’m now 38yo and the time has come to replace the valve, as well as my ascending (i think) ...Read more

Born with a bicuspid valve and have monitored it my whole life. I’m now 38yo and the time has come to replace the valve, as well as my ascending (i think) aorta (no aneurism, but moderate/severe dilation). I’ve been HIGHLY encouraged to get a mechanical valve by my surgeon, and thats what i’m booked for on Mar 10, 2026.

I’m highly active in running and fitness, and enjoy travel, good food, and good wine.

I’m scared of adjusting to the mechanical noise, I’m scared of lifelong warfarin, and i’m joining this site to meet others who have stories about how to live with this valve and warfarin.

I’ve been told that athletes can sometimes expect to become even better once fully recovered (no more regurgitation), but i want to know your stories about recovery, limitations on athletics/food/wine, etc.

Mary Rosa my husband (age 62) just had the Inspiris Resilia valve a tissue valve to replace his aorta valve. So ... Read more

Mary Rosa my husband (age 62) just had the Inspiris Resilia valve a tissue valve to replace his aorta valve. So no coumadin, no "clicking" and if another surgery needed later, it is designed to take a TAVR valve. It was done at Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Lars Svensson. You can read about this valve from an article Adam wrote last summer. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2018/08/09/inspiris-resilia-fda-approval/ Good luck!

Breakthrough: INSPIRIS RESILIA Aortic Valve Gets FDA Approval

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2018/08/09/inspiris-resilia-fda-approval/

Learn important facts about the INSPIRIS RESILIA Aortic Valve in this interview with Dr. Lars Svensson from the Cleveland Clinic.

Marie Myers At such a young age, you might consider a Ross Procedure. The founder of this website had a Ross , a ... Read more

Marie Myers At such a young age, you might consider a Ross Procedure. The founder of this website had a Ross , and I think he had it 20 years ago if I am not mistaken.

Barry Brasseaux Hi Jason, I received a mechanical St. Jude valve
implantation in 1988. It has been reliable, and I’ ... Read more

Barry Brasseaux Hi Jason, I received a mechanical St. Jude valve
implantation in 1988. It has been reliable, and I’ve maintained it through
regular exercise to keep my heart healthy. I was 25 at the time, due to a
bicuspid valve, and now at 63, I’m still very active and working full-time in
IT. You'll notice the clicking sound, but I quickly adapted to it. I've been on
warfarin for many years, which requires some lifestyle adjustments, like
avoiding risky activities. However, it's a small price for maintaining good
health. I pay attention to my diet, mainly vegetarian with fish and chicken,
and eat lots of dark leafy greens. I’ve adjusted my warfarin levels over time
to accommodate that. Feel free to ask any additional questions. I also had an
aortic aneurysm repair in 2017, without any complications.

Grace Mason When I first discovered this blog my doctor's were recommending a tissue or mechanical valve replacem ... Read more

Grace Mason When I first discovered this blog my doctor's were recommending a tissue or mechanical valve replacement and aneurysm repair. After learning more about my options and about the Ross procedure here, I opted to go that route. It was the right choice for me.
Finding this blog with all the information to explore and the supportive people that know what you are experiencing was invaluable. Wishing you all the best in your journey and happy to answer any questions.

Pamela Gregory I also had the Inspiris Resilia Aortic Valve at 55, but at your age I would definitely look into the ... Read more

Pamela Gregory I also had the Inspiris Resilia Aortic Valve at 55, but at your age I would definitely look into the Ross Procedure.

Jason Kantnerjust updated his profile

2 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

gary biggarjust updated his profile

2 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Kate Watsongot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Kate Watson reacted to this

Kimberly Eisenhut writes, "Kate,

How are you doing? Ive had my share of difficulty past few months, but was wanting to check on you. Hope you are doing well."

Kate Watson Hi Kim, I think about you often and hope you are doing somewhat better? I'm not on here much but popp ... Read more

Kate Watson Hi Kim, I think about you often and hope you are doing somewhat better? I'm not on here much but popped on a few times this week. I'm doing pretty good for the most part. Just issues I'm still struggling with- chronic rib and back pain that flares up and I am currently wearing yet another Zio patch to see what's going on my heart rhythms. All in all, not too bad given what my body has been through though! hugs- email me anytime if you wish.

Kimberly Eisenhut I just sent a zio a few days ago . Wore it for two weeks this time . Was on Metoprolol 12.5mg tried o ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut I just sent a zio a few days ago . Wore it for two weeks this time . Was on Metoprolol 12.5mg tried on e, then twice a day, gave me extreme palpitations, ectopic beats and was horrible. Got me into sinus rhythm, but was horrible. Had to stop it now and just waiting to see electrophysiologists again on March 3rd. She just keeps saying I have 3 choices; Metoprolol, Metoprolol plus Flaicenide, only Flecainide and ablation.
Has anyone here or you, Kate, have taken Flaicenide? I know you struggled with pericarditis, but not recurrent correct? I'm on weekly injection now if Rilonacept (Arcalyst). It's only three mg that stopped my body from attacking my pericardium and keeping my inflammation (CRP) down in normal range now for past 8 weeks. I'm grateful for that , but my heart did not automatically go back to sinus rhythm afterwards, do I'm just stuck in this back and forth rhythm. I'm still hopeful it me resolve. Anyone had an ablation, it doesn't sound like it's very effective and I do not need yet another problem.

gary biggargot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Scott Mills writes, "Hi Gary,

I missed a comment that you had sent regarding an angiogram. I did have a few, and one was close to surgery just to make sure all was well. ...Read more

Scott Mills writes, "Hi Gary,

I missed a comment that you had sent regarding an angiogram. I did have a few, and one was close to surgery just to make sure all was well. What is your status? Have you had the surgery, or have a date? I've started volunteering at St Marys, I'm there on Friday mornings between 6-9am Scott"

gary biggar Scott, had an angio Jan 27. A couple areas of concern, no stents and no discussion on implications ye ... Read more

gary biggar Scott, had an angio Jan 27. A couple areas of concern, no stents and no discussion on implications yet. March 3 cardiologist appt to learn more. Had another echo yesterday at SMH (3pm). No surgery date set. I’m guessing they’ll do CABG (5 blockages, bifurcation and trifurcation) while they’re in there. I appreciate the reply. Will look for you if and when I’m by next. Be well, and be strong. Cheers

Darrell Malonegot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Scott Mills writes, "Hi Darrell,

Hope all is going well on your end? I wanted to touch base with a few Ross patients. I've noticed the last few months that I've been having ...Read more

Scott Mills writes, "Hi Darrell,

Hope all is going well on your end? I wanted to touch base with a few Ross patients. I've noticed the last few months that I've been having some dizziness, and not related to exercise. Wondering if its my iron (I'm still super low, or perhaps the beta blocker). Did you ever experience dizzy spells during recovery during the first year? Scott"

Upcoming Surgeries

Susan Cannizzaro
Mitral Regurgitation
February 24, 2026

Kevin Grant
Mitral Regurgitation
February 26, 2026

Jodi Schellenger
Aortic Stenosis
February 26, 2026

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