Brent's Guestbook

Sorry I am getting to you late in the process.  My case was exactly like yours - I was asymptomatic and  if not for a chance to participate in some research I wouldn’t have known i had my bicuspid valve.  Had mine done 8 years age at age 60.  It was a hard six months recovering, but really ended up pretty much a none event in my life.  I wish you luck in recovery.  JUST DO WHAT THEY TELL YOU TO DO and you’ll be fine in six months or so. 

Hi, Brent:  I am 7 weeks post mitral valve repair, caused by strep blood infection due to teeth cleaning!  I feel that doing a thorough due diligence, regarding your choices of procedure, of your surgeon, medical team and hospital, is absolutely necessary to making the best decisions.  I did that, and so did you.  It is grueling, but, once the decision is made, you can rest assured you could do no more.  I had an excellent result with my robotic repair, with Dr. Alfredo Trento, at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.  I am 81 years old, and was advised by four of my doctors to do the MitraClip pocedure.  It was the easiest route (about one week to full recovery, and no heart-lung bypass machine.  It is done through your vein, on your beating heart valve).  When my cardiologist said I might get three to five years of a vigorous life, that did it for me.  In my mind I am 44 years old!  I have kept in very good shape, and hope to hit the century mark in good shape!  I opted for the short term pain for a long term gain of open heart surgery (probable 15 years or longer durability).  Only two of my doctors recommended that.  Bottom line, it is up to you to decide what you want out of life and the risks you are willing to take to obtain it.  You made that tough decision and are now one day into recovery and the prospect of a full and normal life.  Fabulous!  My recovery has been as good as can be expected, which is great.  The most important thing through your experience, including recovery and any setbacks, I have found to be a positive attitude.  That will guarantee your best result and make your ordeal a whole lot more tolerable.  Keep the faith and keep on truckin'!  In very short order, you are going to be one healthy, happy man!  Skip

I had aortic bicuspid TAVR done 5 years ago and doing very well today at age 74. I was a Run, Bike, Swim enthusiast and am still very active. I was scared to do my procedure, but followed through and believed in my surgical staff. You will be amazed at how quickly one can recover.  You are in my prayers all day on Sat. We ❤ you and send virtual hugs!

Hi Brent you have made the right decision, the longer you wait the more risk is involved, and at your age the operation will be no problem. My first valve lasted 10/11 years and have a 2nd valve now (Edwards Resilia). Don't worry about tomorrow, you will be in the hands of experts. You will do fine. Best wishes 

Good Luck Brent, I went through valve surgery 10 yrs ago with no support, Just follow your caregivers guidelines , you look fit and I’m sure you’ll recuperate quickly.

Prayers and Blessings 

Hang in ! I had 2 valve repairs August 7 2019 .. no pain .. depression is a bit much being on the heart lung machine - it lasted exactly 3 weeks as my amazing heart surgeon said it would - — stay strong !!!! Many well wishes … 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🐰

Brent, your story sounds almost identical to mine. I found out when I was 40 years old that I had a BAV, but I didn't need surgery until this past August at 62 years old. I didn't have any symptoms either, but my numbers were pretty scary. I had an annual checkup every year with the cardiologist and last year's echo etc. confirmed that it was time to operate.  I have a bovine valve now and also had the root reconstruction. The surgery went well and I feel good. My wife and I will pray for you on Saturday. You'll do great!
Tim Hamilton 

Best of luck tomorrow !! I am 6 months post op and 50 years old . Had a tissue  valve put in at the Cleveland clinic . My journey sounds the same . No symptoms my entire life and very active lifestyle . Was scared out if my mind but did amazing through it all. There will be rough patches and times you are pushed mentally and but you got this !!! Praying for you . 

Hi Brent, So happy you are on the road to better a health outlook. 4 years and counting on mine. They told me I was the calmest AVR patient they had had in years. Told them about this wonderful supportive  site and the information. Most importantly, I watched a video of an actual AVR...for some that would be a turn off...for me it was super reassuring knowing what was to come and how well that patient did afterwards. Come back to the site afterwards to ask questions...is this normal or not???? We're here for you. Good luck to you and a wonderful future to come.....Joan in San Antonio

Best of luck to you Brent… you did your homework and trust your gut.   You got this!!! I know it’s scary but you got this.  Prayers for a smooth surgery and even smoother recovery!🙏🏻💕

You've done all you needed to do pre-surgery...gathered information from trusted sources, weighed the options, settled on the one that's best for you, and haven't looked back. I know you'll handle recovery the same way. I went with a tissue aortic valve replacement as well. Had the surgery on my 64th birthday last June. Get up and move as soon and as much as you can. Expect some atrophy in all muscle groups you'll not be using as much as you had been, but that will reverse in time. Appreciate your support team, and hug any nurse you encounter along the way. Best to you...

Hey Brent. I chose a Medtronic Freestyle Porcine valve and I’m still going strong 13 years later. I had the same reasons as you about going with the tissue valve. I was 55 and active at the time of my surgery. I’ll be 68 this year and still do everything I did when I was much younger. No limitations. I also had a Dacron sleeve added to my ascending Aorta to repair an aneurism. You’re young and in good health. The surgery will be a breeze and you’ll be on your way to a full recovery in no time. God Bless!

Hi Brent, Just wanted to say best of luck for your surgery and recovery! I know its scary but you will be feeling much better before you know it. I had open heart surgery two yrs ago at age 48 (severe mitral valve leakage) and I honestly forget I ever had it done now! Hang in there and take it day by day. You're gonna do great! 

Go Brent go!!! You have definitely done your due diligence now, so go forward with confidence. As others have said, there will be occasional blips in the healing/rehab  process, but hang in there and all will be good!