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Derek's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: May 31, 2014

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Derek Owens got a guestbook from Emily Rowley

10 years ago (December 7, 2015)

Hello Derek, I saw your cow valve photo. How'd you get a picture of it? :) I had my first Repair aged 16 and now possible replacement aged 21, I'm concerned about how long a pig valve (or cow) might last in me being a young female and hearing yours'... Read more.

Derek Owens

My brother took the picture, I am actually not sure how he got the opportunity. I had my first at 16 and second at 23. So pretty similar. Both times I have gone with cow valve. I had to get a pacemaker because after the second surgery I had heart... Read more.

Emily Rowley

Wow, I wonder how he got to take a photo. My last Surgeon said how healthy my heart tissue was and I am curious (and squeamish) as to what I look like on the inside. Yes, very similar. Therefore I was wondering how long a tissue valve might last in... Read more.

Derek Owens

They inserted the pacemaker between my pec muscles and tied it down. pacemaker has made things a little harder. it was painful for a while and sometimes still can be, its uncomfortable to lay on the side of pacemaker. Yeah mostly due to the scar tissue. Yeah it is tougher... Read more.

Emily Rowley

Do you feel or see your Pacemaker through your skin? I heard about advances in making smaller Pacemakers and quicker battery changing techniques now. Do you think you might go for mechanical valve once your cow one needs replacing? That's true, more in-depth understanding. Thank you. I found out today... Read more.

Derek Owens

No cannot see it. It is under the pec. I can feel it a little bit though. yeah when I got my pacemaker a year and a half ago I was the first patient to receive the new model. I might...It's hard to even think about having to start thinking... Read more.

Derek Owens got a guestbook from Ann Jackson

11 years ago (April 19, 2015)

Derek, you are an inspiration to many people. Thank you for sharing your story. Many people of all ages will benefit from your experience and your positive outlook, as well as your appreciation of life.

Derek Owens

Thanks Ann! I hope we can all be an inspiration for each other!

Derek Owens got a guestbook from Kathy Claflin

11 years ago (April 19, 2015)

Hi Derek, my 24 yr old Son, Tristan, also had a Bicuspid Aortic valve, but a month before his 19th birthday he had the On-X mechanical valve put in, so of course he'll have to take blood thinners for the rest of his life. I was just wondering, since you... Read more.

Darlene Stoudt

Kathy, my son was 33 when he became ill with endocarditis, and also had a Bicuspid Aortic Valve where the bacteria decided to grow. His valve was also replaced with a mechanical valve for the same reason. The docs would not even consider it. Glad you asked this question, because... Read more.

Pat Bluemel

I'm 42 and got bovine because I am accident prone. I know it means another surgery in the future but given my activity level and medical history of situations that have caused bleeding in The past, we decided bovine is the best for now. There's always the hope that technology... Read more.

Derek Owens

Hi Kathy, I have got a bovine valve replacement twice now. Surgeon didn't want me to be hindered by a mechanical valve. He is strongly against them for young active patients. Once you go mechanical, you can never go back. Plus I have heard stories of them not lasting a... Read more.

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