Don's Guestbook

Bonjour! Don - I also have an Edwards Lifesciences Magna Ease model 3300TFX bovine aortic valve since Sept. 28, 2016. Isn’t it amazing how they can take tissue from the pericardium of the cow’s heart and make it into leaflets that allow us to keep on ticking for a long time to come?! I've always loved cows - with their big beautiful brown eyes - and enjoy the sight of them chewing grass in a field. However, I will not start eating beef! I was also told that my new valve could last 20 years or longer. I read that the older you are, the longer a tissue valve lasts, which explains why younger people would opt for a mechanical valve. I asked my surgeon if my bovine valve had received an anti-calcification treatment and the answer is “yes.” I feel good about that because when a valve becomes less effective, calcification usually plays a role. A positive attitude combined with exercice (walking is a good start) accelerates healing. Best of luck in your recovery!

Don I had a bovine valve put in at 67 and now at 74 still doing good.I did not get the model you got because they did not have it then.I hope I get a lot of years.I also was in the Air Force.Good luck.

Hoping you are on the mend. I'm in the process of testing. I have a congenital bycupid aortic valve that is ready for surgery. Now they tell me there is a leak in the mitral valve as well. I'm very comcerned about where and who should do my surgery. How do you decide? My husband want to stay in town and not travel. I won't have TEE or Cath until March. The waiting is brutal. Please give me some advise on how to know the right thing to do. I'm extremely scared and have very little support. Thank you and praying for a complete nad speedy recovery for you.

Don, Read your latest, sounds like it is time, good luck on surgery on 31st. Will look for your updates. Positive thoughts and prayers headed your way.

Hi Don, with your current symptoms, I urge you to get them checked now and not wait until February. The change in fast and slow heart rate sounds like an arrhythmia that can put one at a higher risk for a blood clot. Also, the numbness in your left arm is a concern. You mentioned diabetes and I know from personal experience, when there is another chronic condition, we often blame that for all of our symptoms. Take care and best wishes.

I just read your journal. Yes, it's always a little shocking when they tell you it's time to get the surgery. I just want to say I was 63 when I had my aortic valve/root replacement and I turned 64 shortly after (like 2 months later). It is so normal to have apprehensions and worries about it all but I can honestly say it was not as bad as I had conjured up. I am one year post op and doing great. Just keep yourself busy and before you know it, you'll be on the other side of this mountain. Recovery takes a bit and that was the worse for me because I just hated having to depend on others. You will do good!