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Elaine's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Tricuspid Regurgitation, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: August 21, 2015

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Elaine Cutri got a guestbook from Tim from Australia

7 years ago (March 30, 2019)

Do you think on x valve is better than the st jude medical heart valve?

Elaine Cutri

7 years ago (March 31, 2019)

Short answer, yes due to less bruising. This is what I know. The On-X's 2 valves open fully to parallel the artery wall, the St John valve is a few degrees less. With this full opening, the blood flow is less turbulently and allows for a lower INR value (blood... Read more.

Elaine Cutri got a guestbook from Barbara Laurie

10 years ago (February 9, 2016)

Hi Elaine. I am amazed at your story, and grateful that you continue on this web site to encourage us. 50 years ago heart surgery on little ones was rare, your Mom was so courageous! I think so many people like me are concerned about recovery, this web page gives... Read more.

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Elaine Cutri

10 years ago (February 10, 2016)

Thank for the guestbook note. I think my mom is very courageous too. I've never had an ablation, so I don't know how that feels. I never noticed any pain in my heart after surgery. The sternum was sore and the breathing exercises were challenging.

Barbara Laurie

10 years ago (February 10, 2016)

Thanks Elaine, Even though I've had chronic neck pain for 22 yrs, NEW pain gets to me. The groin catheters are just at the sore stage 10 days out! Yikes, makes me worried about the sternomoty (?) but, cross that bridge.. By the way, my heart pain is less today... Read more.

Elaine Cutri

10 years ago (February 11, 2016)

Less pain today. That's good to hear!

Barbara Laurie

10 years ago (February 17, 2016)

Elaine, Hello! I was wondering if you could tell me what type of repair you had done to the tricuspid valve of your heart❤️ Btw: felling back to normal, took two weeks but now the bruising is getting better and I'm back to regular activities. Thanks for your postings😄🌹

Elaine Cutri

10 years ago (February 17, 2016)

The surgeon put a ring around the tricuspid valve to shore it up, called an annuloplasty ring. This resolved some regurgitation in the valve.

Barbara Laurie

10 years ago (February 17, 2016)

Yes, thank you, I've seen that online! You're sweet to take the time to reply, thanks😃💕

Elaine Cutri got a guestbook from Emily Rowley

10 years ago (December 7, 2015)

Hello Elaine, I read your story, which I found quite interesting. How has going through multiple Open-Heart Surgeries went, was your Surgeon concerned about scarring? I'm worried about going through my 2nd OHS let alone four, like you. What valve have you found, you have liked the best? It's confusing... Read more.

Elaine Cutri

10 years ago (December 10, 2015)

Sorry for the delay in answering your questions. It's been a little hectic this week, but I have some thoughts on the subject. Reading your story, you've had one OHS, this will be your second. I'm not familiar with mitral valves, but I think any mechanical valve requires blood thinners.... Read more.

Emily Rowley

10 years ago (December 12, 2015)

My highly experienced Surgeon would prefer a tissue valve so I can have children (do they calcify/wear out after pregnancy?). Did they say what condition your older mechanical valve was in when they replaced it? I am bit curious as to how long before surgery do they find that right... Read more.

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