Dear Jim, I apologize for not address the fact that this is a second surgery for you. I have great empathy for what that means in mental and physical upset. ...Read more
Dear Jim, I apologize for not address the fact that this is a second surgery for you. I have great empathy for what that means in mental and physical upset. I am so sorry it's necessary. I just wanted you to know that many people older than 70 or 75 have successfully gone through open heart surgery and that you are a young pup in your fifties. Jim, no one but you can fight for your life. The doctors can help and loved ones can care and encourage, but you are the one who will do it. Our bodies are made to keep us out of danger and those emotions are brought up each time we face something like this. Your last surgery is in the past. Your new lease on life is on the other side of the next one. With deepest respect for your strength and bravery facing this, I wish you the very best.
Ellen Higgs Thank you so much Patricia - I love what you said and will share with Jim.
Hello Ellen and Jim. Please don't be worrying about age in OHS for valve replacement if Jim is healthy. I was 74, in good health and normal weight and was being ...Read more
Hello Ellen and Jim. Please don't be worrying about age in OHS for valve replacement if Jim is healthy. I was 74, in good health and normal weight and was being monitored and told I would have surgery within 6 months as my fatigue increased. I won't lie, I was scared spitless. One day, I offered to watch 2 young grandchildren for 8 hours during a family emergency and had a mild heart attack. I had planned a little in my head, but did not know which hospital, what kind of replacement, met my doctor for the first time the night before OHS surgery, etc. All went well - walking the next day and on only Tylenol by the third morning. Went to rehab and met an 87 yr old OHS-AVR patient. I will be 77 and do my own housework and have cooked all but 3 of our meals since covid began. My little Piggy valve and I are getting along just fine. I can't stop you from being concerned, but I can encourage you to be hopeful. Sending prayers for peace and comfort. You've got this Jim. PS. My mother had her OHS-AVR at age 70 and lived 16 more active years.
Ellen Higgs Thank you Patricia! So you had a full open heart procedure? Jim’s first surgery, just 3 years ago ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Thank you Patricia! So you had a full open heart procedure? Jim’s first surgery, just 3 years ago, was a minimally invasive approach - so a mini-split. Our surgeon said he will be in ICU for at least 48 hours (which was also the truth with his last surgery) and then moved to a regular room - where he’ll stay for another 3 - 5 days. Jim’s memory is wrapped around the waking to the intubation tube, very scary for him and then being put on medications that made him feel very off. The surgery will require more manipulation this time around, but are hopeful that Jim will come of it well and perhaps even feeling better. Our current surgeon feels that with the new size valve he should notice an overall difference once he is all healed up.
Hello Ellen, I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve and in 2016 I had severe stenosis and heart failure. Open heart surgery in 2016 was performed and ...Read more
Hello Ellen, I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve and in 2016 I had severe stenosis and heart failure. Open heart surgery in 2016 was performed and my valve was replaced with a 25 bovine valve, and I also needed a pacemaker after surgery. The valve failed this year (less than 5 years), I was in severe heart failure again and this time I went to Cedars Sinai and had another one put in. This time I was able to get the TAVR procedure and they had to put a 29 bovine valve in. If he needs a second valve replacement operation look into a very good hospital & DR. that can evaluate him and see if he is able to have this procedure. Sending healing thoughts.
Ellen Higgs Hello Patricia, wow, thank you for sharing your story. What we found out is that his aortic bovine v ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Hello Patricia, wow, thank you for sharing your story. What we found out is that his aortic bovine valve is doing ok. Although it does have plaque on it already it really wouldn’t need replacing right now, but his Aorta has dilated. I guess in patients, born with a bicuspid valve, this is seen often. The timing is terrible since it’s just 3 years after his original surgery. We do not know if surgery will be recommended right away or if he will be monitored. The procedure he’ll go through is call Bentall and it will be a one piece placement of the Aorta and a new aortic valve. I’m just learning about it. The fact it will require a full split for the operation is scary. We are to meet with a surgeon who specializes in this surgery in the next two weeks. We’ll bring our questions and concerns and hope to walk out feeling better. And WOW - 71 years young!…outstanding!…and very encouraging.
Please watch this video in it's entirety.I am sure you will gain some knowledge about re-operations that you may not be aware of .The collective experience between these two surgeons is perhaps unparalleled.Good Luck!
Mount Sinai aortic valve specialists discuss bicuspid aortic valves, the issues they may present, and options for patients
Ellen Higgs Thank you John. I will watch that video. Jim will be going through a procedure that will replace hi ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Thank you John. I will watch that video. Jim will be going through a procedure that will replace his Aorta with the aortic valve. It’s a one piece system as I understand it. It’s all new to me and I’m researching now. We are suppose to schedule with a surgeon in the next two weeks that specializes in this procedure. I wish it didn’t involve a full split opening, but from what I hear it’s necessary. Thank you again for this information.
Yolanda Algarra posted a note for Ellen that says:
Thinking about you guys and also keeping you both in my prayers for the best outcome possible after all the tests and necessary interventions. Keep your spirits ...Read more
Thinking about you guys and also keeping you both in my prayers for the best outcome possible after all the tests and necessary interventions. Keep your spirits up, knowing that you are living in a time in which we have so many medical advances related to heart conditions.
Ellen Higgs Thank you Yolanda - I am keeping my focus on the moment and taking one step at a time. My husband i... Read more
Ellen Higgs Thank you Yolanda - I am keeping my focus on the moment and taking one step at a time. My husband is still processing all the information. I'm so grateful for your prayers!
Good luck on the CT tests, hopefully they can treat the valve rather than replace. But even so, there are so many options out there for those of us who had ...Read more
Good luck on the CT tests, hopefully they can treat the valve rather than replace. But even so, there are so many options out there for those of us who had AVRs
Ellen Higgs Thank you Joan. The CT showed Jim’s aorta is dilated. This is related to him being born with the ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Thank you Joan. The CT showed Jim’s aorta is dilated. This is related to him being born with the bicuspid valve according to cardio doc. It’s unfortunate, because often this is seen at the time of the aortic surgery and they can take it care of it during a single surgery. In Jim case, for some reason, the dilation has happened in the last year. So, we will see a surgeon for next steps.
Ellen, some doctors suggest that the Mediterranean-food diet is a good choice for heart valve patients. I really like the fresh olive oil and balsamic ...Read more
Ellen, some doctors suggest that the Mediterranean-food diet is a good choice for heart valve patients. I really like the fresh olive oil and balsamic vinegar salad dressing that is a staple of the diet. My next goal is to eliminate most, if not all of my current dairy intake. Also, I have an X2 daily elixir of apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp); pomegranate juice (1 tbsp); in a glass of orange juice (10-12 oz) which is a healthier and refreshing change to dairy.
Ellen Higgs Hello Tom, thank you for that information. I am a somewhat of a health food nut so I have had Jim on ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Hello Tom, thank you for that information. I am a somewhat of a health food nut so I have had Jim on a very heart healthy, fresh diet. I also began to incorporate more of the Mediterranean foods - I LOVE IT personally. He’s not big into vinegar, but he eats it because he knows it’s good for his body. Wish I could save him from a second surgery so soon after his first, but at least there is an option to replace the bovine and the aorta at the same time.
I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep both of you in my prayers. My bovine has lasted 6 years so far with no problems. As one messenger ...Read more
I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep both of you in my prayers. My bovine has lasted 6 years so far with no problems. As one messenger noted it all depends on each individual's body chemistry as to how your body will react. Please keep us posted.
Ellen Higgs Thank you Gerry. I’m so glad to hear your bovine is doing so well. Did you originally have a bicu ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Thank you Gerry. I’m so glad to hear your bovine is doing so well. Did you originally have a bicuspid aortic valve? Not sure what valve you had replaced.
Hang in there. All of us who've gone through valve surgery are pulling for you. One point: the Doc who diagnosed my infective endocarditis ...Read more
Ellen
Hang in there. All of us who've gone through valve surgery are pulling for you. One point: the Doc who diagnosed my infective endocarditis made a very strong point to me. Never apologize for a second (or third) opinion. Be an active patient (or patient-supporter -- you seem to be doing that already), and ask questions till you have a sense that you understand. Take your time, at your pace.
pulling for you and your husband
Gina G Hi Ellen. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s plight. I’m in a similar situation, though ... Read more
Gina G Hi Ellen. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s plight. I’m in a similar situation, though my affected bovine valve is the tricuspid. I had an isolated tricuspid valve replacement with an Edwards Lifesciences MagnaEase valve in Sept. 2019 for a congenital defect. I learned in Jan. 2021 that it is failing. After CT scan and echocardiogram it was determined that this very premature degeneration is being caused by a defective valve itself. To say this was a shock is an understatement, so I can empathize with you and your husband.
I’ve been speaking with interventional cardiologists to hope to pursue transcatheter replacement when the time comes it absolutely must be replaced, because at 47 years old I refuse to endure a second open heart surgery a few years after the first!
I wish your husband all the best. I recommend getting a second and even third opinion, asking all the questions you need, and recording the visits as well. Please keep us posted.
Ellen Higgs Thank you Gina. I really do love this forum where we can truly share with those who understand. We ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Thank you Gina. I really do love this forum where we can truly share with those who understand. We are fortunate in that our doctors are some of the top in the nation. I do trust them. We are meeting with a very special surgeon who specializes in the procedure Jim will have to go though. Since his aorta is already at a large dilated size. and it happened within the last year, we are under a time crunch. We are in shock to some degree, angry of course, frustrated…but this was nothing that could have been predicted. While they change the aorta will they also put in a new valve so they can just get it all done at once. We will meet with the surgeon in the next couple of weeks to talk it all through and get a better understanding of the time lines. Jim does not want to go back through surgery. It was very rough for him on the first round and it was minimally invasive. This one will be a full open heart. We have a wonderful support group in our community and I know we’ll get him through it.
Civita Fahey I'm sorry to hear about his valve failing so soon. It's a fear that we all have. But hopefully, your... Read more
Civita Fahey I'm sorry to hear about his valve failing so soon. It's a fear that we all have. But hopefully, your team will figure out the best valve for him. I can totally understand the fear of going through surgery again, but, hopefully knowing what is expected will make it a bit easier. They know now the issues he had and will do what they need to avoid them. Everyone is here to support you.. We will all go through this at some point if we have a tissue valve. I wish your husband the best and I'm sure he will do just great.. Have faith..
Ellen Higgs Hello Civita - thank you for you kind words and support. It seems a bit like deja vu since it was j... Read more
Ellen Higgs Hello Civita - thank you for you kind words and support. It seems a bit like deja vu since it was just 3 years ago when he had the surgery preformed. So Jim is going through PTSD a bit - out of surgery he went septic and they had to keep him intubated for a bit longer and that was really hard. Regardless, we got through it and he is a strong man. I have faith that we are being watched over and protected.
Civita Fahey Wow, I can see how he has PTSD. I think we all have some after OHS, but with that happening, I can f ... Read more
Civita Fahey Wow, I can see how he has PTSD. I think we all have some after OHS, but with that happening, I can feel for him. But, you have faith and that along with the expertise of the team will get you both through. I strongly feel that the Lord lets us know ahead of time when things are going wrong, so it can be fixed in advance. I will keep him in my prayers.
Ellen Higgs Civita - thank you and I agree. I feel God's hands are in this…I know it's hard to understand at ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Civita - thank you and I agree. I feel God's hands are in this…I know it's hard to understand at times, but I feel Jim still has a purpose here and God is making sure he can fulfill it. I know for me, I'm just scared since I remember all the caretaking afterward. I know I have the strength and God will be there for us…I'm just a bit overwhelmed since we really are just 3 years out of his original surgery. It seems like he was finally feeling like himself. Thank you for the prayers .
Civita Fahey I understand. its a lot to take in. but you seem very strong and will be able to do it again. Let' ... Read more
Civita Fahey I understand. its a lot to take in. but you seem very strong and will be able to do it again. Let's pray this one will be uneventful. We are here to listen and encourage you.. keep us posted.
Gina G Praying for Jim and to give you both the strength to get through this, and to cope with the PTSD (whi ... Read more
Gina G Praying for Jim and to give you both the strength to get through this, and to cope with the PTSD (which I’m sure many of us here can relate too). Cardiac issues are so difficult to manage with already, but having to deal with them so soon after a major surgery is unfathomable. I too had a minimally invasive open heart surgery for my valve replacement, and it took me five months to recover, and I still unfortunately deal with post surgical neuropathy. Hoping and praying for an easier course and best outcomes for all of us dealing with these valve issues!
I’m so sorry to hear this. I was faced with a similar situation 3 years ago. I had a bovine replacement in 2015 and started feeling out of breath January ...Read more
I’m so sorry to hear this. I was faced with a similar situation 3 years ago. I had a bovine replacement in 2015 and started feeling out of breath January 2019. I did have to go through another open heart surgery and chose to get an artificial valve which has been working even better than my first one. I have to take Coumadin but haven’t had any side effects. I got the ON-X valve which is newer and needs less caumadin. I’m 58 and working full time. Best wishes to you and your husband, I think it’s scarier for the spouse sometimes!
Ellen Higgs Hello Dawn, thank you for sharing that. I’m so glad to hear you made it through your 2nd surgery a ... Read more
Ellen Higgs Hello Dawn, thank you for sharing that. I’m so glad to hear you made it through your 2nd surgery and doing well. Jim had to be on Coumadin in 2020 after experiencing Afib. He did not have to stay on it, but remember how challenging that was in terms of managing the INR. Jim is turning 59 in June and he is a construction worker - we own our own construction company. He is very active and we really would like to stay away from blood thinners if possible.
It ‘s lovely to hear from you Ellen .
You are all doing really well and you all have one another .