Jason's Guestbook

Hi Jason, Goodluck to your surgery, I\'ll keep you in my prayers! I too had my Mitral Valve Replacement 3yrs ago... I am now in coumadin for life because my valve is mechanical. Hope that you can have a right choice. Always pray! God Bless! andro d.

Jason, I have mitral valve prolapse with a possible torn chordea and as of recently palpitations which I am controlling effectively with propranolol (a very safe beta-blocker) I will be undergoing robotic surgery to repair the valve sometime next month. It seems that we are not alone. best of luck to you!! Terry

Hi Jason, that\'s terrific that the cath was clean! that\'s huge.... I too am not looking forward to mine, but it\'s a necessary evil. Good luck with what\'s to come. Nancy H.

Hi Jason, welcome to HVJ a great group of helpful folks. I too had numerous chordae ruptures prior to my MV repair 13 yrs ago. In my 30\'s had ASD repair, 40\'s MV repair with Duran Ring, 13 yrs later this past yr MV replacement On-X mechanical valve. I too was a nurse for many years. I did not really have a choice as to type of valve which I was prepared for sometime that since all 3 were sternotomies, risk too great to reopen another time. There was of course a temendous amount of scar tissue in chest and heart itself this last surgery. INR/PT levels are all over the place. Keep posting as I am sure you will be a great resource to many others. We are all here to support through the triumphs and struggles which I myself have had my share recently as well. I found that taking sometime to read others journals to catch up was really helpful. Take Care Susan V NC

Hi Jason, The cath is a total piece of cake. I found it so interesting to be able to watch the monitor and see the cath. Truly amazing! They went through my wrist instead of groin. I had my aorta valve replaced with a bovine tissue valve. With all the activities that Dwight and I do, including riding motorcycle, I didn\'t want to be on a coumadin regiment and risk bleeding. My new valve is working wonderfully, and I feel 120% better then I did before my surgery, which was another piece of cake, in my opinion. I found the whole process to be a positive experience. And I hope that it proves to be one for you, too. Just remember, the power of positive thinking and prayer go a long long way. All my best, Diana

Hi Jason, I had MVR in July \'10. I was undecided on which valve to go with until days before surgery. Finally decided on a tissue valve and have no regrets. Plenty of others have chosen mechanical and have no regrets. It\'s a personal choice for sure. When you feel at peace with your decision, you\'ll know you made the right choice for you. Best of luck! Kellie

Hi Jason, God Bless you and your wife and the decision you will be making. Being new to this as well, the decision process is quite interesting, but you will know what is right for you. Good luck. Nancy H.

I\'m in a similar situation as you, but we have very long wait time up here in Canada... Also, cordal ruptures can happen in many ways, such as during high voltage electrocution. anyway good luck with your surgery. pete

Welcome Jason, So glad you found us. This site is totally amazing and so are the people on it You will find a lot of answers to questions from people who have been through it all. Keep us up to date as you travel your journey. Diana

Hi Jason & welcome. You are right - the journals are a great idea. Reading them is a good way to prepare (along with Adam\'s book which you\'ve already discovered). The doctors can tell you a lot, but knowing what individual patients have gone through provides another perspective. I had aortic valve replacement in July along with some work to bypass a narrowed aorta - feel free to take a look at my journal if you like. I wish you the best with your surgery & recovery. Take care, Joy Vera

Hi Jason, Welcome to HVJ. You have found a really great site to get information from patients who faced exactly what lies ahead for you. Hopefully you have already gotten Adam\'s book to begin your journey with. I went through AVR surgery in May at the age of 49 after a lifetime diagnosis of aortic stenosis with regurgitation. ven though I had my entire life to ready myself dor this, it is still shocking when your cardiologist tells you it is time. Hopefully you have had sometime to read thorigh some journals, as well as Adam\'s book. This will help you as you have meetings with your surgeon candidates and choosing a hospital. I wish you the best of luck. If I can help let me know. I am relatively local to your location. Best regards, Mark Keller, TX

Hi Jason Welcome to a great group of fellow heart members. We\'re quite a club and we\'re from all over the world. Glad you read Adam\'s book. My other advise would be to read as many journals as you can, you will learn a lot. Take a deep breath, you\'ll do well. With the Lord at your side how can you go wrong? Fran