Jason's Guestbook

Hey Jason, just read your story.  I’m in Issaquah (just outside from Seattle) so we’re practically neighbors!  Today is 3 weeks post op for me for an aortic root replacement (5.3-5.4 mm) valve sparing (bicuspid) surgery.  You’re going to do great!   Feel free to ping me if you have a need to chat more - 206-227-0423.  I leaned heavily on a few other members from this site and found it incredibly helpful so the door is open.  Peace to you and stay positive, you’re no doubt in great hands and your body is getting the intervention it needs to live a long and healthy life - you got this!!

Hey Jason,
recovery is going well. BP went a little high and heart rate was up. I called and they adjusted my meds to bring it back in since leaving the hospital. I do have some trouble sleeping at night. Laying flat in bed is just not comfortable so I have spent most nights in the recliner. I am still blessed I’m just 7 days post op. Overall recovery is going well and I’m getting a little better each day. 

I haven’t heard about the gear type sternal fixation ? Interesting…. I’m pretty sure I have the the Zimmer sternal lock blue system. I have first post op follow up next Wednesday getting a chest X-ray so hopefully I can see those babies. 

Don’t let the anxiety get to you. In the beginning I was a mess and then one day decided it was time to  only look at the positives. Good luck with your upcoming testing . You got this! 

Hi Jason ,
I ‘m very glad to hear that you have decided what kind of valve to choose .
Your mind will be at rest now . 
I have had a St.Jude’s mitral valve for two and a half years .
 All is well and I am very glad to be alive .

Hi Jason, I am 54 years old, and I also had a bicuspid valve and an aneurysm (4.6 cm), which were addressed with a heart valve replacement (tissue) and an aneurysm repair last Feb 16. It sounds like your doctors need more information from another CT, and that you have other issues that need correction. In terms of hospitalization and recovery, what I can say is that I spent 4 days in ICU (it would have been 3, but I was waiting for a bed), 1 day in a regular room, and then went home. The first days back home were tough, but I was able to sleep in my own bed (propped up with lots of pillows), and I focused on breath exercises and on using the pain medication to allow for breathing, particularly at night. I have been reducing the dose, so for that last couple of days I have been taking only 2.5 mg (half a pill) of oxy right before bed. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Hey Jason, I ended up with a on-x mechanical valve. I am obviously taking warfarin and testing at home once a week , not a big deal. I don't like being on warfarin but after going through heart surgery I would prefer not to have it again if possible. If I would have gotten a tissue valve, I probably would need another surgery at my age, who knows.

I don't hear my valve clicking like a lot of people say they do, I was pretty concerned about it at first. If I take a deep breath I can feel it , kind of like a light clunking in my chest. Even when working out at the gym I don't really hear it or feel it. It was worse at first but has definitely quieted down.

For me, the first 6-8 weeks were the worst, then I got too a certain point and everything just started feeling better, not to say that I'm 100 percent yet. I am supposed to be going back to work next week as a bricklayer, which can be a pretty physical job at times and I feel as though I am ready.

I'm personally kind of glad that I didn't go through with the ross procedure, just too many problems that could arise I think. i know a lot of people have had it and it was successful , but I just don't know if it's worth the risk. Regular heart surgery is risky enough. 

Whatever you do I wish you good luck. Tom

Hi Jason, I am only 53 and have severe aortic stenosis.  I actually see cardiac surgeon today to discuss my options.  I have never heard of the Onyx MAV valve before but I will sure look into it though; I want to make sure I don't need blood thinners, or to modify diet, or to get blood test checked regularly to test for blood clotting, also was concerned about the clicking that alot of people hear with mechanical in their chest.  But every story is different  and they will know more once they do the angiogram to know for certain what is best.  Angiogram is very easy and they partially sedate you and done before you know it.  Me personally I have done some research and Im leaning toward bio prostetic valve with TAVR in the future; modern medicine has come such a long way and hopefully will have something new by the time I need to replace valve.  It is indeed a personal choice for everyone but just thought I share with you what I know.  Hope this helps.

Hi Jason ,
I have had a st. Jude’s mitral valve . I had emergency OHS two years ago . I take warfarin . I have my INR checked two monthly . 
I hope that you are doing okay .