Joe's Guestbook

Hi, Joe. It's good to read your recovery is going so well. I haven't had surgery, yet, though Dr. Bavaria informed me it will take 90 days after surgery before I get back to 'normal.' Funny thing is, I don't remember what normal is. Before I schedule surgery with him, I'd like to ask you a few questions regarding his Care Team. Will you contact me at saj2500@yahoo.com? Thanks. Sharmin

Joe- I think that knowing you are anxious (goes with the territory) that you will be given something in order to take the edge off and that before you know it you will be waking up and aware of the fact it is all over and you are on the other side, grumpy face and all! Not making light of the situation just letting you know that it is still my belief all the waiting is the worst and when you know you are done with the surgery you have a chance to focus on being grateful it is over and think of things you will be able to do and recovering. I wish you the best and hope you will try to focus on this being the first step of your life with a healthy heart and what lies ahead......Prayers your way Heart Brother.

I just joined this group. I have Bicuspid Aortic as well. My surgery is July, 6. I will be getting the porcine valve. As soon as I was diagnosed, I began researching. From all I could determine and then confirmation from my surgeon, I went with this valve as it will allow me to function nearly normal for the rest of my life with no maintenance meds. I am 56 years old and otherwise healthy. I will be praying for your upcoming surgery.

Joe- You are a younger fellow so I have a feeling you are going to have that as a "plus" for you going into your surgery. I had valve surgery (aortic valve/bicuspid) in August. I had the full sternum "cut" and I am 66 years old. It will be 10 months for me on Aug. 20th. and I was one of the lucky ones that since I don't do well on the pain meds, was able to use Tylenol only 5 days after surgery and was home in five days also. I continued with the Tylenol only and never needed stronger meds. I was one of the lucky ones with tolerating any pain. I am overweight and not buff like Duane! but had been biking at least 5 miles a day right up to my surgery and I believe that helped with the legs being strong and able to sit up easily. I know you are worried about this(we all are and you know by this community that you were/are not alone in this. When it comes to the choice of valves I would like to mention that the technology is advancing so rapidly that by the time you need any change in valve(I chose bovine) there may be several other ways of performing surgery to give you a new one. I also trusted my surgeon and his experience in the procedure. It made me realize that by putting it into his hands to make a choice for me at the time of surgery was a comfortable choice as I had seen both valves, had held them both in my hand and had a chance before I left his office to be not only comforted at the choice but amazed that they are able to save our lives with such "gadgets"! Once you have discussed this with your surgeon I think you may be feeling better about which you want and why and I hope as your day draws nearer this is the case. I want to say what I usually write to all headed for surgery. Be confident in the surgeon and Your Team(which includes Him) for you will not find any more focused, dedicated people in your lifetime than those who will give everything they've got to see you not only survive this surgery but "THRIVE". The same goes for the nurses and experience of the ICU. They are the best! The greatest feeling for me was simply looking forward to the moment that I would WAKE UP! I was so pleased and relieved that the whole thing was behind me and from that first awareness that my life was going to continue and that my heart was mended I was internally more aware of that heart beat more than ever before. It was not as bad as the imagination at times let me believe prior to surgery and I really believe this is a very common feeling we heart brothers and sisters share. Today I walked a mile and as it was growing warm quickly and would hit 90 in the afternoon I doubled back for my bike and water and biked 6 miles around our neighborhood park. One day you will also join people who will share their stories and help you through your recovery time if needed and you will be happy to share your experiences with them for surviving Heart Surgery is an awesome accomplishment and experience that will make you wear that "chest incision" with Pride and Gratitude". I might also mention that the first walks when you get home you should take slow and easy and have someone tag along with you as you will want to share the experience of how well you are doing. Each persons rate of recovery and abilities are unique and our own. I wish you the best and hope as it draws nearer you will feel more and more confident. Take care Heart Brother-You will do well.

Hi Joe. I absolutely agree with Meredith about the positive attitude theory. It makes the idea of surgery more acceptable, and somehow seems to help during recovery. During the first few weeks of my my recovery, I was generally surprised that things were going as well as they did - and at your age, it should go very well. As for your choice of surgeons and hospitals, if you have not, you may want to just ask very direct questions regarding numbers of aortic repairs vs. replacements done, and the likelihood of repairing yours. I struggled with the same issues. People giving me some very favorable opinions about the Cleveland Clinic, and at least 3or 4 surgeons there. I opted to go with a local hospital (Morton Plant). Its heart center is fairly active and has a pretty good reputation locally. They attempted, but were unable, to repair my aortic valve. That being said, I was advised beforehand that the likelihood of repair was not necessarily good. Also, I really do not know that results would have been different at the Clinic because it is my understanding that aortic valves, unlike mitral valves, can be very difficult to repair. So educate yourself the best you can. It should make your decision less difficult. Good luck.

Hi Joe! I knew I had BAV for about 10 years prior to surgery. I was 42 when I had my surgery last year. I opted for a mechanical valve. My surgeon left the decision up to me, and strongly suggested mechanical because tissue valves don't seem to last as long in younger patients. Valve selection is an intensely personal issue that needs to be discussed with the surgeon (not the cardiologist, IMO). I made the decision only a few weeks before surgery. Yes, heart surgery sucks, and it probably won't be as awful as you think it will. The key to successfully surviving surgery and recovery is attitude. The more optimistic and positive *and informed* you are going in to the process, the faster you'll recover and avoid post-op depression. I was surprised when I came out of surgery that all I had was the new valve because it seems that a majority of BAV patients also have aortic aneurysms. So welcome, read other journals, and ask questions! -Meredith Clearwater FL area