Hi Joseph, I am not sure if you even visit this website anymore, but if you do, I am very interested in what valve you went with. I am in the process of meeting ...Read more
Hi Joseph, I am not sure if you even visit this website anymore, but if you do, I am very interested in what valve you went with. I am in the process of meeting a surgeon at Southlake hospital in the next week and am curious on what their valve recommendations will be. I am 52 years old.
HI Joseph, I hope this finds you doing well, and feeling better than ever. I just wanted to let you know how much your posts during both our surgeries meant ...Read more
HI Joseph, I hope this finds you doing well, and feeling better than ever. I just wanted to let you know how much your posts during both our surgeries meant to me, and I wish you the very best. God bless you
Joseph Ballett Elaine I am doing fine and thank you for your note , you have brought a smile to my face . I hope al ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Elaine I am doing fine and thank you for your note , you have brought a smile to my face . I hope all is well with you.
Joseph I had a bovine valve put in Feb.2010 at age 67 and now at 72 I work out 6 days a week.I know Adam Pick choose the Ross operation as did Arnold S. Joseph ...Read more
Joseph I had a bovine valve put in Feb.2010 at age 67 and now at 72 I work out 6 days a week.I know Adam Pick choose the Ross operation as did Arnold S. Joseph how old are you and why did you choose the cow valve and how long did the DR.say they last.
thanks
Pete
Joseph Ballett Peter i picked the cow as the main reason was not wanting to be on the blood thinners, I at first pi ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Peter i picked the cow as the main reason was not wanting to be on the blood thinners, I at first picked mechanical then changed my mind, the Dr said 10-15 yrs and i have read they do last longer just depends i guess how lucky you are. The second reason is if you read the advancement in heart surgery a invasive surgery may not be needed by the time it needs replaced, what they can do now and what they will do in say 15 yrs i place my bet on technology. I am 48 and want to live a long time yet.
How did the surgeon know your ribs were clicking? And why is it a bad thing? I ask because my left rib head was giving me a slight pain, like pushing in on ...Read more
How did the surgeon know your ribs were clicking? And why is it a bad thing? I ask because my left rib head was giving me a slight pain, like pushing in on my lungs, but I had that in the past and thought it was acting up again due to the surgery. Thanks. And thank you for your comment, I loved it! That's about how I felt in his office. I hated the feeling of having to defend myself to him.
And this evening was weird. I felt things in my chest almost shifting, or I really should say settli ... Read more
And this evening was weird. I felt things in my chest almost shifting, or I really should say settling, in place. No pain, but for a few minutes, I was thinking, ok, this is interesting.
Joseph Ballett The surgeon knew because i told her they where clicking, i can feel them move or rub when i stretch o ... Read more
Joseph Ballett The surgeon knew because i told her they where clicking, i can feel them move or rub when i stretch or laid on my side and then rolled back, or cough. That pain you said you had sounds like a bite of fluid not enough to drain but enough to be a bothersome , from what my surgeon said is that the pain because the lung has not fully attached to the rib and move in unison , so the ribs move then touches the lung and causes the pain, the fluid will dry up over time. Just remind your self slow down a bit , you have been doing alot lately .
Joseph Ballett Never defend your self walk away and know in your mind that what we all have had done is what makes u ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Never defend your self walk away and know in your mind that what we all have had done is what makes us alive today.Time will tell for all of us and we will deal with if it come's up again.
Joseph Ballett Oh I forgot , if the ribs don't heal together , i think the surgeon was trying to say in a nice way s ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Oh I forgot , if the ribs don't heal together , i think the surgeon was trying to say in a nice way she would have to open me back up and re- tie them.
Thanks Joseph. It will be so nice when the healing is finished, won't it? Just keep picturing those ... Read more
Thanks Joseph. It will be so nice when the healing is finished, won't it? Just keep picturing those ribs healing together, they will, the body is amazing. I had an excellent chiropractor solve my rib head moving several years before this surgery, and since it has come back, though not as severe as it used to be, I will have them "adjust" it back into place. My surgeon gave me clearance, I am just still a little chicken but in two weeks, I think I will be ready. Did you have a mini stern? Three inch incision? I have been doing a lot, you are right, but I seriously have no choice. I have to take care of everything and everyone around here. You are lucky you have a partner. I feel a lot better moving....and when I get tired, those days I just go lie down, and listen to my body. Denial helps me move forward as well as knowing I need the right mindset to get through a lot of this. Thank you for your support!!
Joseph Ballett Christine you and so many more will always have my support, for the question about the cut no it is m ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Christine you and so many more will always have my support, for the question about the cut no it is more like 5-6 inches. I also like to Thank you for your support, every one on here is awesome it has made this journey so much easier to deal with.
Joseph Ballett Yes things went well with her , she told me i had a bit of fluid around the lung but not enough to wo ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Yes things went well with her , she told me i had a bit of fluid around the lung but not enough to worry about, she also asked if my chest was still shifting around , I said yes it was so she is keeping me on lite lifting still , also asked about sleeping on my side, again I said yes, and again i am band from doing that. The surgeon also said she would fill out my paper work so that i will not have to return to work till maybe the spring. Other than that she liked what she saw and said there would be a 100% recovery! So very good news I also told her about this site she seemed glad there was a place like this to come to for help and support.
Joan Napier Relieved to hear your good report Joseph! And it's great you will take a bit more time off of work un ... Read more
Joan Napier Relieved to hear your good report Joseph! And it's great you will take a bit more time off of work until you are fully recovered. One's health is priceless and it always comes first :)
Tammy Pilcher Great to hear Joseph! We're keeping on keeping on!
That's great news. And hooray for not having to return to work until Spring. Enjoy your family and ... Read more
That's great news. And hooray for not having to return to work until Spring. Enjoy your family and that puppy and live every moment to its fullest. I'm glad to hear that the fluid wasn't worrisome.
Elaine Foster Thanks for sharing, so glad all is going well. Enjoy the holidays with your family, and take advanta ... Read more
Elaine Foster Thanks for sharing, so glad all is going well. Enjoy the holidays with your family, and take advantage of this time off.
Tammi Gunwall Glad to hear Joseph! Thanks for the update.
Joseph Ballett Thank you ladies for your nice comments, You are all the sunshine of this site.
Joseph, just checking in to see how your appointment went. I hope it went well! Prayers for good news!
Joseph Ballett It went well thank you the way she explained it was awesome made total sense. I will write a general ... Read more
Joseph Ballett It went well thank you the way she explained it was awesome made total sense. I will write a general post later to explain how it all went down, again thank you!
Joseph, I was having some soreness in my neck and chest about a week ago every morning. I finally decided to change around the pillows I was propping up on ...Read more
Joseph, I was having some soreness in my neck and chest about a week ago every morning. I finally decided to change around the pillows I was propping up on to sleep. It helped. The soreness was gone. I think I was at too much of an angle sleeping. I just thought I would mention it. I hope you feel better soon.
Tammy Pilcher Joseph, I forgot to add that with the soreness in my chest it was hurting to breathe too. But, figur ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Joseph, I forgot to add that with the soreness in my chest it was hurting to breathe too. But, figuring out the right angle to sleep helped me. Hope it helps.
Christine pittelli posted a note for Joseph that says:
Something's not right if the pain is worse than surgery. I will share with you that at 2 months post op tomorrow, though I am doing well, I still get weird ...Read more
Something's not right if the pain is worse than surgery. I will share with you that at 2 months post op tomorrow, though I am doing well, I still get weird neck pain, collar bone pain, sometimes along breast bone, and still not 100 percent breathing deep in and out.... When I am walking it becomes easier to breath, when I slow down and go about my day, I do find at times I need to take a few deep breaths( not shallow, the kind where you breath through your nose and stomach expands out like a balloon, than a deep breath out, with the stomach going back in). I also find sometimes I may be doing too much and will sit for a while and then I feel fine. I do have some pain under my left rib cage as well at times, but all of my pain is fleeting- on and off throughout the day. I have become used to what feels like normal pain. My concern for you is that you feel like u r at week two. I hope u call your cardiologist just to get checked out. Overall I am doing well, but I know I still have a another month to go before the sternum fully heals, and everything is still finding its place back in my body - I have a planned trip to a chiropractor as soon as I get the ok. Stretches feel awesome, and so do my massages, , but they can trigger pain the following day. I don't know that any of this helps you, but I just wanted to share what my recovery is like, in case it does help you. I am sure you r ok, but I am one of those people that if I feel something concerning or a pain that is constant..., I am at the dr that day! Take care of yourself.
Joseph Ballett Thank you Christine i will keep what you said in mind i took some pain killers and i do have relieve ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Thank you Christine i will keep what you said in mind i took some pain killers and i do have relieve now . If i do not feel well by Sunday i will call the doc for monday if it gets to bad i will call 911 Thank you for your concern . just hearing from friends on here make you feel better. Thank you!
Sure. Keep us posted. You know we do care very much! 😊
Christine pittelli posted a note for Joseph that says:
Your doing well Joseph, and Happy Birthday! Driving already too. The post op time is going by fast. The way we look at things now... it does change a little, ...Read more
Your doing well Joseph, and Happy Birthday! Driving already too. The post op time is going by fast. The way we look at things now... it does change a little, doesn't it... but for the better. Life is becoming more normal and at times, when I feel overwhelmed with keeping up with things right now( family stuff) I actually stop and smile and think... I'm glad to be dealing with this. Keep taking good care of yourself.
Joseph Ballett No Christne i can't drive for another 2 weeks but i get the wife to drive me as i sit in the back I f ... Read more
Joseph Ballett No Christne i can't drive for another 2 weeks but i get the wife to drive me as i sit in the back I feel like Mr. Daisy . Just started home care as chest wound was acting up but it is not severe . I agree it does change life's outlook and for the better. Keep in touch Christine and take care of your self.
Eleanor R Waiting to drive was hard for me, too. I hated being so dependent upon my daughter and nephew, but a ... Read more
Eleanor R Waiting to drive was hard for me, too. I hated being so dependent upon my daughter and nephew, but as the time to drive approached, I was also - not scared maybe, but anxious. I just drove short distances at the beginning, making sure to avoid DC rush hour traffic, and places which would require parallel parking or large turns of the steering wheel. Of course once behind the wheel again, all was well. The only thing I have avoided so far is getting back to swimming - think I will let my sternum heal a little more before I jump back in. Sounds like you are doing great, and I wish you a happy birthday and a year filled with new days.
Hi, Joseph. I'm happy for you! You must be so thrilled the waiting is over with! I know it's difficult, believe me. Been there, done that and very soon facing ...Read more
Hi, Joseph. I'm happy for you! You must be so thrilled the waiting is over with! I know it's difficult, believe me. Been there, done that and very soon facing another one. It definitely hit home when you mentioned the fear and how you kept it all inside. My husband has been doing that as well....he is very fearful for me, but doesn't want to show it. I'm keeping it inside because I don't want to upset him...and it's a vicious cycle. So thank you sharing! Every now and then we will talk about it and hold each other. I know it will all work out in the end, because my first surgery was so successful with no complications.
Keep up the good work! One day at a time.....you will do great!
Lilly
Hey Joseph, I just found your response on my journal about your numbers. Thanks for telling me, I was wondering if anyone on here had similar numbers. Needless ...Read more
Hey Joseph, I just found your response on my journal about your numbers. Thanks for telling me, I was wondering if anyone on here had similar numbers. Needless to say, I was pretty nervous when I found out they were so bad. My surgeon said yesterday that when I'm at rest my heart is working like someone's who is running a 5k in order to just keep me alive. So I am very thankful he can do my surgery so soon.
Melinda Hacker Wow. You'll both be fixed soon. Maybe in the Spring, you'll be ready for a 5k. That's what I'm hop ... Read more
Melinda Hacker Wow. You'll both be fixed soon. Maybe in the Spring, you'll be ready for a 5k. That's what I'm hoping for. At least be ready to walk a 5k. 🌻
Tammy Pilcher Hey Melinda. You must be up late too. I'm having trouble falling asleep these days. Did you get a ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Hey Melinda. You must be up late too. I'm having trouble falling asleep these days. Did you get a recliner or are you using pillows? I'm wondering if I will need the recliner. I got one of those wedge pillows.
Joseph Ballett I got a recliner rental goes back this week but was well worth it i found the wedge was good for the ... Read more
Joseph Ballett I got a recliner rental goes back this week but was well worth it i found the wedge was good for the bed
Heh Joseph- I am unable to reply to any posts so I will send you a note. Yeah I am starting to ramp up the energy, and starting to walk around 4-5 km a day ...Read more
Heh Joseph- I am unable to reply to any posts so I will send you a note. Yeah I am starting to ramp up the energy, and starting to walk around 4-5 km a day now, feeling better, still have times of gurgling in the chest but I think that's just normal I think. I actually rode a riding lawn mower to crush the ten tons of leaves on my front lawn. not too bad. Anyway if you are having a crappy day you can call or text me at 705-794-7208 my cell phone, if you need to talk to another zipper club member, or if you want to hang out one of these days. By the sounds of it things are going well for you so that's awesome. Good things happen to good people is one of my mottos and you sound like an upstanding dude of society. We will see you soon- call anytime.
Joseph Ballett Awesome i will do that in the next few days
Joan Napier Hi Joseph, I will be thinking positive thoughts and praying for a very successful surgery tomorrow. P ... Read more
Joan Napier Hi Joseph, I will be thinking positive thoughts and praying for a very successful surgery tomorrow. Please update us when you're feeling better post-op. Looking forward to hearing good news! Joan
Joseph Ballett I will chat as soon as i can need to write more like i did today in my journal. feel free to read... ... Read more
Joseph Ballett I will chat as soon as i can need to write more like i did today in my journal. feel free to read... I believe
It's going to go great, Joseph. We're all pulling for you.
Eleanor R I hope that tomorrow is the day Joseph, I know you are tired of waiting and want to get things moving ... Read more
Eleanor R I hope that tomorrow is the day Joseph, I know you are tired of waiting and want to get things moving. Thoughts and prayers with you, and especially with your family and caretakers who have the hardest job of all, waiting and wondering while you sleep. Can't wait to hear you are in the cardiac unit and all is well. Eleanor
Joseph Ballett Again Thanks Tom and Eleanor and remember I Believe
Jacques Castonguay posted a note for Joseph that says:
Thank you for adding me to your blog Joseph. During the time that you will be off work, let me know if you need anything. I am right there. You are in my thoughts ...Read more
Thank you for adding me to your blog Joseph. During the time that you will be off work, let me know if you need anything. I am right there. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Wish you a speedy recovery and am looking forward to lots of laughs together at work.
Joseph Ballett Your real solid jack, great to know your there
Sounds like you are having a great weekend, I hope that next weekend is equally good for your family, with the hope that you will be home by then or shortly ...Read more
Sounds like you are having a great weekend, I hope that next weekend is equally good for your family, with the hope that you will be home by then or shortly afterwards. My guess is that they will enjoy having Dad at home full time for a change, and you will need to curtail your energy and enthusiasm to be on the move. I am sending you and your beautiful family my thoughts and prayers for next week and beyond, so that you have the smoothest surgery and recovery. Best wishes. Eleanor
Hey Joseph. Wow just so you know I am from Barrie too and get my zipper on the 29 gotcha by a day. We will kick this surgerys butt and be back on the horse ...Read more
Hey Joseph. Wow just so you know I am from Barrie too and get my zipper on the 29 gotcha by a day. We will kick this surgerys butt and be back on the horse in no time. Probably see you in rehab. I started at southlake and found myself at toronto general. Gotta say this is quite the experience . If you ever wanna meet and talk war stories over a beer when we are allowed to consume I am in. I know we will both fight a winning battle because we have malot riding on it family is everything. Good luck and stay in touch
Adam Pick Now, that is an amazing coincidence! You guys are going to do great! 9/29 will be an excellent day in ... Read more
Adam Pick Now, that is an amazing coincidence! You guys are going to do great! 9/29 will be an excellent day in Barrie!
Rob Broley And it's the release date for the newest archive disk from genesis the music group. Big fan and big d ... Read more
Rob Broley And it's the release date for the newest archive disk from genesis the music group. Big fan and big dork what can you do. But if that ain't a sign I don't know what is. Hehehehehehehehe
Joseph Ballett Hey Rob what part of Barrie are you in I'm in the south
Rob Broley Up by innisdale high school. Where in the south r u. How old are ya
Joseph Ballett I,m 47 and live in big bay and yonge area
Joseph Ballett Hey like your joke about thats not a scar this is mine to my wife was to ask her what king of rib sa ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Hey like your joke about thats not a scar this is mine to my wife was to ask her what king of rib sauce did she want
Rob Broley Nice over by the zehrs. Great areA. I am pretty darn close to that. Your kids don't go to innisdale ... Read more
Rob Broley Nice over by the zehrs. Great areA. I am pretty darn close to that. Your kids don't go to innisdale do they. My wife teaches there. Don't be losing sleep over this we will do fine. The sleep I am losing is because my 17 month old is teething. Talk about adding to the journey. I have been giggling to myself over it for a bit. Might actual get my best sleep in a while in the hospital. How wrong is that. Lol. I am 42 by the way
Rob Broley Rib sauce. Nice one. You sound like you have eaten at big Chris's and that other one at minuets point ... Read more
Rob Broley Rib sauce. Nice one. You sound like you have eaten at big Chris's and that other one at minuets point
Joseph Ballett Yes my son goes there what does she teach
Joseph Ballett My son is going to say hi to her tomorrow .
Rob Broley You know now we really are going to have to go for a beer. You ready for it. I know I am who is you ... Read more
Rob Broley You know now we really are going to have to go for a beer. You ready for it. I know I am who is your cardiologist
Rob Broley Is your don in her class if not no worries tell him to say hi anyway probably help his worries out . ... Read more
Rob Broley Is your don in her class if not no worries tell him to say hi anyway probably help his worries out . What's his name
Joseph Ballett It's easy to say not to lose sleep but so hard to do so many little things to do before the 30th thi ... Read more
Joseph Ballett It's easy to say not to lose sleep but so hard to do so many little things to do before the 30th this is cool having someone close by going though the same thing cool..... very cool
Joseph Ballett His name is Travis not in her class as he is in grade 11
Joseph Ballett Hey at rehab i'm thinking if we find two wheel chairs we could re in act that scene from days of thu ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Hey at rehab i'm thinking if we find two wheel chairs we could re in act that scene from days of thunder in the hospital hall
Rob Broley Yeah totally. Looks like we are walking buddies after this. I met another guy from Owen sound. He ... Read more
Rob Broley Yeah totally. Looks like we are walking buddies after this. I met another guy from Owen sound. He got his done on sept 8 at southlake and so far so good. Just told my wife and she will look out for him. She coaches ultimate frisbee. Yeah don't get to caught up in the things to do before they will be there after. You get a little selfish and take care of número uno in these days.
Rob Broley Okay but I might have to pull a Ricky bobby on ya all. And for sure beer for the winner. We will ha ... Read more
Rob Broley Okay but I might have to pull a Ricky bobby on ya all. And for sure beer for the winner. We will have to make sure we get in the rehab at the same time. Crap we could commute together.
Joseph Ballett Ya sure well got to go for tonight I'll get in touch tomorrow
Rob Broley Make sure you tell Travis to introduce himself to her tomorrow. She won't have a clue who he is
Rob Broley Keep on keeping on Joseph. Talk to you soon. Sleep well and turn off that mind
Rob Broley Good just watching the Derek jeter love in at Yankee stadium. What says you. Got everything ready
Joseph Ballett Some what ready still busy at work but i got help this week thought it would be to stressful doing i ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Some what ready still busy at work but i got help this week thought it would be to stressful doing it my self
Rob Broley Good stuff who is your cardiologist? And what r u packing for our little stay at the hospital
Joseph Ballett Doc dibble, not sure they said not to take gadgets as you won't be able to always watch it, so i gues ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Doc dibble, not sure they said not to take gadgets as you won't be able to always watch it, so i guess just robe and slippers have the kids bring in music from time to time
Joseph Ballett I rented a power lift chair this week also
Rob Broley Yeah I got my wife to bring in cell phone, iPad crap like that. I have dr mcclelland. He is the new ... Read more
Rob Broley Yeah I got my wife to bring in cell phone, iPad crap like that. I have dr mcclelland. He is the new guy from Nova Scotia. He commutes back and forth every weekend but he is a hoot I tell you
Rob Broley Nice where did u get that from and if u don't mind me asking how much and how long
Joseph Ballett I called shoppers drug health care at 705 721 1261 $150.00 plus ten bucks for delivery they had to g ... Read more
Joseph Ballett I called shoppers drug health care at 705 721 1261 $150.00 plus ten bucks for delivery they had to get it sent from Toronto, 3 position rental for the month , should show up on friday the 3rd before i get home
Rob Broley That's not bad still all. I am gonna try the ole lazy boy at first but if it's too painful the shoppe ... Read more
Rob Broley That's not bad still all. I am gonna try the ole lazy boy at first but if it's too painful the shoppers might be getting a call.
Joseph Ballett a few people said it was worth it so why not i thought
Rob Broley Yeah for sure I didn't even think about it. I know my 82 year old dad has one and he loves it. I thi ... Read more
Rob Broley Yeah for sure I didn't even think about it. I know my 82 year old dad has one and he loves it. I think he's sitting in it ever darn time I am over there. At least there is gonna be a bunch of sports on while we are taking this on
Joseph Ballett yes and set of disc for son's of anarchy plus lots of books and i want to take some coarse's
Joseph Ballett Well my son said hello the other day , surprised your wife i think he said the had a laugh
Rob Broley Good work sounds like you are ready to roll. That's freaking awesome
Joseph Ballett Well i have to go for now i chat with you on the weekend if you like , have so much running around ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Well i have to go for now i chat with you on the weekend if you like , have so much running around on the weekend then work Monday again working till the end then i turn in my work van , but get a new one in 3 months
Rob Broley Really might have been the wrong teacher. I keep asking her if he did and she hasn't seen him. She d ... Read more
Rob Broley Really might have been the wrong teacher. I keep asking her if he did and she hasn't seen him. She does have a serious case of baby brain right now but I don't think it was her. That's a bit funny let me how check with her again. Ask hi what she looked like?
Rob Broley That's a great deal my doc didnt let me go back after summer break. I have been picking my nose all ... Read more
Rob Broley That's a great deal my doc didnt let me go back after summer break. I have been picking my nose all this time. Yeah talk to u later I go into tg hospital on Sunday for the preop.
Rob Broley Hey Joseph just got home on Sunday I was in the hospital for two weeks had an afib attack a couple of ... Read more
Rob Broley Hey Joseph just got home on Sunday I was in the hospital for two weeks had an afib attack a couple of times quite the ride holy cow. Hope your op went better than mine
Joseph Ballett hey bud i got home sat. i was delayed one week they cancelled first within 12 hours of it , how you ... Read more
Joseph Ballett hey bud i got home sat. i was delayed one week they cancelled first within 12 hours of it , how you doing
Hi Joseph,
Yours is a similar story to mine. I am coming up on my one year anniversary since surgery and am feeling great. If you have time take a look at ...Read more
Hi Joseph,
Yours is a similar story to mine. I am coming up on my one year anniversary since surgery and am feeling great. If you have time take a look at my journal, it may give you some insight as to what you are going to experience. For me it was not as bad as I had anticipated and I wish you the same. If you have any questions please ask.
Take Care, Dan Sinclair
Joseph Ballett Thank you very much i will read your journal
Hi Joseph,
Did the surgeon mention how long he thought your tissue valve would last? Did you have any choice in which type of tissue valve you would receive? ...Read more
Hi Joseph,
Did the surgeon mention how long he thought your tissue valve would last? Did you have any choice in which type of tissue valve you would receive?
Thanks, ~Jason
Joseph Ballett I told her what i knew 10-15 yrs they last maybe a 25% chance that it would have to be replaced, t ... Read more
Joseph Ballett I told her what i knew 10-15 yrs they last maybe a 25% chance that it would have to be replaced, told her of the technology i knew they are working on , the choice is yours my friend and it is a choice you will question over and over and when you think you got it right , over again.
Joan Napier Jason, I was told the same info as Joseph- the tissue valves (porcine, bovine, or homologous) last an ... Read more
Joan Napier Jason, I was told the same info as Joseph- the tissue valves (porcine, bovine, or homologous) last an average of 15 years. My surgeon said porcine (pig)and bovine (cow) are equivalent with no advantage of one or the other. There are also equine (horse) valves but that one was not offered to me. Human valves are hard to come by. The pro with tissue valves is that no lifelong coumadin is needed, and the con is the need for repeat surgery. The mechanical valves are usually permanent but require lifelong blood thinners. For those like myself who are not good candidates to be on blood thinners, a tissue valve is best. My doctor believes that in 15 years, the procedure to replace the MV in a minimally invasive way will be perfected, as it already is for other valves. He did say valve choice was my decision.