Kim's Guestbook

Hi Kim! I too faced the same agonizing decision when I had to have an aortic valve replacement. I was so torn but finally decided on the On-X. At the time, there was a study going on for the On-X mechanical valve and I joined it. I was provided with my own monitor to use at home. However, during the first few works after my surgery, I did go into the clinic to be monitored. I am happy to say that after 12 years since my operation, I am doing wonderful. One reason I also chose the On-X is that I was told it was quiet and, in deed, it is! Two important things to remember: Be sure to faithfully monitor your blood each week or whenever you are required to do so, so your doctor/clinic can help you make appropriate adjustments with your coumadin (warfarin) if you are out of range (too high or too low). Secondly, try not to miss any doses. If you do, consult your medical provider as soon as possible. It was aggravating at first not being able to eat all the Vitamin K I used to, but you learn how to adjust and work with your coumadin (warfarin) dosage. I pray all goes well with your recovery. God Bless.

Hey Kim good luck for the Surgery tommorrow. I am 51 and have a Bicuspid Aortic Valve. I have my Cardiologist appointment tommorrow and I also expect to be told it has degraded to the point of Surgery! Hope it all goes well for you

I am 78 and 16 years ago I had open heart surgery for aortic stenosis due to two murmurs. One genetic and one from rheumatic fever as a teenager. I have done beautifully to date. I have a pig valve and no issues so far. Good luck to you.

Thinking of you, Kim. You're almost there. It will be over before you know it and you will be in recovery. Just remember that the statistics for a successful surgery are way in your favor! (that's what I tried to focus on this past March:). Remember to ask for whatever you need, don't hesitate. You will be exhausted, but you will also get more energy pretty quickly. Think short term for long term gain. Best to you, you got this gurrrl!

Congratulations Kim! The other cool thing about the onyx, every now and the the folks that make the valve will cut some rings out of the material used to make the valve. They ask your ring size and cut/send you one when they do it. I wear mIne on a medic alert tag chain on my neck. Good luck, thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I had a similar difficult choice at age 60. I chose the bovine valve because I wanted to avoid blood thinners if possible(not everyone with a xenografts does) and there’s a fair chance either I won’t have to do another replacement or if I do it will be a much easier process thanks to tech and innovation improvements. Not saying this to get you to reconsider. I don’t think there is a wrong answer here, so I wouldn’t stress about the choice. 7 years later I’m feeling great and if it wasn’t for the scar you wouldn’t know I had the surgery. I wish you luck and a speedy recovery.

Hi Kim - I'm 60 years old and was diagnosed with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve as was my younger sister (4 years younger). We both had the Trifecta GT Tissue heart valve implanted (she in July 2017, me on October 17, 2017). I went through all of the pre-surgery tests, meetings and scheduled my surgery early in the morning. I was amazingly calm that Thursday morning, and went home five days later. I returned to work in January 2018. My surgery was performed by Dr. John Rhee at Virginia Hospital Center/Mayo Clinic in Arlington, Virginia. In the weeks after your surgery, you will look back and say that was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Good Luck!

Hey Kim, Great to see the patient feedback regarding your valve selection for your upcoming surgery next week. Fyi, I received an email from a heart valve expert this morning. He read your story and wanted me to ensure you knew about the PROACT Xa trial for the On-X mechanical valve. Here's some information about that -  https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/proact-xa-clinical-trial/

Hi Kim, I am 52 years old and had my aortic valve replacement and triple bypasses 9 weeks ago on April 14th, 2021. After extensive research, I elected to have mechanical valve because of newer technology. The new valve is called ONYX which requires lower blood thinning medication of warfarin. It requires INR between 1.5 and 2.0 after 3 months of installation which is barely above normal INR of 1.1 for health people. This level of INR doesn't bother me much. It has slightly more risk than normal population. Also, there is an ongoing clinical trial called PROACT Xa that will try to eliminate the use of warfarin for people with newer ONYX valves. This trial will complete by 2024 and has been getting a lot of attention in the heart valve community. If this trial yields successful outcome, I may not have to take anymore warfarin. I like the mechanical valve because I don't want to have valve replacement again - it's one and done. I don't have to worry about redo because it should last for at least 20 years or even more. My cardiologist said I should have normal life span compared to normal population. Besides I don't think my heart wants to be stopped too many times to have surgery again for another replacement. My surgery went well. Surprisingly, I didn't feel much pain after day 2 and only took tylenols for the next 5 days. I am in cardiac rehab as of now and feeling better faster than expected. I did not want tissue valve because I have to replace it again within 15 years. And when I am older, my body may not be able to handle major trauma. They said that aortic valve replacement can be done through the groin (TAVR), but I think that is much higher risk than standard open heart surgery. And they only recommend TAVR if you are not healthy to have open heart. If I have to do it again, I would still select mechanical valve and standard open heart surgery. For me, it's better for the surgeon to see directly what he/she is working on! Best wishes to whatever choice you make! I will be praying for your successful surgery and quick recovery!

THE BEST TO YOU I GOT A EDWARDS VALVE 2 1/2 YRS AGO NOT MECHANICAL DUE TO AGE AND IN A TRAIL FEEL BOTH DRS SAY THE SAME WAY TO GO HAVE A FRIEND LIKE YOU YOUNGER GOT MECHANICAL VALVE

Hi Kim I wish you the best. I had my surgery when I was 55 and my Dr recommend tissue valve since i didn’t want to take blood thinners. And if in the future I need replacement they will do it thru my arm or groin which will be less invasive. I trust my Dr so much that I have been very happy in the last 2 1/2 years. Have a great recovery with whatever you choose.

Hi Kim, I was 58 when I had my aortic valve replaced and chose an Edwards bovine tissue valve in Dec of 2011. It wasn't a huge decision for me because of my history of bilateral beast cancer. I knew if I had a recurrence of that, it would present possible complications being on a blood thinner if I chose a mechanical valve, plus I just couldn't tolerate the thought of being on meds and keeping track of bloodwork. Quality of life was more important to me. My valve is doing fine and when the time comes for a replacement, I am hoping I will be a candidate for the less invasive replacement procedure. I understand the new tissue valves are improving as well, with an added substance that helps to prevent calcifications. It is a huge decision for most people and a very personal one. You seem like a thoughtful, thorough gal, and I'm sure with research of your own and input from your surgeon, you will make the right decision. God's speed to you!

Kim, I received my mechanical St. Jude valve in 1989. I have not experienced loud ticking or any other noises. Taking blood thinners does not bother me as I can only attribute three incidents related to the blood thinners. I have learned to interact with my doctor and keep up with my visits and tests to monitor valve. This is my 32nd year living with the St. Jude valve and I told my doctor if replacement become necessary to install another St. Jude valve. I have enjoyed an active and relatively normal life. Also, I monitor my INR reading weekly. Good luck and let the final decision be yours.