Lisa's Guestbook

Hi LIsa, This is Joe, I had valve surgery 11/2018. I choose a bovine valve. The mechanical valve option was interesting but I had no desire to be on a blood thinner that required weekly tests. I am 63, very active with activities that doctors roll their eyes and quickly add .... not recommend while on blood thinners. I will probably be taking a minimal dosage of Xeralto (10MG) for the next few years due to prior blood clots in my lungs. A big concern for me with blood thinners is was what happens if I need surgery and and also have to be on a blood thinners due to the mechanical valve. This is a question that I never asked the doctor. The good news is that my surgery was well worth the risk. I now feel 30 years younger. However, I still look 63, It turned out that open heart surgery sounded more dreadful than it was. I am very grateful for finding a team of medical professionals who helped me with these pre surgery decisions, surgery and recovery. It has been an awesome journey that involved a number of people that I am eternally grateful for their help You will need to ask your team all the right questions to come up with a decision that meets your age, lifestyle and life objectives. I am sure that no matter what direction you take the medical staff in the US is prepared to help you support your decision. After all it appears from my one experience that our heart specialists have a lot of experience dealing with these issues and trade offs between the choice of valves and blood thinners, Good luck with your surgery! Joe

I think your comment about your surgeon is very important...”he doesn’t know me best”. It so important to have complete confidence and trust in your team. Taking into consideration how you are feeling at the moment, I would strongly recommend getting a second opinion.

Lisa, Last month, I had an Edwards Lifescience Sapien 3 TAVR (with bovine valve) installed. The TAVR has become much more widely available under FDA guidelines. Although I am 71 years old, I am otherwise healthy. I had the TAVR installed due to a congenital bicuspid aortic valve and aortic stenosis that became severe over time. I went home the day after the procedure and just had to be relatively inactive and not drive for five days. I got my valve at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California which has been installing TAVRs for years.

Hi Lisa, I had a aortic heart valve replaced 2 years ago because of a heart murmur from birth and had a bicuspid valve and also a blocked artery . I was already in the hospital so I didn't have a lot of time to make a choice I decided to go with a bovine valve instead of mechanical because the mechanical was more restrictive as far as diet and medication was concerned and it would not have been a good fit for me.I Went in on the 19th and was out on the 25th was down for 2 weeks then went back to work and have had no issues since .And when the valve needs replacing again they can do it with a catheter

Hey Lisa, best of luck to you. I'm going in for an aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement on 20 Feb. Likely going mechanical route (age 47). Like you I knew this was coming at some point in my life...confirmed in Jan this yr that surgery was needed near-term. It's been a dizzying few weeks. Scared but ready to figure out what's on the other side of this. Be well, stay strong my fellow AVR warrior. Ronnie

Hi Lisa! Last May I had AVR and several other repairs for severe valve regurgitation. I was short of breath and needed surgery ASAP. I found the best surgeon and then prepared. I did not clutter my mind with scary stories. Here is what helped me get through. Stay calm and breathe after surgery. If necessary ask for something to relax you, as necessary. Anti-anxiety meds were big help in the weeks after surgery as there was a lot of anxiety. You might not have this but if you do, ask! As I able, I walked around the hospital as frequently as possibly to exercise my limbs and lungs.(often in the wee hours) I felt like I had been hit but a truck, but I understand that is common. Just observe everything you body is going through and relax. Sounds funny but enjoy the journey. Why not, what else can one do? During the months after surgery I rested and rested and rested. I have watch every movie, every TV program known to mankind! As I felt better, I would go to a nearby mall and walk up and down the mall until I was walking a mile. It is a struggle but you will do great. I am no longer short of breath or fatigued. I feel like a new person! Remember to rest a great deal, eat nutritious meals and walk, walk, walk!!!!! Please let me know how you are doing! All the best dear lady!!!

Hey Lisa, Welcome to our community!!! I hope the educational information and the wonderful people here will help you along your journey to a healthy heart! If you need anything, please let me know!