Lynn's Guestbook

Lynn i hope your TAVR went well. I was curious about your situation because I am probably going to need to do a valve in valve TAVr in the near future. I also had open heart surgery and a valve replaced with Dr girardi, in March 2016. My cardiologist thinks my valve is starting to fail although i play tennis 5 days a weeki with no symptoms. In any event I wish you well and hope the procedure was much easier than OHS and successful..

I had a TAVR inside my homograft three years ago. Easy and trouble free surgery. It was over before I could have ever imagined. The original homograft surgery had a much longer recovery time. I was back home the next day. I went walking after a couple of days. Best wishes on surgery and recovery.

I am very interested in your story as I too have a bovine valve replacement in 2015 and anticipate it will need to be replaced via TAVR in the future. I however had an initial open heart in 2009 to repair the aortic valve with the knowledge it would need to be replaced and as I said it was almost 7 years later. I am currently active and get check regularity via CT and echos. Currently having some arrhythmia issues. I have heard wonderful stories about the TAVR and when it comes to my time I will handle it well too. Good luck today. Richyne

I had my TAVR on October 26th 2020. I was in the hospital day and a half, and by the time you read this you're probably at home. The prep time is longer than the actual operation itself which is only about an hour. I'm no longer out of breath I feel fine. The only thing that I felt was unable to move the tube out of your neck that's in your carotid artery. Other than that it was as smooth as butter. My first quote-unquote surgery I've ever had in my life and I'm 67 years old.

Hi Lynn, I had TAVR to replace a degenerating 2 leaf aortic valve about four years ago. It lasted about 3 years because it was a difficult fit. I tell you this because I did need a new aortic valve surgically about 7 months ago. The surgery went beautifully and I feel so much better. In the event that your new TAVR valve doesn't last as long as you want, (unlikely!) there are amazing options also in practice that everyone can be optismistic about. May your new TAVR bring you comfort and peace as you move forward. I am sure your surgeon is a winner!!!! God Bless

Lynn, I am 72 and I had a TAVR one year ago. I went into St. Joseph Hospital the morning of the procedure and went home the next afternoon feeling fine. I stayed home the rest of the week then returned to work and started going to the hospital gym for several weeks. I hope it works out just as well for you. The chances are very good.

Hi Lynn I had a TAVR two years ago this Month. I was admitted to the Mayo Clinic, Phoenix AZ on a Friday morning early. The procedure was performed about noon the same day. I was discharged the next day, Saturday at noon. We stayed on Phoenix over night just to be sure and I was home Sunday morning. I was 81 when the procedure was performed. This procedure is an amazing procedure. We wish you the best and a speedy recovery, we will be praying for you.

Hello Lynn, I had TAVR surgery, at age 76, September 23, 2019 at UPMC, Harrisburg, PA...use of Transfemoral 29mm Medtronic CoreValve Evolut Pro, Use of Sentinel Cerebral Protection System and Right Femoral artery Proglide Closure. Procedure was done via right femoral artery, L femoral artery, R radial artery, and L. femoral vein access. All went very well, and post surgery echocardiogram showed a normally functioning bioprosthetic valve with no aortic insufficiency. I was discharged the following day...only in hospital for 32 hours ! My recovery has gone smoothly...did a few weeks of cardio-rehab. You will be fine...TAVR surgery is one of God's miracles given to us through the hands of skillful surgeons and medical technology. My prayers go out to you for peace, strength and a successful TAVR surgery.

Lynn, Good luck. You're going to do just fine. I did and am 76 years old and had my aortic valve replaced eight years ago and feel great! Sending best wishes, prayers and all good thoughts. Linda S.

Jan 2018 TAVR placed through groin entrance. I was ready to go home hours after the procedure but had to wait for the entrance hole to heal enough to allow me to go home. As others have stated, “a piece of cake”. You really will not believe how easy the procedure is and how much your quality of life will increase. I would wish you luck, but they have this procedure down to a science now. You will be fine.

Hi Lyn My TAVR was on Dec 2 2020 I an a retired anesthesiologist and took care of many cardiac patients Lynn you will find the TAVR a lot easier , minimal discomfort compared to an open chest procedure The tough Part is to lie flat on your back for a number of hours with your legs straight . My only discomfort was removal of the EKG pads from my hairy chest . I wish you well . I compare the TAVR PROCEDURE to landing on the moon. amazing technology . I was discharged after one night in the hospital Best wishes,

All the very best of luck Lynn. As a bovine recipient myself, I wish you well! As you know... the Taver should be a piece of “ cake”! My prayers are with you!!!

Lynn- I had my TAVR in September and I can honestly say that the anxiety was the only issue. My sisters came to stay with me and couldn’t believe how well I was doing. Lying on your back for 6 hrs post-procedure was challenging (bedpan especially) but it is a minor detail. I briefly had elevated heart rate the first night home ( day after) and got a 24 hour heart monitor (no problems). I was cleared to drive 2days after but I waited because I was a little nervous. It still feels like a miracle to me. You’ll do great!!!

Hi Lynn I had TAVR 4/20. I was diagnosed at 59 with a congenital aortic defect that had turned to severe aortic stenosis. I had an Edwards Sapien II implanted. I stayed overnight and went home the next day. No problems with recovery. I was back to walking the next day. I feel great now and play tennis too several times a week. The only problems I have had is I developed an allergy to contrast dye and the post op blood thinners. That caused me some problems but other than that I did well. Good luck to you!