Maureen's Guestbook

Maureen Breault  I haven't had anything like that. Not even sure what that would feel like. I do hear my valve pumping at night if I lay on my side or in a quiet moment. I'm back to teaching fitness and was able to do some hiking in VA. The sustained climbs were hard in the heat there and I had to stop several times to rest. Sorry I took so long to respond, I haven't been checking the blog as often!

Linda Lloyd  I have a bovine tissue valve from my AVR 13 years ago when it was damaged from ablation surgery (so aortic valve was fine to begin with). At the time I was told that it’s shelf-life was an average of 10 years, and it would need to be replaced (whereas a mechanical valve likely wouldn’t). I chose the tissue valve due to the QOL issues that (interestingly) the article mentioned (first time I've seen that in print--Thank you for posting !). Most cardiologists at the time would have recommended a mechanical valve though (due to my age--55).
It’s still functioning (I’m now 68)—albeit moderately calcified, but no activity restrictions so far (I have an unrelated tricuspid valve problem which will prompt OHS surgery sooner than the AVR will wear out, at which point they will replace both, so as to not require a third OHS). They also suggest that the reason that my bovine valve is still doing as well as it is, is related to a number of factors: low blood pressure (reduced stress on the tissue valve); pristine blood work (plaque and associated “crud” did not collect on the valve as quickly, although it is beginning to be calcified; that’s the nutrition connection); no infection from dental work, due to antibiotic use (septicemia is deadly for a valves, because as porous tissue they act as a “sponge” for bacteria running through your blood stream, which results in infection--i.e. endocarditis with a high mortality rate). Hoping this helps clarify a bit? For sure, it's a difficult decision (and for me it was made in an emergency situation, so I couldn't weigh alternatives at the time; I can't say that I would have chosen differently however). I'm so pleased that folks can now weigh in on issues to consider in forums like this, and also have access to a literature base, to help make an informed decision...

Maureen Breault  I decided on a mechanical due to my age, 56, I don't want to obviously go through OHS again. Pig and bovine valves supposedly only last 12-15 years. I'm working on getting my INR levels where they need to be, testing every week and adjusting medication. Actually during surgery the doc discovered my bicuspid valve was healthy, my enlarged ascending aorta was the main problem, which was replaced along with the valve. I hear it working sometimes but it's kind of reassuring! I think you have to take into account your age with the choice of valve. The newer mechanicals require less meds so that was a factor for me. You have to do what's right for you!

Maureen Breault  Just saw this; also sending you positive thoughts for the day; would love to be in touch to take the journey together. Thank you for reaching out,
Maureen

Heidi Tragesser  Thanks- i am getting really nervous but I am trying to stay as positive as possible. I am having the surgery 2 hours away from my home. The surgeon wants me to stay in the area for a week after the surgery so I will be staying at a hotel close by the hospital. Luckily, it is in La Jolla Ca , which is a beautiful place but ....I joke to my husband that I had to go through open heart surgery to get a vacation in La Jolla! Do you live close to your hospital?

Maureen Breault  Me too, anxious, but trying to stay busy and calm. My hospital is 2 miles from my house, I'm checking in for an angiogram Monday early afternoon and having all the pre op done then, staying the night. I like that plan; less chance of not showing up the next AM and my husband and I can get acclimated. Hard for you not to go home right away but there are worse places!

Joanne Casserly  I have a question, I don't wear a bra, really never have, do I need to? Forgive me if this sounds stupid

Denise Campbell  I don't think you need to ohs reasons. The bra is annoying to your incision. I'm at 9 weeks post op and it still annoys me. Are they repairing or replacing your mitral valve. ?