Michele's Guestbook

I joined this forum only a few days ago and I have just got around to putting some of my story on-line. Like you I had valve problems from an early age and 38 years ago had a prosthetic valve fitted. It has been a huge success enabling me to raise a family, travel and lead a perfectly normal life for many years. I have made a note of your surgery date and will be thinking of you and the changes a new valve will bring to your life throughout that day. My best wishes for a good outcome and speedy recovery. Oh. Although and Englishman, I travelled throughout North Carolina some years ago and loved it. Mike

Hi Michelle, I'm 41 and had minimal invasive aortic valve replacement with a (porcine) pig valve and had an aneurysm on my aorta replaced it with a graft. I have a very active lifestyle and going tissue was the best decision for me personally. I don't hear my valve clicking and not worry about Warfarin/Coumadin. I only take 81 MG aspirin and do not worry about my Vitamin K intake. Having a mechanical valve doesn't mean it will last a lifetime and you are more prone to getting strokes cloggs and bleeding. If I have to do this again 10-15-20 or more years then it will take its course but I would still get a tissue valve. Right now I just finished 2 week ski vacation trip with my family. Couldn't be happier with my decision. Everyone in this site has had mechanical and tissue valve and they can relate their experiences as well. Don't get me wrong, both have pro's and con's so educating yourself will have the best outcome for your lifestyle. Hope this helps.

Michele, I had my mitral valve repaired by Dr. Barry Chan at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. He is at Novant Cardiology on Hawthorne Street. He is excellent. I am very happy with my recovery. He is most current with new technologies. Good luck to you.