Mike's Guestbook

Hey Michael, I just saw your post about the possibility of multiple valves in valves. I thought you might like to read this - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/multiple-tavr-implant.php.

Hi Mike, I hope all is well with you. Fyi, I just received a note from Dr. Gerdisch for you. He wrote, "I learned that Mike is still in the process of finding out about his current condition. It is not true that TAVR is not used for leaking bioprosthetic valves. There are two types of prosthetic valve leaks, intravalvular and paravalvular. Intravalvular is easy to address with TAVR, paravalvular can be more challenging, but often closes with fracture of the failing valve while implanting the TAVR. It may well be that Mike needs another open heart surgery, but not certain. If he does, all of the information I provided before, still applies. Having done redo valve surgery for more than twenty years, I can confidently say that it remains the best option for patients with longevity and those with challenging anatomy. There are systematic measures to be taken to ensure both the best operation and the best recovery. Good luck. Dr. Gerdisch" I hope that helps!!! Adam

Hi Mike, I had a reoperation for the mitral valve repair I had done in 2009. In October 2019 I had my mitral valve replaced with a porcine valve. You are correct that a reoperation is more complicated. I had my replacement done by Dr. Marc Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic and he is also the surgeon that did my first mitral valve repair. Choosing a surgeon and hospital that has done a lot of reoperations is wise. Sorry for your news.

Hi Mike, Also so sorry to hear of the valve failure. Hang in there! Although it's unfortunate to have to have a redo so soon, You will get through it again. Prayers for you. If its any comfort... I just got home last week from OHS for Aortic valve replacement. Like yourself, I had regurgitation so TAVR was not an option. Anyway, about a week after the surgery, I was feeling pretty good and was set to go home. However, a CT scan showed that the new valve was leaking and had to be replaced. So I had a second OHS, just 6 days after the first. This one hit me hard and is taking longer to recover. But I'm getting better everyday. Don't lose hope!

The auras (and headaches) you describe are very common after open heart surgery. I have a history of migraines from my teenage years. Luckily for me, the headaches continued to improve for me, leaving me with only occasional auras without headaches. Fast forward to 2017, and I had open heart surgery. Post op, I had dozens and dozens of auras per day, and that scenario went on for months. The auras gradually decreased with time, and now I rarely get them. Many people on this forum have made the same comments about having auras after surgery. Interestingly enough, 2 docs I mentioned it to did not know much about the phenomenon. I hope your auras decrease with time. Wishing you all the best!

Mike, age is relevant. I had open heart aortic valve replacement (at 68) in July 2018 - very critical - calcified bicuspid valve. My surgeon at NY Presbyterian-Columbia said it could last 10-15 years - if I had it by TAVR now, when it becomes time to replace it they'd have to do open heart, and I'd be around 80 and probably not as relatively healthy as I am now. But with open heart now, they'd be able to replace it by TAVR. I had absolutely no fear going into the surgery because I had faith in my doctor. Stay calm and safe - we're all praying for you.

Hang in there. I had a pig valve that failed after 5 years. In 2016 I had a TAVI inserted. So far so good. I find Co enzyme q10 helps energy levels. Don't give up. Cheers from Australia.

Mike What tough information to receive. Hang in. Try to stay strong! For what it is worth - I had a bicuspid tissue valve OHS in 2018 with, like you, the idea of TAVR down the road. 8 weeks after the surgery I had an infection that impacted the valve....after much deliberation, the solution was another OHS. While it was not the plan! Here I am 2 years later - perhaps stronger for the better. While this is not the path you had planned - please know I am sending heart courage your way.

Mike, I was amazed to open my email and find this note from Dr. Gerdisch for you. I hope it helps... https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2020/04/10/aortic-valve-replacement-failure/. Keep on tickin! Adam