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

Mike I am sorry to hear your valve has failed so early on. My bovine implant lasted 11 years but within 6 months went from functioning well to failing with a torn leaflet. My surgeon indicated that OHS was the way to go since longer term data is still being collected for TAVI. I had my OHS re op 6 weeks ago and I am recovering at home, it was actually a little easier than the 1st with less chest pain and no frozen shoulder. Sounds as though you have just been unlucky and the next valve should last longer assuming no underlying issues. OHS is obviously a tougher procedure for the patient but I have bet on 10+ years and then next time I need intervention the TAVI method will be more advanced and there will be more data on longevity of this type of implant. Good luck

Mike, Joined HVS site in Sept. last year to share my story. Here is short version of past events. I understand and hope this helps. 1) 22 May 2018 -- Aortic valve replacement w/1 bypass while opened up and then wired shut. New bovine valve to last 12 to 15 years or longer. Get to see grand kids grow up!!!!! 2) 1 month to get out of bed by myself comfortably. 3) 5 months (Oct.) lost 40#s and 5 miles on treadmill, but getting weak and red blood cell problems 4) 7 months diagnosed w/ autoimmune hemolytic anemia. 5) Aug 5 2019-- 2nd opinion shows paravalvular leak non repairable after non invasive surgery to fix fails. 6) Aug 21 2019-- Redo of original surgery in full including reopening chest Mike I can tell you that it was the best thing that ever happened to me. The operation done by my doctor, Dr. Mark Gerdisch, in Indianapolis was so smooth compared to the first it was no sweat, I knew what to expect and was prepared. At his advise I was given a pig valve (Mosiac Ultra) and then closed up and secured with BluSternoloc chest plates (I think that's what they are called). I had no pain and was sitting up eating breakfast the next morning. I was then out of the hospital in 4 days. In 16 days I was back on the treadmill and at 23 days I shared a video on this site of me hitting a golf ball. Not the first pain pill. Mike I will be 69 in one month. It has been 8 months now and am very thankful for that second operation. Still on the treadmill 4 days a week and looking forward to seeing my grand kids , kids born!!!!

Hi Mike so sorry about your situation. I had bicuspid aortic valve and ascending aortic aneurysm replacement/repair on 1/14/20 at Cleveland clinic. Had recheck 3/13/20 echo ,EKG Etc. Cardiologist said all is good and hopefully stays that way. I can only imagine your disappointment at diagnosis. Please try to stay positive and I sincerely hope that your situation gets taken care of quickly! Best of luck to you

Hi Mike, I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced on 2/21/2018. I received a bovine valve and that failed December 2019. I was in shock. I made it back to Cleveland Clinic and had second open heart surgery on 1/2/2020. I am doing pretty well now.

Mike, I , too had heart surgery Jan 2019. I still get infrequent sternum pain. Cardiac surgeon was not concerned . Sooo, I guess we shouldn't be concerned about.