Page's Guestbook

Page Barnes  Thank you so much! It was a rough week in the hospital with nausea and shortness of breath but I came home Sunday and am doing much better! All of the nurses and staff at Lexington medical center were wonderful. I Feel like the worst part has passed. I know full recovery will take a while. Thank you for checking in.

Adam Pick  Great point Charles... Did you know about the PROACT Xa study specific to the On-X valve? If not, you might want to check this out - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/proact-xa-clinical-trial/

Page Barnes  Hi! I found a surgeon that will do an aortic root replacement with a freestyle valve and he will replace part of my aorta as well. The freestyle valve is a porcine bioprosthesis but replacing the entire root will create a more natural flow of blood. My surgeon has done over 200 and has had very good outcomes. He is hoping I will get 15-20 years out of this as opposed to 5-10 out of the regular tissue valve replacement. I just didn’t feel at peace about the mechanical valve just yet knowing I haven’t had children but would like to in the future and am hesitant about starting Coumadin at such a young age. The mechanical valve would have lasted a very long time but the surgeons I’ve met with feel regardless of which valve I choose, I will still need a second replacement in the future because I am so young (even a mechanical probably won’t last a lifetime for me). But I know in the future a mechanical will probably be my best option for my next valve for the longevity.

Charles P  I understand that this is a tough decision for you (as well as for me!). Where are you having the procedure done? Why does the surgeon think that this particular porcine valve will last longer than other porcine valves? Hopefully the surgeon provided data to support. Good luck with your decision!

Kathleen F.  I am very happy with the Ross procedure but was lucky that Dr. Stelzer, the top surgeon for this procedure in the world, happened to be at the same hospital as my cardiologist in NY. It bodes well for child-bearing, being active and I’ve had no issues 6 years out so hopefully will not need any further replacement. Best of luck with your decision and surgery!

Kaye Lewis  Hi. I had two Replacement Valves in September 2020. The Surgeon here, (Wales, UK) recommended them. I have been fine since apart from a few blips here and there. Only downfall, have to take Warfarin for life!!

Moussa hojeij  me too, i have to take warfarin for life, and be careful with bleeding problems, what were the two valves you replaced?

Page Barnes  Hi! I found a doctor that will do an aortic root replacement with a freestyle valve and he will replace part of my aorta. The freestyle valve is a porcine bioprosthesis but my doctor is hoping I will get 15-20 years out of this as opposed to 5-15 out of the regular tissue valve replacement. I just didn’t feel at peace about the mechanical valve just yet but know in the future it will probably be my best option for my next valve.