Pamela 's Guestbook

Now that you are on the other side of your surgery, I hope all went well and you are on your way to recovery. I had Aortic valve replacement and an aneurism graft October 8th, 2012. Good luck and keep on ticking.

Prayers for you Pam as many people prayed for me when I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery in October 2018. I had a "peace that surpassed all understanding." Went through some pain, of course, but my family took great care of me. I did 36 cardiac rehab workouts and continue with a gym membership. I think back and hardly remember all of it!

My diagnosis was similar to yours, and my bicuspid valve was replaced 8 days ago. I’m sending you my best wishes for a smooth procedure and swift recovery.

My diagnosis was similar to yours, and my bicuspid valve was replaced 8 days ago. I’m sending you my best wishes for a smooth procedure and swift recovery.

I thought you might want to know there is a trial going on to reverse calcification of the aortic valve with vitamin k2: https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT03305536 God has given you all you need in nature 😀 God bless Michael

Wishing you the best outcome of your AVR today! The worst part is definitely the pre-surgery. Really, the recovery was not nearly so bad as expected. Just take it day to day and be as active as you can. I had the same surgery late 2016, also for a bicuspid valve.

Like you, I knew for nine years that I would face surgery one day. Last March I almost fainted and that was the only sign I had that my aortic stenosis had reached the severe stage. I also discovered that I actually had a bicuspid valve (birth defect), so my only option at the Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital at Plano was open heart surgery. My surgeon, Katherine Harrington, was fantastic. After surgery I only needed 325 mg of Tylenol. I had zero complications (do expect a temporary problem with fluctuating blood sugar and acute blood loss anemia (if open heart instead of TAVR). I had a speedy and full recovery. Now I feel much younger (I am 69) and my energy is STRONG. Make yourself do the full rehab program and continue to exercise and eat a heart healthy diet. You are getting a new lease on life and it is so wonderful, truly. Best of luck to you. Theresa F from Plano, Texas.

I was tested and found to have a 35 percent, a 75 percent, and a 100 percent blockage as well as a bad aortic valve. I was given 15 minutes to say goodbye to my wife then taken to intensive care and knocked out until my surgery. This gave no time for worry and proved best. The resulting procedures and fast paced recovery proved to be the best thing that could have happened and I'm so greatful that recovery has given me a new life. fear not........the results are great Bill

Best of Luck! I had my aortic valve replaced with a 'cow' valve exactly 5 years ago this week at age 71. Still going strong and you will too. If post surgery cardiac rehab is available, please take it. It really makes a difference.

Hi Pam, You are included in our prayer circle which extends from Hawaii, to Australia, to Washington, to California.....all women who support each other in prayer. Many of us have learned that we need to take things not one day at a time, but literally one hour at a time. Love & light,

Welcome to our community Pamela! I hope the information here helps you along your journey to a healthy aortic valve!!! If you need anything, please let me know!

Hi Pamela, I was born with a bicuspid valve also, and had no idea until I was 33. We watched it for 10 years, then I got a mechanical valve. It's been almost 6 years. My life has only gotten better since then. My best advice to you for this part (the waiting!) is to create a goal for after your initial recovery. A little trip or a visit with family or friends. We had a small family reunion about 12 weeks after my surgery - definitely at someone else's place so I didn't have to do any work! I found that having something positive to focus on helped me ward off depression, and also gave me something to do - planning - in my hours of resting on the couch. Best of luck to you! Meredith Clearwater, FL

I noticed your surgery is set for 1-16. Being as that is my birthday, I thought I would send you a note of encouragement. I also was born with a bicuspid valve, and developed an aneurysm on my ascending aorta and aortic root. It was a real shock to me in 2016 when my routine echo showed the aneurysms. I was quickly introduced to a cardiologist and cardiac surgeon. My surgery was a Bentall procedure in March 2017. I got a tissue valve, new ascending aorta, and new aortic root. While the surgery was no walk in the park, it was also way easier than I thought it would be. I went back to work part time in 8 weeks, and have done well since then. I am hoping you have as “easy” a surgery and recovery as I have had. Oh, and Happy New Year! We are lucky to live in a time when all of this is considered “routine” surgery.