Good luck on your upcoming surgery. Our stories sounds somewhat similar but my surgery will be scheduled in the next week. Sending support to you!
Katherine Jensen Good luck on your upcoming surgery on Tuesday..keep me posted when you can, it sounds like were havi ... Read more
Katherine Jensen Good luck on your upcoming surgery on Tuesday..keep me posted when you can, it sounds like were having almost the same procedure done, except my surgeon expects he will be able to repair my aortic valve instead of replace.
Robin Johnson (big sis) posted a note for Steven that says:
Thanks for the update. Glad you were able to enjoy some warm Florida sunshine! We, your family, are cheering you on every step of the way! God's got you ...Read more
Thanks for the update. Glad you were able to enjoy some warm Florida sunshine! We, your family, are cheering you on every step of the way! God's got you - He brought you to it and He will get you through it. Praying for you, little bro. ❤️
Steven, The best to you as you head for surgery May 23rd.Imagine the knowing you're doing this to move ahead will bring life a new healthy focus ...Read more
Steven, The best to you as you head for surgery May 23rd.Imagine the knowing you're doing this to move ahead will bring life a new healthy focus on your destination! Take care heart Brother!
Annette Sterzel Thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you a speedy recovery
Thanks for the update. You know your big sis needs to know all about it....We, your family, are here for you, cheering you on every step of the way! Proud of ...Read more
Thanks for the update. You know your big sis needs to know all about it....We, your family, are here for you, cheering you on every step of the way! Proud of your progress so far. You CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you! We love you!
Steven, with catheters, you will be amazed how easy it will be. It is scary to think about. But try to focus on the other side. I had the ...Read more
Steven, with catheters, you will be amazed how easy it will be. It is scary to think about. But try to focus on the other side. I had the big surgery, full open heart. I had full confidence in my doctor..at Cleveland Clinic..They were totally honest with me. I wanted to know the worst and best of what to expect. I got honest answers. For me, it amazingly was not real painful at all. The biggest issue was being weak and tired for awhile. They explained that if I just follow directions for exercise, and diet, and rest when needed, in time I will be better, way better than when I went in. All of that is true. Focus on how well you will be when you go back to golf. It is really worth it..Honestly, I have never regretted my surgery which is bigger than doing catheter surgery... Ask your doctor exactly what to expect. I had no surprises, and just kept focusing on the future, where I am now. Now adays heart surgery in most cases is very routine, and very few have any complications. Best of luck to you! You will be so happy when you know you are healthy, with no valve issues.
I love you!!! I’m sorry you’re going through this ☹️ Thanks for starting this journal and keeping us updated! I’m here for whatever you need, whenever. ...Read more
I love you!!! I’m sorry you’re going through this ☹️ Thanks for starting this journal and keeping us updated! I’m here for whatever you need, whenever. You have a huge support system behind you. If you need some Gussy cuddles you just let me know! Stay positive and know you have a lot of prayers being sent your way ❤️ ❤️
Welcome Steven. I am also in the process of moving to surgery. I have been finding a lot of great information, as well as, wonderful fellow heart warriors ...Read more
Welcome Steven. I am also in the process of moving to surgery. I have been finding a lot of great information, as well as, wonderful fellow heart warriors to share my journey.
Glad you found this site, I think it'll be helpful to you. I'm celebrating my 8th anniversary with my On-X valve. I haven't had any ...Read more
Hi Steven!
Glad you found this site, I think it'll be helpful to you. I'm celebrating my 8th anniversary with my On-X valve. I haven't had any problems/complications. I was 42 when I got it, and was diagnosed with BAV when I was 32. I didn't have any aorta issues, but they do run in my family.
I think the best way to get the most out of this site is to ask questions. A lot of questions.
My biggest recommendation for recovery is owning at least 1 travel pillow, so you can sleep in a recliner and not have to worry about holding your head up.
Welcome again, and good luck!
Meredith Oak Ridge, TN
Rose Madura Agree with Meridith. They didn't call me the pillow lady at the hospital for nothing.
Steven Weber I appreciate you all! Thank you! I'm no stranger to pillows now, so a good excuse to take a pillow or ... Read more
Steven Weber I appreciate you all! Thank you! I'm no stranger to pillows now, so a good excuse to take a pillow or two along with me sounds wonderful. 😂
I also have a BAVD. I just found out about mine at 49. My acending aorta is also enlarged to 4.8 cm.
I was told by my Doctor, at 51, that a On X Mechanical Valve would be my best bet, as they should last 25+ years and the INR level (Warfrin) can be a lot less.
He informed me, a Bio Valve, (Cow or pig) last on average 7 to 12 years, depending on your age and fitness level. So i would need 2 or 3 more surgerys, with a pig or cow Valve. But no blood thinners....if all goes well. Some people end up on blood thinners with a Bio valve also.
What bio valve did they tell you would last 15 to 20 years. I like to know so i can look into it.
Thanks Steve
Andrew Dial Hey guys. Not sure if you qualify or not… but the Ross procedure might be worth looking into as wel ... Read more
Andrew Dial Hey guys. Not sure if you qualify or not… but the Ross procedure might be worth looking into as well!
Timothy Andre I agree with Andy. A lot of times a surgeon who is not skilled in a particular procedure will not ev... Read more
Timothy Andre I agree with Andy. A lot of times a surgeon who is not skilled in a particular procedure will not even mention it to there patient. Know all your options, get second and third opinions and ultimately make the decision for yourself. I cringe when a surgeon tells you what your "best bet" is. It's your heart and you should be in control of all the choices that you will have to live with for the rest of your life. Advocate for yourself gentleman. If you are not familiar with the Ross procedure, Adam has kindly put together many informative videos that will help educate you further about that as a viable option. God bless you both on your heart journey
Of course my opinion is biased because I had the Ross Procedure, but I do like to let fellow heart warriors know it is an option.
Jason Hyrup I wanted to go with the ross. But the Surgeon needs to be a ross specialist to say, with many surgery ... Read more
Jason Hyrup I wanted to go with the ross. But the Surgeon needs to be a ross specialist to say, with many surgerys, and have a awesome score card. I'm still looking into that option but.... insurance is limited, as i can't just pick and choose what hospital or surgeon i have accesses to. My options are very limited. So it's a Bio or Mechanical i'm thinking.
Thanks for the input everyone.
Timothy Andre I totally understand Jason. Insurance can be a difficult aspect to navigate. I had my own challenges... Read more
Timothy Andre I totally understand Jason. Insurance can be a difficult aspect to navigate. I had my own challenges regarding insurance. Bio and mechanical valves are great options. Keep doing your research and I'm sure you will settle on the right choice for you. Good luck and God bless
Steven Weber Thank you all! I'll do my research this weekend on the Ross, bio, and mechanical. I'm sure that navig ... Read more
Steven Weber Thank you all! I'll do my research this weekend on the Ross, bio, and mechanical. I'm sure that navigating insurance will be a joy as well. 👊