About Me (In My Own Words)
I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. It started giving me troubles in 2016, at the age of 41. On 11/24/17 I had it replaced with a 29mm Edwards 2700TFX bioprosthetic valve at the Cleveland Clinic. My surgeon was Dr. Douglas Johnston.
In late 2023 my Edwards valve began failing (from calcification). I am apparently the one dot on the dot plot with a failure in the 6-7 year range. As Dr. Johnston left CCF, I found a new surgeon Dr. Shinya Unai. He came highly recommended from my Cardiologist and I believe he is a gifted man. On 2/23/24 he performed the Ross Procedure on me. It was a grueling surgery and recovery. However, I went on to feel great and thought I was one of the majority who was going to get 20+ years of amazing life out of the procedure.
Earlier this year I was desiring to have an elective surgery done and it required a clearance from my Cardiologist. As a precaution an Echo was ordered. The day of my test I told the technician it better be the best Echo result ever as I was the healthiest I had been in the last 20 years. This was a true statement as I had been working out 4-5 times per week, eating a healthy diet and reducing my BMI. Unfortunately, the test showed severe Aortic Regurgitation. This was confirmed a month ago by a TEE.
Since learning of the AR I had to significantly reduce the amount of Metoprolol I was taking. This in my case was masking the symptoms of the AR. As soon as that dose came down I started getting light headed and feeling major fatigue. For the last few weeks the condition has continued to worsen and I am now to the point of not leaving my recliner or bed very often.
I am still undecided between going with a bioprosthetic valve such as the newer Edwards Inspiris with Resilia tissue or a mechanical valve such as the Artivion On-X valve. I originally was told the Abbott Epic Max or Supra Plus were options. However, after doing a great deal of research and getting excited I learned this past Friday by calling Abbott that the 29mm Supra Plus or 27mm EMax valves with the 28.4mm stent ID's are not approved for sale in the United States.
I've been trying to avoid getting a mechanical valve as I don't want the constant ticking, blood thinners or increased risk of dying from a catastrophic event. That said, the thought of going through my third surgery in eight years later this week and then needing another one in the not to distant future is very scary. A fourth surgery becomes a reality soon if the new Resilia material isn't revolutionary in my case.
I'm currently awaiting a response from my surgeon's office with whether they have the 29mm valve in both the Inspiris and On-X on the shelf at the Cleveland Clinic. After getting my hopes up for the Abbott valve and then learning it isn't available I'm almost afraid to pick one of these.
I tried calling a couple of Hospitals that are ranked highly for heart surgery inquiring about a second opinion. However, it seems days are not enough. If anyone reading this has thoughts about valves that are options for someone with a 29mm annulus or knows of a reputable hospital that does virtual appointments and quick second opinions please let me know.
I have been praying to God regularly for help in guiding me through this the right way. I've found a great deal of useful information on this site and that led me here so maybe someone will have some words of encouragement or thoughts that will help me. Thanks in advance if you do.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Sandusky, Ohio
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My surgery date is:
October 31, 2025
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Shinya Unai
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
