Roger's Profile

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: January 16, 2016

Send Roger a Note

About Me

I am trying to make the decision on which valve to have. I am 51, a farmer and fairly active. The mechanical sounds great for the longevity but the thought of being on blood thinner forever bothers me in my occupation. I don't consider myself reckless but with using heavy equipment and doing repairs there are certainly risks of cuts and falls. With a tissue valve and hopefully being off blood thinners in the future it would eliminate a lot of risks. But I certainly don't want to go through this several more times in my life. We have been told TAVR will almost be guaranteed in a few years which would be much better but still a concern. I also do like to have a few beers occasionally which is a concern with the blood thinner. Any recommendations out there?
  • story1
    I am from: Cabery Il, United States
  • story2
    My surgery date was: January 22, 2016
  • story3
    I was diagnosed with: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve
  • story5
    My surgeon is: Dr. John Stulak

Upcoming Surgeries

Art Wright
Mitral Regurgitation
June 29, 2026
Frederick Cook
July 1, 2026
Peter Florance
Mitral Regurgitation
July 2, 2026

Surgeon Spotlight

Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.