Ruben's Profile

So I had a bicuspid aortic valve that I was diagnosed with when I was in high school. So I had annual check ups. Then when I was about 34 my cardiologist said the murmur that I had seemed to be getting worse and that I should see a surgeon. It all happened really fast. I wish I asked more questions and did more research about what my options were. Surgeon said that my aeortic was effecting my mitral valve so they should replace it too. I didn't ask about mitral valve repair or any alternatives. I was just told about mechanical vs tissue valves. I knew that I didn't want to be on Coumadin for the rest of my life so I opted for tissue valves. I also had hopes that my valves would last longer because I'm relatively healthy (now I know that this has nothing to do with life of your valves. I wasn't told is that tissue valves last for a shorter time in people who are younger.) So now after 7 years, both of my pig valves are failing and I have to go under the knife again. It's hard to put your life on hold. I own my own business that will need to run without me for several weeks. I do feel like everything will be fine with the surgery and everything will be fine with business, etc. I'm a super positive about the whole thing but do want to write my full experience so others will learn from my experience. What I am really torn about is whether I should go with a tissue vs a mechanical valve. I still don't want to be on Coumadin. I have hope that the technology will improve and that someday I won't just have the choice between two options that both stink. ;) I'd love to hear from anyone who's had similar experiences.