Herman Kanter writes, "Hi Tom, I like all of your photos and journal entries. I am celebrating 10 weeks post op today and feeling GREAT. Wasn't the care and the people at Mayo's/St Marys amazing? Not that I would want to have to go through this again but, it was a fascinating experience and I miss all of the nice people who took care of me. Take care!"

Lea Parker writes, "Hi Rebecca,

I also was born with a bicuspid aortic valve -- I had open heart surgery in 2016 to replace my aortic valve and also have an aneurysm repair. I was 52. The good news to having this done when you are young: you will recover faster. I was the "young one" on my surgical floor making laps around the other patients as I walked -- don't be fooled -- I was still using a walker at first and hunched over like an old lady....but each day, my strength and endurance improved. I went home after only 4 days in the hospital. But, the recovery (even for a young person) requires patience. You will want to walk each day, but you can't do too much or your body will tell you to slow down. You will be anxious to get back "to normal" but normal is that you will always be a heart patient and have to follow up and pay attention to your health. Because you are young, there will be many considerations on the type of valve -- this is a discussion you really need to have with your surgeon. Do some research first. I did not want to be on blood thinners and so I opted for the bio-prosthetic valve (bovine tissue). I even was invited to Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, CA to see how they make heart valves (Patient Day)….google or look it up on YouTube. Go to Edwards website and look at some of the valve options. I am happy with my choice of valves, but you have to choose what is best for you since you are so young. For me, the idea that my next valve could possibly be done through a TAVR (a catheter instead of open heart) is a plus.....but even if my second valve required OHS, I know I could do it again.....it is a big deal, but I did feel a lot better after recovery....I had not even realized how out of breath I was getting or how hard it was for me to climb a flight of stairs. Wishing you the best -- as your surgery approaches, if you need to reach out -- please feel free. The waiting can be hard....blessings to you!

Lea
Houston, Texas
"

Sharon Cotter writes, "Congratulations, Tracy! You are truly an inspiration! You look great and are so encouraging. I am 2 months post the same surgery and a little frustrated that I’m still tired and have incision soreness. I walked 2 miles today and now I’m worn out. You are living proof that it does get better!"

November 22, 2019 will be my 2 year aniversary of my BAV replacement with an Edward's 2700TFX and my AAA replacement with a Gelweave graft. The total time from my first ever Echo discovered my BAV and an AAA of 5.3 cm to the recommended surgery only took a very short 98 days, complete with a second opinion and the surgery in another state.
In this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to recognize a few:
1. Adam Pick and this Web site for providing us with this important source of information especially during those stressful times before surgery.
2. Dr. Patrick McCarthy and his team of professionals at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago for performing my life saving surgery.
3. Edwards lifesciences, to everyone involved in the creation and manufacturing of my 2700TFX Aortic pericardial valve.
4. My Blue Cross & Blue Shield Federal Employee Program insurance that gave me the opportunity to choose my doctors and made my medical care affordable.
At age 61 now, I feel great and can do whatever I choose. I am aware my tissue valve will not last forever and am very glad I accepted all the recommendations of my surgeon. After blood thinners the first 10 weeks, I was relieved to leave them behind. Since I had no symptoms the first go round, I am a little concerned, how my valve will eventually fail and how much time I will have to find a TAVR team.

Has anyone experienced a lowered ejection fraction after surgery? Mine was normal before Aortic Valve Replacement at 58% now after a recent echocardiogram is 34% - I feel fantastic but now I am concerned with this news

Eight weeks post-op and doing great. Pain is almost gone except when I cough or sneeze. My energy level is 90%, and I start cardiac rehab on December 2. I have to say the folks at Cleveland Clinic were fantastic. Everyone was kind, considerate, and the hospital is wonderfully efficient. My surgeon, Dr. Gost Petterrson, came highly recommended by several cardiologists in D.C. and my scar is almost invisible. I also got a Relias Inspira valve. Thanks to evryone on the blog for their support.

Hello, I want to start by thanking you all for your posts. I have a new surgical consultation scheduled. I have accomplished this because I am reacting to the advice the persons commenting on my posts and I understand certain actions have to be taken. I just hope I'm not too late as this is worsening. I also hope I pick the right doctor.