For those who knew Rita Savelis:
I recently logged back on here to check on some people, only to be crushed by the news about the death of our friend Rita Savelis.

Though I never met her in person, Rita was very special to me, and I know she was to many of you, as well. We "met" on here in 2016 as I was preparing for my 2nd OHS for a double valve replacement. She was one of the first patients I met who also had multiple mechanical valves and was on warfarin so we immediately had that connection. I was also drawn to her because she was always authentic, supportive, and kind in her comments. I felt understood by her because I didn't have a "perfect" recovery, nor did she. I am a sensitive person who feels so much and so did she. She helped me to feel ok expressing my feelings, even if they weren't always positive.

We lost touch for a few years back when I stopped logging in here much, but she was always in my heart, like all of my other "class of 2015/2016" friends. I thought I'd meet Rita in Paris someday, whenever I would make it there! I signed back in to this site last summer when I found out I needed yet another OHS. I was devastated by this news but I was so happy when Rita commented on my first post. I felt grateful and relieved to know that she was still doing ok and that we could reconnect.

To share an excerpt from her comment. The first part made me chuckle a little and the rest of it felt like it sums up what I loved about Rita. We had talked back in 2016 about making a soundproof shirt or bra :)

"I also remember how you and I wrote about designing a t-shirt with padding to muffle the sound of mech valves. I hope that writing was helpful. You are such a beautiful writer. We are not always looking for answers, just saying where we are and describing honestly the present place. There do not have to be any "you've got this" or "waiting for surgery is the worst part" just an acknowledgement about how hard and unfair life is. And how we move forward, because what else can one do?.. .... Much love."

When I had my latest surgery on July 21st, she said she going into the hospital that day too for issues with her pacemaker leads. She still commented on my posts periodically and checked in on me. But the last time I heard from her, things didn't sound very good and she said she was going off this site for a while. I respected her need for privacy, though it was hard not having any way of sending her support or knowing how she was doing.

I know that she impacted many of us here with her wisdom, warmth, and genuine care. She had a beautiful way with words. None of us are guaranteed any amount of time here on earth, this we know. Rita's passing was another difficult reminder to me to always be grateful for this beating heart and every breath. But it's also ok to feel angry or sad at my situation

sometimes, as long as I don't dwell in that dark place. You really never know how your words, written or spoken, will affect people and I can only hope that Rita passed knowing that she was important to me and to so many of you who were lucky enough to interact with her too.

Thank you to for Adam for creating this site, because I can't imagine making it through these surgeries without the support and friendships I found here. This is a such a kind group of people, so thank you all for being here. And cheers to our friend Rita. May she be at peace.

I had my surgery yesterday and it was a rough day. I am feeling much better today. Especially when my heart valve sister Kathy Blank came to see me! A true encourager and awesome lady!

I had aortic valve replacement 8 years ago for a bicuspid aortic valve. I chose a tisse valve, I now have stenosis again and will have a re-do on June 16th. I am currently 61 and need to choose again whether to have a tissue or mechanical valve. I prefer a tissue valve because the risk of bleeding or stroke associated with a mechanical valve scares me. Any feedback would be appreciated. Is there anyone else that had problems with their first valve having such a short life?

Well it’s here. My one year post Robotic Mitral Valve repair Anniversary. Contemplating the year the word that always creeps into my mind is fortunate. I am very fortunate that my Cardiologist, Dr Evan Mintz followed my mitral valve prolapse closely through the years. Fortunate that when the time came I moved quickly to identify NYU Langone, and Dr Didier Loulmet, Dr Eugene Grossi & the rest of the Langone team.
they may not mentioned on this community page, but in my research they are the Dr’s that other minimally invasive Robotic Valve Repair Dr’s go to for training. Today sunny and I owe my life in the sun to them.

I started physical therapy this week, Going well. I really want to get outside but the weather says no. I am exercising with YouTube, it's better than I thought it would be,. There is a lot of variety. Take care all.

JULIA LAFEAR writes, "Hi Jason. I had a mechanical mitral valve with open heart surgery on 5/27/2025. Im on warfarin and getting the hang of things. It took a little bit of time to get the right dosage correct but now Im able to home test and Ive been within therapeutic range foer 3 months now. The ticking is something to get used to but it gets better the more time that passes. Hope this helps"

My bovine hybrid mitral valve had its 10th anniversary in January and it looks like we’re not going to celebrate #11.  Calcification, leaflet problems and regurgitation are the trifecta of problems. My annual echo gave my cardiologist reason to order the TEE. So far I’ve had TEE, cardiac cath, CT with contrast of my heart, lung function test and Carotid ultrasound.  I just got word this afternoon that my results have been reviewed by the valve team and looks like I might get a green light for TMVR.  One more appointment and hopefully we can get this on the calendar.  Time flies! 

Hey guys. I’m dealing with some a fib now. 6 weeks post open heart. Dr prescribed Dioxign to bring heart rate down. Any one ever used this drug? Results?