Alexandra Paterson - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

415 days ago

I had an aortic valve replacement at 36, 10 years ago, and I’m being told that I have to do it again and that they likely have to do open heart again. I ...Read more

I had an aortic valve replacement at 36, 10 years ago, and I’m being told that I have to do it again and that they likely have to do open heart again. I don’t think I can do this again and I’m terrified. They had to put a pacemaker in last time…

Marie Myers I am sorry you have to go through this again. I assume you have a tissue valve, and it has deteriorat ... Read more

Marie Myers I am sorry you have to go through this again. I assume you have a tissue valve, and it has deteriorated. Have your doctors spoken to you about a mechanical valve?

Alexandra Paterson Hi Marie, thank you for reaching out. I ride horses so a mechanical valve is out of the question. I a ... Read more

Alexandra Paterson Hi Marie, thank you for reaching out. I ride horses so a mechanical valve is out of the question. I am just really frustrated because after I went through the open-heart, they told me I would not have to do it again, and they’d be able to do non-invasive the next time around but here we are. I honestly think I’m going to opt out. I really can’t see going through this over and over.

Marie Myers Totally get it. I was a lifelong rider also, but my horse has been gone for 10 years or so. I needed ... Read more

Marie Myers Totally get it. I was a lifelong rider also, but my horse has been gone for 10 years or so. I needed heart surgery 6 yrs ago, (age 63) and I also chose a tissue valve. I am surprised the docs promised you a TAVR for “next time”, since you were so young at the time. The problem is, you can only put one TAVR in. The diameter would be too narrowed with multiple TAVRs. Tissue valves are known not to last as long in younger people like yourself. You have a tough decision ahead of you, and I wish you peace making your decision. There are many people on this site who have been through repeat procedures. Please keep us posted!

Rose Madura I am so sorry about needing another surgery. And I certainly understand your dilemma. I'd certainly ... Read more

Rose Madura I am so sorry about needing another surgery. And I certainly understand your dilemma. I'd certainly go for a second opinion. Please keep us posted.

Alexandra Paterson Thank you both

Susan Lynn Alexandra - It sounds like your doctor wasn't clear about the life span of a bio valve. I agree wit... Read more

Susan Lynn Alexandra - It sounds like your doctor wasn't clear about the life span of a bio valve. I agree with Rose about getting another opinion, but be aware that bio valves that are currently available in the marketplace will not last for your lifetime. Improvements are being made every day so that likely won't be the case when you get your next one. Also, see if you're available for a minimally invasive entry. Seek out a surgeon who does a high volume of this entry/ procedure. Best of luck to you.

Dave Raynor You're still young and the surgeons are miracle workers. You'll be fine. I've been cracked open...I k ... Read more

Dave Raynor You're still young and the surgeons are miracle workers. You'll be fine. I've been cracked open...I know of what I speak.

Alexandra Paterson Thanks Dave! I’ve been cracked open too…just don’t want to do it again. 😢

Alexandra Paterson Hey all, just to update. I have an echo Monday. Not sure if I’m keeping the appointment though. Def ... Read more

Alexandra Paterson Hey all, just to update. I have an echo Monday. Not sure if I’m keeping the appointment though. Definitely not interested in another surgery so thinking I’ll let life take its course. At least my first surgery bought 10 years. Best of luck to you all ❤️

Rose Madura I think you should keep the echo appointment. I really understand your not wanting to go through ano... Read more

Rose Madura I think you should keep the echo appointment. I really understand your not wanting to go through another surgery but maybe the echo will show you won't need it. Do some research. Can they do minimally invasive surgery where they won't have to "crack you open"? Start a list of questions. Get the echo and then get a second opinion.