ann's Journal

Darlene Smith  That is quite a decision to make, and you are so young to be dealing with all that!!!! Since my issue was mitral, I don't know much about the Ross procedure. Lots of people seem to prefer it to a mechanical valve. You might consider getting a 3rd opinion to help you decide. I know each doctor has their own preference. I wish you the best on this tough journey!!

Corey Sines  Ross procedure should be good option if you want to have children and could give you a long run before needing another surgery. Being its a biological valve, it will give you options for subsequent TAVR procedures. Mechanical valves don't guarantee you against future OHS surgeries,but is less likely. But if you do, with Mechanical valve technology as it is today and the foreseeable future it would be OHS. If you go with the Ross Procedure make sure you get a top notch surgeon for it, I have heard it really makes a difference on the long term outcome.

ann feeney  I am seriously considering the Ross procedure, for both reasons, no coumadin, and the possibility of TAVR in the future.

Corey Sines  I guess in some cases its the Allograft Pulmonary valve that gives out before the grafted aortic valve. With an 80% chance of 20 years free from operation, its a good call if possible. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_procedure

Corey Sines  The only counter argument against the Ross Procedure is you basically introduce another heart valve into the equation of valve disease going forward. So you will have to deal with two diseased valves likely at some point vs one.

Phyllis Petersen  How crazy for you! Every time you think you have things taken care of, you get another setback. We can't take away your problems, but this is a supportive community with a lot of information. My heart goes out to you!

Vicki Hake  Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. Don't you feel you've already been through enough? But what choice do you have.?
I just found out I have to have another OHS after having a MV repair, one year ago. Now I have to have it replaced. Again, what choice do I have?
Hang in there,get the surgery, then get on the path to recovery 😍

Lilly Black  I hear you and feel for you, Ann. Although I cannot relate to your experience because I am now 65yrs old, but I have had 2 OHS so been there, done that.....but you need to find the courage and strength to keep moving forward. You are young, and are facing another surgery. It is quite different facing surgery at 20 yrs old, as opposed to 63 yrs old (as I was when I had mine ). Because of my age, my surgeon recommended a Bovine valve. For older people, a tissue valve doesn't deteriorate as quickly as it does for younger people. I did a lot of research and found the best surgeon. What helped me the most is speaking with other people of my age who have had similar experiences, who previously had surgery by my surgeon, Dr. Raissi, in addition to doing a complete research of procedures. I login to www.pogofrog.com quite frequently and try to find medical information written by medical professionals. It is a custom search engine that jumps over layman-focused sites and returns only credible medical site links. I wish you all the luck in the world!