Brenda's Journal

Matthew Russo  Hi Brenda, the build up to the day of surgery can cause much anxiety and over thinking. It is a normal reaction by the body when faced with a stressful situation. What I found helpful was to concentrate on how I was going to feel post surgery and try not dwell on the surgery itself.
Positive thoughts and vibes being sent your way, you will do great!

Civita Fahey  Brenda I'm right there with you. I'm scheduled for April 24 and I'm begbing to get really anxious. I hope this is the hardest part. Just need to have faith in the surgeon and the Lord above. Best of luck

Jane Welp  Thinking about you as you are counting the hours. Mine is on 3/14 so we are in this together but across the miles! I believe your preparation will pay off big time for you, Brenda. As Adam Pick said, "...my research suggests that these feelings -- fear, confusion, uncertainty -- are very common among patients." He thinks that when he researched the topic, he was more encouraged that he would be okay after the surgery. I think you are very smart to acknowledge your concerns & are not isolating yourself from the realities. Blessings you right now where you are.

Larry Ring  Hi Brenda...
Like you, I found the anxiety to be almost overwhelming. But now that I'm 30 days post-surgery, I can assure you - it won't be nearly as bad as you think it will be! That first week in the ICU and step-down unit will become a complete blur. Returning home will be a momentous day. And you will be amazed at how quickly your body initiates recovery mode!
Just listen to your body...and take solace in the fact that you have an excellent medical team guiding you through this journey.
Positive thoughts and prayers to you, your family, and your medical team on surgery day!

Jeannette McLaughlin  Hello! Brenda, I agree with your friend to go to that peaceful place! I amazed myself that I was not nervous on the days and hours leading to the surgery (I even admitted myself to the hospital alone by taxi!) I guess it was because I had known for years that surgery to replace a bicuspid aortic valve was inevitable (I also had the ascending aorta replaced). When I was told the time had come, I was well prepared. All we can do is put our trust in our surgeon and his team; they've been doing this for a long time. One can draw inspiration from all the people in this forum who have not only had successful surgeries, but are thriving! Wishing you the very best...

Michael McMullen  I do/did...had AVR (full open heart) surgery on Jan 18...I did not qualify for TAVR, according to FDA guidelines.

James Johnson  Hi Brenda! as for me I had a bicuspid aortic valve that had to be replaced, but I was not eligible for TAVR. I had OHS and had a bovine prosthetic valve sewn into place. I did not qualify for the following reasons: too young at 67, TAVR replacement does not have a valve for biscupid valves and I was in too good of shape. However, I am a veteran and all of my surgery was through the VA guidelines, but I did have others respond before surgery to say that TAVR was not yet available for a bicuspid valve replacement. best wishes to you!

Vincent Racaniello  I had a Bicuspid valve replaced in May 2016. I was not eligible for TAVR for two reasons: I was told that they do not yet have a valve that goes over a bicuspid valve and they are still only doing these on higher risk patients. My surgeon did say if I need another valve it would likely be done using TAVR. There are less invasive options then a full sternotomy you should ask your surgeon about this when you see him. I had what is called a mini sternotomy. Best of luck to you.

Brenda Moore  I hear that is more painful then open heart. I have heard that bicuspid valve patients are not candidates. Just want to know as much as possible before I meet w The surgeon. Thanks.

Bob Fessler  I think you have to be really old or have other problems that make you high risk for normal AVR to qualify for TAVR. Don't be disappointed if you don't qualify. That means you are young and at least healthy enough not to qualify. The good news is that AVR surgery has a high success rate. You will be okay!

Pam Monahan  Brenda - I am 63 years old and had TAVR surgery on December 19. I also had a bicuspid valve and it has been a perfect fit. I was determined unable to have traditional because of two previous cancer surgeries and 80 radiation treatments. It was determined that the chest cut would not heal. It took a bit of convincing the FDA to allow it. It was remarkable on how easy it was - conscious sedation and was wheeled into intensive care wide awake. This was a Monday and went home Thursday morning - no stitches, nothing. I live alone and was fine with heating up some food I cooked before surgery. I've HS family and friends help out.

Because I felt so good when this was done, I was telling the doc's how I get fatigued. He gently reminded me that although I did not leave with a cut into my chest, this still was major surgery.

I highly recommend it!!!

Meredith Bray  I had a bicuspid aortic valve and now have an On-X mechanical valve. My surgeon is on the TAVR team at his hospital. We talked about TAVR, and while I didn't qualify for it (too young & too healthy LOL), he is optimistic that TAVR will be more readily available soon. I was petrified of surgery, and I gotta tell you it wasn't nearly as awful as I thought it would be.
-Meredith