Chris's Posts

I am 73 years old and 15 years post AVR. As a result of a TEE I just found out my 21mm bovine valve has severe stenosis. In addition, my tricuspid valve has severe regurgitation and possibly the same with the mitral. Because my original replacement is so small and coupled with the leaking of the other 2 valves I am not a candidate for TAVR. In order to place a 23mm valve I also have to have a root enlargement. With the bigger valve I may be a candidate for TAVR in the future. Has anyone had this type of surgery (bigger aortic valve and root enlargement) and annuplasty of tricuspid and/or mitral? What is very strange is I do not have any symptoms so although I knew I would eventually need another replacement it was a bit of a shock to hear that I need it sooner rather than later.

I am 8 yrs. post aortic valve replacement. I elected to have a tissue valve. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with a fib and put on Xarelto. All of the commercials & pkg. insert say "not for people with artificial heart valves." I called Janssen and talked to several people to clarify "artificial" - does it mean mechanical, tissue or both. I did not get a definitive answer. When I questioned both my cardiologist and the electrophysiologist who performed an ablation about this warning they were not concerned. Does anyone have any insight into whether or not it is safe to remain on these new blood thinners if one has a tissue valve?

Has any one with AVR had trouble getting insurance approval for echocardiograms? I am 5 yrs. post-op and all of a sudden I've been getting denied. I would think just the fact that I have an artificial valve is enough of a reason but apparently because there has been no change in my health, they wouldn't approve. I have BC/BS.