Crystal's Journal

Yumiko Ishida  Hi, Crystal! 53 is a difficult age. I was 54, almost 55, when I got my tissue valve, and it was one of the hardest decisions I had to make. Do you have any other health issues that puts you at a high risk for another OHS in the future? Do you enjoy sports that you won’t be able to do if you were on blood thinners? Etc, etc. It really is up to you. I don’t regret my choice, and there are plenty of people on this site who don’t regret their choice of a mechanical valve. Ultimately there is no wrong answer, so once you decide, don’t look back!

Crystal Courtney  I don't have any other health issues and I don't do any sports. How long have you had your new organic valve? Are you worried about having to have another replacement in the near future?

Maggie Ma  I was at 53 when I got heart surgery last year. It was a very difficult decision for me then. I finally decided tissue valve because I don’t want to take blood thinner for my rest of life. I also think I’m not disciplined enough to remember to take it every day. It’s personal decision. 2nd replacement doesn’t need open heart surgery. But if it requires 3rd replacement, it’ll be open heart surgery again. 

J Alexander Lassally  How long did your surgeon tell you the tissue valve would last as a 53 year old otherwise healthy adult?  There has been some misinformation passed along from time to time so your testimonial is great. 

Rose Madura  I was 59 when I had my surgery and got a tissue valve. It was one of the hardest decisions ever made for me. But once I decided, after much research and discussion, I made my decision and never second guessed myself. 

Robert Miller  Your age is at the border line of getting a mechanical valve versus a tissue valve. I would go for a tissue valve. According to statistic, that valve should last for about 12-15 years. Then you can do a minimal invasive surgery to put another valve over that valve. That should last for another 10 year or so. And who knows what technology they come up within the next 15+10=25 years. And there is a good chance your surgeon can repair the valve rather than replace it. I would chose a tissue valve but that's my opinion.

Rita Savelis  I got 2 mechanical valves in 2015 at age 53. I don't regret it. I have a difficult case with radiation induced stenosis. I also had my tricuspid repaired and got a pacemaker. Your decision is very personal and it really doesn't matter what anyone else's choice is. You are a singular person and not like anyone else.  Whatever decision you make - you just have to look forward and go with it. Take care.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  I agree with Robert's opinion. I have had an Edwards
biological valve for 1 and a half years and everything is going very well. I do
high altitude hiking and continue to do so now. I have a certain doubt about
what the surgical technique will be like in 10-12 years, although I am
confident that valve replacement in the mitral position will already be
reasonably mastered. Greetings to all.

Yumiko Ishida  I think the longevity of the tissue valve is dependent on which valve, your age when you get it, as well as your activity level. The statistics I see on aortic valve seems to be longer than what I see on mitral valve. My mother was 78 when she got an aortic valve, and while she had other heart issues when she died at 90, the AV was still “perfect,” apparently. My mitral valve is only a little over a year old, so it’s hard to say how long it will actually last. My surgeon warned me that if I were an active person the valve’s longevity may be on the shorter end of the 10-15 or 10-12 year range most doctors have mentioned for MV.

susan harris  just my opinion-the decision is more about what happens later in life. additional surgery or surgeries  vs. what will it be like to be elderly on coumadine w fall risk, etc. what to do if need surgery for non-heart issue and on coumadin? what if get cancer later in life? what drug-coumadin conflicts or interactions are there and while now isn’t big deal, what about later?  just a few things to think about. no decision is bad!  it’s very personal!

Maria Trejo  I decided on a mechanical valve at age 45. It does require some discipline as far as taking blood thinner daily and some diet changes. Not really a big deal compared to having to go through a couple/few more replacements, had I gone with a tissue AVR. No regrets here. I remember the stressful time when trying to decide which way to go. I grabbed a spiral and did pros vs cons. Did a lot of research and I feel, for me and my situation, it was the right way to go. I pray God gives you strength and peace. 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  My brother has had a metal mitral valve for 12 years
and is doing very well. Having surgery 1 and a half years ago, things are also
going well for me. We are comparing the two types of valve, as a kind of
“family” clinical trial (LOL).



 

Rita Savelis  Response to Susan's questions: 1. I've had cancer 3 times since I got mechanical valves and coumadin was not a problem. 2. When you have surgery you stop coumadin and bridge with lovenox or heparin.