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Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: August 12, 2023

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Dave Walters posted an update

2 years ago (October 5, 2023)

40 yr old male, wasn't feeling the best back in January, went for regular checkup/bloodwork. PCP heard a heart murmur, had an echo cardiogram and found a bi-cuspid aortic valve, never knew I had this. After the cardiac MRI found severe regurgitation the cardiologist sent me to the surgeon who... Read more.

Jeff Williams

2 years ago (October 5, 2023)

I'm 39 and just got an On-X for the same reason. I've known about it since I was 18, but still the same timeline. Not quite 3 months from surgery but I've already noticed a big increase in energy and stamina.

Dave Walters

2 years ago (October 5, 2023)

Wow - very similar here. I had my surgery 7/3 so I'm 3 months out now and feeling good. Getting back into the gym, just adjusting to more cardio and lighter weights/higher reps.

Dave Walters

2 years ago (October 5, 2023)

Nice videos - I hear mine ticking all the time, so does my wife and 4 kids (when it's quiet, haha)

Jeff Williams

2 years ago (October 5, 2023)

My kids can hear me from a mile away, I'm not a good hide-and-seeker now lol. I'm still going slower than I'd like to for rehab, but that's because my heart rate is still elevated. I run most days and I started back with some yoga yesterday.

Jeff Williams

2 years ago (October 5, 2023)

Thanks on the videos. It's a good way for me to journal and hopefully pass along a nugget or two to encourage others.

Thomas Brusstar

2 years ago (October 5, 2023)

I had a mitral valve repair 5 years ago. Afterwards my son (13 at the time) revealed that he always liked the sound of my heart when he leaned against me watching TV or whatever, and that he didn't like the new heart sound as much. The repaired valve (still... Read more.

Klara Čičić

2 years ago (October 5, 2023)

Haha Thomas, that last one is a nice and true description. I had mitral valve repair a year ago and my life changed for the better :) I know it's not nearly like having a mechanical valve, but repaired heart is serving me well, I feel healthier, I am cycling... Read more.

Luke Taylor

2 years ago (October 8, 2023)

Dave, similar to you and Jeff, I'm 36 and just had my aortic valve replaced with ON-X mechanical. I didn't know about it until a physical earlier this year. I'm not far enough removed from surgery (7 wks) to see a difference, except for these #$%! beta blockers slowing me... Read more.

Dave Walters

2 years ago (November 25, 2023)

A little over 4 months from surgery and I just completed a Girls on the Run 5K with my middle daughter, what a great feeling!

Dave Walters

2 years ago (November 25, 2023)

My INR range is down to 1.5-2 and I stayed at 2 for my first 4 week gap test

Dave Walters

2 years ago (January 4, 2024)

Im 6 months out from surgery , does anyone else have an at home INR tester they use or just go every 4 weeks? Im curious and may look into one of these, just to randomly test between the 4 week gap or after eating something . Thanks also does... Read more.

Luke Taylor

2 years ago (January 12, 2024)

Congrats on 6 months Dave! I have the at home INR tester and I've been using it the past 7 weeks. Right now the strips are covered by insurance so there's no cost to me, once my deductible starts over I'll probably send the equipment back since it's too expensive.... Read more.

Dave Walters

2 years ago (January 12, 2024)

This is good information to have , I'm looking into what insurance covers and what costs I would have. But in the same boat I just want to know more if my levels go up or down and how quick. Since consistency is the key Thanks

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