David's Journal

Marie Myers  Welcome to the site. You will get a lot of good info and support here. I had an aortic root, valve and ascending aortic aneurysm replaced 4 months ago. The first couple weeks were tough, but things got better gradually. At 8 weeks I felt good enough to go back to work. Ask all the questions you like. Many good people on this site will answer.

Civita Fahey  Hi David, I'm about a month behind Marie with my surgery (April), I had an AVR with a cow valve (Edwards Magna Ease) and I feel really good. As Marie said, the first few weeks are tough, mostly exhaustion. I cant say I had a lot of pain outside of my back and shoulders from how they place you on the surgical table etc.. I had no pain in my sternum. I am now 16 weeks post op and I feel really good. I am almost done with my cardiac rehab and I can pretty much do what I did before, though I am going about it slowly. I like to do a boxing workout and I've been able to do 6 min straight without any shortness of breath. I wasn't able to take 10 punches without stopping before the surgery.. I chose a tissue valve as I am now 56 years old and I like to stay active and travel. For me it was the right choice, I'm hoping that when this needs to be replaced, the TAVR will be gold standard and I wont have to have open heart surgery again. I personally couldn't deal with the Coumadin issue of having to be checked, but personally for me the sound of the valve would drive me nuts.. etc.. Many people on this site have chosen a mechanical valve and they have no issues.. its a very personal choice.. IDK how old you are but they say the tissues lasts longer on "older" patients.. Normally over the age of 65 they recommend tissue and under mechanical, but its your choice. The most important this is to find a surgeon that you are comfortable with and trust and has had a lot of experience in valve replacements.. Plus, I had a full sternotomy on the inside with a mini on the outside, my scar is about 4" as opposed to the normal 8-10? I coudlnt have a mini sternomtomy as my valve natural valve was tipped and the surgeon felt he needed to fully open to be safe. I hope this answers your questions, if not let me know.

Jennifer McInerney  Welcome to the site. I'm in the same boat. I decided on a tissue valve. I figure if I have to have a redo then they can use TAVR. I didn't want to be on Coumadin for the rest of my life if I got a mechanical valve.

Debbie Goff  Debbie Goff Welcome to the site. I am scheduled for open heart surgery Sept. 11th. My cardio doctor and I have decided the "one and done" method..which means one time replacement with mechanical valve and done. This whole adventure has been a roller coaster ride for me. Found out my aortic valve was nearing severe a couple of months ago and now surgery is scheduled. I have the most confidence in my doctor and the hospital that I have chosen. Just waiting anxiously for THE DAY.

Melissa Alfred  Welcome. I had AVR april 11th and 10 years ago june 2007. I chose tissue valves both times so i'm not on Coumadin, I just take a baby aspirin daily and that's it. i figured the 3rd time i need this in 10-15 years i can get tavr or minimally invasive.

Rose Madura  Welcome to the site. Even though I knew for most of my life that I'd need surgery, it still hit me hard. I got through the surgery just fine - just had some complications (most likely unique to me). These surgeries are very successful. I'm 59 and had a tissue valve - Edwards Magna- and am pleased with the outcome thus far. Keep us posted.

  Welcome to the site. There are so many helpful people here. I am in similar situation. My aortic valve area is in the severe range, but velocity is 3.4. By pressure it's considered moderate. My cardiologists goal for me is to wait as long as I possibly can, control symptoms. I went out on my own and saw a cardiothoracic surgeon last week. My last TEE was 5 months ago. He really feels that I shouldn't wait much longer. Most likely going in after next echo in January. My anxiety is already getting the best of me. I will be anxious to hear what your surgeon says. Best of luck.