It has been a week later after my surgery and I am still very sore and stiff. I am feeling much better than I have in a year but very tired. I am glad I made ...Read more
It has been a week later after my surgery and I am still very sore and stiff. I am feeling much better than I have in a year but very tired. I am glad I made the decisions I did and I am looking forward to a full recovery and getting back to my everyday life. It has been a drama filled week but I feel my kids and I are so much closer and we have been able to talk. Sometimes it takes a dramatic event to open the gates and break down the walls. I am doing well and will continue to visit this site as all the comments before my surgery gave me a strange sort of peace, knowing I was not the only one in the world going through this. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment and share in my emotions. Thank you.
Enrique K So glad the operation was a success and wish you a fast recovery.
Rita Savelis Congrats Debbie. So glad to hear everything is going well. Take your time with recovery. It's still s ... Read more
Rita Savelis Congrats Debbie. So glad to hear everything is going well. Take your time with recovery. It's still so early. Wonderful what you write about feeling closer to your kids. Breaking down the walls and opening the gates... Take care.
Shirley Turner Healing thoughts coming your way Hugs Shirley
Mary K Hi Debbie, hope you are feeling a bit better every day. I found that the most noticeable improvements ... Read more
Mary K Hi Debbie, hope you are feeling a bit better every day. I found that the most noticeable improvements were at the beginning. Treat yourself kindly. Walking , I found was my best friend. Even for just a few minutes several times a day, a bit more each day. Thanks for checking in, Heart Sister.Sending hugs.
Steven A Husted you sound great heart sister stay in touch this community can and will be your new family love and pr ... Read more
Steven A Husted you sound great heart sister stay in touch this community can and will be your new family love and prayers from the family your heart brother steve (popeye)
Jo Rizzo Take your time Debbie ! You don't want to over do it
Eleanor R You are doing great Debbie, typing in information and catching up. I couldn't do that for several we ... Read more
Eleanor R You are doing great Debbie, typing in information and catching up. I couldn't do that for several weeks, too tired all the time, and hard to sit still to use the laptop or tablet. You just keep doing your recovery exercises, whatever they prescribed for you, probably the spirometer, walking a few times a day, resting. I remember the first couple of weeks, now over a year ago, of just walking around in my house, too hot to be outside as it was late July 2014 in the DC area. I feel great now and wish the same for you. Walk, but then rest and put your feet up. I read a lot of books, and at night listened to books on tape to put me to sleep, which they did with great success. Keep on healing. Eleanor
Tammy Pilcher Great news Debbie! You're on the best side of surgery now. Prayers for continued recovery, heart si ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Great news Debbie! You're on the best side of surgery now. Prayers for continued recovery, heart sister. God bless you!
What a day of emotions. Went to my pre-op appointment and had blood drawn, EKG, chest x-rays and talked to the anesthesiologist. I was okay until he came ...Read more
What a day of emotions. Went to my pre-op appointment and had blood drawn, EKG, chest x-rays and talked to the anesthesiologist. I was okay until he came to talk to me. I'm not sure why he scared me...but he did. Everyone was nice, but for some reason...it really unnerved me. Watched a video from 2001 about heart valve replacement which really did not help me much as it was not about minimally invasive heart surgery it was the crack your chest open surgery. Headed to work and put in a full day of work with 10 hours and received a card from co-workers filled with get well wishes. I really had to hold the tears. I did not expect to be so emotional. Talked to my boss, who gave me the good to go to slowly come back and work from home if needed and part time. Ran the rest of the day, trying to clear off my desk and handle the things I could handle. Clocked out at 8:05 PM and the tears started to flow. I headed to the bowling alley to see my son and daughter. My son bowls on Wednesdays and my daughter works there. My son is not coming to see me off in the morning...which is fine - he is so much like his mother. Gave him a big hug and tears came again. My daughter has class in the morning so I gave her a big hug and tears again. Wow...not sure what to do about all the emotions. Anyway...home trying to rest and sleep not going well as you can see. Took my first shower with the "special sponge & soap" and trying to catch up on some personal messages I received during the day. Not sure why I felt like I needed to write in the journal today but I am. I see a couple of people had surgery today and tomorrow. Hope all went and goes well. Mine is at 6:45 AM so I better at least attempt to sleep. Good night and be well.
Tammy Pilcher Debbie, I remember so well the night before my surgery and I didn't get much sleep, but I knew it was ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Debbie, I remember so well the night before my surgery and I didn't get much sleep, but I knew it was okay because I was going to get a good nap when I got to the hospital.:-) You are going to do great and wake up with your heart fixed. I'll be praying for you heart sister. This was the scripture I took to the hospital with me, Isaiah 41:13 " For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee.". He did and He will for you too. God bless you!
Rita Savelis Thinking of you Debbie. Sorry you have to go through with this. All your emotions are valid. Take car ... Read more
Rita Savelis Thinking of you Debbie. Sorry you have to go through with this. All your emotions are valid. Take care.
Meredith Bray Me. Too. You're normal. SOON you're going to wake up and it'll be a rough go at first, but every day ... Read more
Meredith Bray Me. Too. You're normal. SOON you're going to wake up and it'll be a rough go at first, but every day gets better. Thinking of you this morning!
Clare Auten The emotions are normal. I cried all the way into the OR. Praying for you today.
Mary K Sending prayer for a perfect outcome. Bless you, heart sister.
Terry Shermeister Read your post and I remember all too well the night before and the morning of! My anesthesiologist ... Read more
Terry Shermeister Read your post and I remember all too well the night before and the morning of! My anesthesiologist was scary as well, especially to my son. You are in surgery as I write this, on your way to recovery. God Bless as you begin your recovery.
Enrique K God bless! I'm sure you're in the best hands. I will be in the same boat Nov 7. Get well soon:-)
Ruth Valenzuela Praying for your surgery as it is now in progress. Bless you and may your recovery go smooth.... ... Read more
Ruth Valenzuela Praying for your surgery as it is now in progress. Bless you and may your recovery go smooth....
Alma Mater I am praying for your surgery right now. God bless you and aid you in a good recovery.
Mary Myers God Bless you and let the healing begin. Healthy heart hugs from your heart sis in Michigan.
I have made up my mind to go with a mechanical valve. This past week has been very stressful...thinking about the surgery and all the questions and research ...Read more
I have made up my mind to go with a mechanical valve. This past week has been very stressful...thinking about the surgery and all the questions and research and I do not want to do it again. I talked to my general healthcare provider and she is going to help me through the process of regulating the blood thinners. We called my insurance company and they will cover a personal INR meter so I can test my own blood and feel a little more at ease while I am adjusting to the change. I will still have my blood tested with the doctor, but I am scheduled to go on a family vacation in October and having the personal INR meter has helped ease my mind. I appreciate reading all the comments and you were all right. I had to make the decision that was right for me and I would know what the right decision was. Thank you for all your comments and I enjoy hearing and reading about others that are going through the same situation as me.
Rita Savelis Hello Debbie. The first few months on blood thinners it is hard to get them "regulated" - your dose ... Read more
Rita Savelis Hello Debbie. The first few months on blood thinners it is hard to get them "regulated" - your dose goes up and down. No one (doctors!) told me how common this is. Eventually, a few months down the line, one's body calms down and the med dosage becomes more regulated. So hang in there and congrats on your decision and hope some of the stress can go.
Clare Auten My dose did change a little in the beginning. However, I have been on the same dose now since Febru ... Read more
Clare Auten My dose did change a little in the beginning. However, I have been on the same dose now since February. My number is in range and all is good. My dosages are regulated by the hospital's anticoagulation clinic. The girls there are pharmacists who only deal with anticoagulation medicine. They are readily available by phone and a great help to answer diet questions, etc. because that is all they do.
Jean Raber Debbie, I'm glad you made a decision you're happy with. The INR monitor sounds like a great idea.
It is good you have made a decision you are comfortable with.
I have been the association manager for a youth bowling association here for the past 16 years and we had a board meeting today to discuss a few things. I ...Read more
I have been the association manager for a youth bowling association here for the past 16 years and we had a board meeting today to discuss a few things. I also announced the date of my surgery and I broke down. it took me by surprise. I really did not think that I was scared or upset about the surgery but I couldn't finish my sentence. I have had a solemn day and still torn between the 2 valves. I still think I'm leaning towards the mechanical valve because I would not have to have a second surgery. I did not actually believe how emotional I was about the surgery and I don't think I want another surgery looming over my head when 15 years comes around. Thanks for all the comments. It is comforting to know I am not the only one going through this or having to make the same decision.
Bob M I pray that you will make the right decision for the type of valve for you. My surgery was last Decem ... Read more
Bob M I pray that you will make the right decision for the type of valve for you. My surgery was last December 10, and my new aorta valve was a tissue valve called a trifecta. My bet is that in 15 years, my procedure to replace my valve will be the TAVR through my femoral artery.
Clare Auten Open heart surgery is a big deal. It is ok to be scared or nervous. I agree with Bob. You have to do ... Read more
Clare Auten Open heart surgery is a big deal. It is ok to be scared or nervous. I agree with Bob. You have to do what is best for you. There really is no wrong choice. I got an On-X mechanical valve 20 months ago. I am doing great.
Rita Savelis I hear you Debbie. Those emotions come up out of the blue. There is no "right" decision. It's all s ... Read more
Rita Savelis I hear you Debbie. Those emotions come up out of the blue. There is no "right" decision. It's all so very personal and there is always another decision you could have taken.
Adam Pick Debbie - Emotions are a wonderful thing. They help us navigate our lives -- especially in transformat ... Read more
Adam Pick Debbie - Emotions are a wonderful thing. They help us navigate our lives -- especially in transformational experiences. Cardiac surgery as I -- and many people in this community -- believe is transformational experience. It's epic. And, it's often unplanned for. Hopefully, the people and the educational information here will enhance your positive emotions and your healing. If you need anything, please let me know.
Steven A Husted hi debbie if you read my first few posts you will see how scared i was but adams book and this site g ... Read more
Steven A Husted hi debbie if you read my first few posts you will see how scared i was but adams book and this site got me thru my ohs and after it was over i found it was not as bad as i thought it was going to be and if i had to have a second ohs i could do it with out being afraid and i was glad i chose a bovine tissue heart valve like others have said there is no bad choice it is what makes you feel comfortable with
Yesterday I set the date for my surgery and then I immediately changed my mind to a later date. It's funny...how relieved I feel because I have a date now. ...Read more
Yesterday I set the date for my surgery and then I immediately changed my mind to a later date. It's funny...how relieved I feel because I have a date now. Now comes all the research. What type of valve do I get? I am leaning heavily towards a mechanical valve so I do not have to have another heart valve surgery but I am very conflicted about taking blood thinners. The internet has lots of positive & negative stories and my brain is full and confused with no answer for me yet. I will continue gathering information to make my decision and hoping by becoming a member of this community and visiting with others who have already gone through this - I can make a decision that I will be happy with.
Gloria Savannah-Austin Debbie- I know you will find the answers that best fit your life, this site is amazing. One thing to ... Read more
Gloria Savannah-Austin Debbie- I know you will find the answers that best fit your life, this site is amazing. One thing to consider- Heart surgery procedures are evolving as we speak, down the road you may not have to have another open heart procedure and it will be a process of just going in through an artery to do any further work or repair you may need. It's a few short years away, not decades. Glad you are here and look forward to hearing how your journey unfolds. My surgery date hasn't been set yet, but Sept. 1st is another Cardiology visit and feel more informed and ready for any discussions that ensue due to being a member of this site. Good luck in your findings and research.
Jean Raber Debbie, changing your surgery date was probably a good idea for you as long as your doctor's comforta ... Read more
Jean Raber Debbie, changing your surgery date was probably a good idea for you as long as your doctor's comfortable with it.
I think I understand your feeling because I tend to have "trust issues." Which means I'd do my own surgery if I could because handing a vital organ over to someone who doesn't know me and who may also be egotistical and overly confident is a scary prospect.
Doing a lot of Internet research is a two-edged sword. You can run into really good info that will help think of questions to ask your doctor. And you can run into anecdotal information that tends to over-dramatize problems that you may never encounter.
Some people on here have taken blood thinners long-term with no problem, and I hope they weigh in on this for you. I've learned from some of them that new research shows that some patients with mechanical valves may eventually be able to replace Coumadin with aspirin.
Also, many problems with blood thinners occur because people don't follow instructions. The hospital nurses often do a great job teaching you about these things and can allay your fears.
Everyone here knows the fears and anxieties. You're not alone! Also, Adam's book is a really good resource.
Terry Shermeister Hi Debbie: I had a mitral valve repair, but my surgeon and I had a plan b incase my valve could not ... Read more
Terry Shermeister Hi Debbie: I had a mitral valve repair, but my surgeon and I had a plan b incase my valve could not be repaired. He suggested a mechanical valve due to the chance or re-op. I say this because he was an excellent surgeon and I've got friends who have mechanical valves for 15 years and no issues. Yes, I too felt much relief when my date was determined. Good thoughts and strength in your decision.
Naomi Ivker Debbie: I had my aortic valve replaced a little more than two weeks ago with a bovine valve. I am 46 ... Read more
Naomi Ivker Debbie: I had my aortic valve replaced a little more than two weeks ago with a bovine valve. I am 46. My surgeon, cardiologist, husband and I all agreed that the risks and difficulties with blood thinners far outweighed the risk of re surgery. They all feel that replacemt on the aortic valve 10-20 years from now (they are lasting closer to 20) will be via catheter and not an open procedure. They all (my husband is a physician as well) are very negative about blood thinners. There are people who do very well on blood thinners. I don't think there is a bad choice as replacement simply lengthens life. This is just on perspective. My surgeon told me that he is exactly my age and if he had to replace an aortic valve he would go bio prosthetic. Good luck with your decision.
Nancy D This is a decision that you have to make as no one knows you better than you! There is no right or w ... Read more
Nancy D This is a decision that you have to make as no one knows you better than you! There is no right or wrong answer.....it is what is right for you. Which feels like the lesser of two evils..... One must weigh the working with blood thinners for life, and monthly (sometimes weekly at first) labs to get and keep levels under control. I know a lady with a mechanical that this has been no problem for the past 30 years with her mechanical valve. My surgeon and cardiologist thought I would be a good candidate for mechanical, and after much consideration, I decided to go with tissue valve if my valve couldn't be repaired. It ended up being a replacement and it was tissue (bovine) that I received a year ago. I am planning on setting all kinds of longevity records with this valve, so perhaps I won't need another replacement! ;-)
Hopefully you can have a repair, but you need to be sure as you can be going into surgery which you would prefer. Good luck in your research and finding what is right for you!
Steven A Husted i agree it is a very hard decision i know i was all set to go with a onx valve then a st jude mech. v ... Read more
Steven A Husted i agree it is a very hard decision i know i was all set to go with a onx valve then a st jude mech. valve and after much research i decided on a bovine tissue valve because of blood thinners i did not want to bleed out sometime or have weekly or monthly inr check ups and still a chance a mech. valve may fail and in a few years they will replace a heart valve thru your vein with no open heart surgery it is a lot to consider it depends somewhat on your lifestyle and how you work and play i wish you all the best and will keep you in my prayers your heart brother steve (popeye)
I'm new to the community and i have scheduled my aortic valve replacement surgery on September 10, 2015. I now have to decide which valve I would like - mechanical ...Read more
I'm new to the community and i have scheduled my aortic valve replacement surgery on September 10, 2015. I now have to decide which valve I would like - mechanical and tissue. I am glad I found this site so I could talk to other people who have or are going through the same situation. I have an aortic bicuspid valve and it is time to get it replaced. I am leaning towards a mechanical valve but I am not sure about taking blood thinners. Those who have a mechanical valve...how do you like the blood thinners? The internet is full of information but I would like to hear from "real" people about their experiences. Thank you,
Clare Auten Hi. Welcome. I got an On-X mechanical valve on 1/9/14. I am very happy with my recovery and am doing ... Read more
Clare Auten Hi. Welcome. I got an On-X mechanical valve on 1/9/14. I am very happy with my recovery and am doing great. Read journals and ask questions. Whichever way you go, it will be right for you.
Kim Schurman I have a mechanical valve with mild clicking sound that you get used to over time. The warfarin blood ... Read more
Kim Schurman I have a mechanical valve with mild clicking sound that you get used to over time. The warfarin blood thinner is working good, it just seems i am a little resistant to it so i am on highr doses then most others. It makes me feel relieved that i dont have to go thru any more surgeries on my heart for another few decades, so it is worth going mechanical for me. Hope that helps!
Sonny Abbasi I had aortic valve replacement with a tissue valve (cow or bovine valve). I chose that because 2 of 3 ... Read more
Sonny Abbasi I had aortic valve replacement with a tissue valve (cow or bovine valve). I chose that because 2 of 3 surgeons were suggesting that plus my mother who is a physician and my uncle who is a cardiologist. My mother said blood thinners forever is awful for a young person. I am 45 with three kids. Re-surgery risk is there but the TAVR procedure (through the leg) is getting more prevalent and technology is improving. Right now it is used on people who are high risk for surgery but over the next 10 to 15 years it should evolve.
Rita Savelis Trust your doctor to help you in your decision. Your age will have a lot to do with it. Tissue valves ... Read more
Rita Savelis Trust your doctor to help you in your decision. Your age will have a lot to do with it. Tissue valves last a shorter time in younger (under 65) patients. I had 2 valves replaced and one repaired. I allowed a doctor to make the decision to go with mechanical valves, because even if one of my valves was working, another one could give out after 8-10 years. A lot to think about. Everyone is hoping for a bright cardiac future with non-invasive surgery techniques in the future, but it's hard to know what the future will bring.
Meredith Bray I was 42 when I got my On-X mechanical valve two years ago. Mild clicking, don't notice it after a w ... Read more
Meredith Bray I was 42 when I got my On-X mechanical valve two years ago. Mild clicking, don't notice it after a while. I was already taking a daily maintenance medication (atorvastatin and 81mg aspirin) so it wasn't any difficulty to add another pill. The only thing that's changed is that I see a nurse every 4-6 weeks to have my blood checked via a finger stick, and many people can do home testing. Also, I can't donate blood because of the warfarin. So I just volunteer instead.
Dr. Junaid Khan is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed thousands of heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
I am from: Idaho Falls, Idaho
