dina's Journal

Rose Madura  Hi Dina. I'm sorry the surgery was postponed. I had mine pushed back a week due to an emergency. It was difficult for me because I was ready. It threw me for a loop but I got through it. Did they give you an idea on how long it will be?

dina hudson  Rose: They have me scheduled for September 30th, 8 days after the original date. But, of course, there is no guarantee the ICU will have beds that day the way things are going.

Richard Munson  Awful you have to go thru that after all these weeks of mental preparation. Some hospitals i suspect consider heart valve surgery to be elective, unless you are on deaths door. On the bright side being tossed into a situation teeming with covid patients does not sound like a great idea either. Good luck

Adam Pick  Hi Dina, So sorry about this Dina!!! All things happen for a reason. We don't always know what that reason is. But, I'm hopeful the reason will lead you to a very successful procedure with Dr. DeValeria. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Patrick-DeValeria-Phoenix-Arizona.php

rich monoson  Dina, I have an ON-X aortic valve. There are definitely times I hear it ticking and can feel it as well but the improvement in function and well being make it a beautiful sound. There are many factors to consider: mechanical versus tissue valve and I'm sure after you weigh them all out the proper decision will be made. I'm aware of the ticking about 10% of the time at most. Best of health Dina and keep us posted.

Rita Savelis  I have 2 mechanical valves. I only hear them when the room is very very quiet - like if I'm reading on the couch. Then I'll put a pillow over my chest! But really truly the sound is not a problem. Now, 6 years later I rarely hear it, and I rarely think about my valves. Also, after any kind of OHS with any type of valve many people are more aware of their hearts and hear them more. There is probably a really a good chance that your mitral valve can be repaired so I hope that you won't need a replacement valve. Take care.
Here's a video on this site about the sound:
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2015/03/02/mechanical-valve-ticking-clicking/

dina hudson  Thank you Rita and Rich. I had listened to Linda's video of her mechanical valve already and could not hear hers. Perhaps it is really quiet? I appreciate both of your insights. :)

rich monoson  You're very welcome Dina and honestly I rarely hear mine. Rita pointed out that we are more aware of the heart post surgery so that also is a factor. In retrospect it is so mild and infrequent to hear it.

  Hello Dina, wishing you a successful surgery. Will pray for a speedy recovery and write as soon as you can. Blessings