Eddie's Journal

No call from the surgeons office today, looks like my redo is on for tomorrow morning. Going to be some stomach butterflies and some deep breaths in the morning I'm sure. See you on the other side.

On the top of the board. Wow, didn't have much notice but what I did have went damn quick. Finishing up work for the most part tomorrow. Got some stuff to get done this weekend for my hospital stay, get a haircut, shave and trim my beard close. A bit of financial stuff to wrap up just in case and then get my mind right. Got pre ops on Monday then quarantined until surgery, Really dreading doing this again, the "Oh, this tissue valve will last at least 10 years then get TAVR and that will last even longer" didn't work out for me, so here I go again. Got through it once so I know how it goes, will get through it once more hopefully for the last time. Getting real, real fast.

I have bought a bunch of Godiva Chocolates, individually wrapped, and some small Kind granola bars to carry to the hospital in a basket for the nurses and staff. My sister in law is a nurse and suggested hand lotion and good ink pens as well. Any other suggestions? I did this with my last replacement to show my appreciation and want to do it again.

So trip across town was pretty much a waste. They couldn't get me scheduled for any of the tests today, why that couldn't have been done in advance is beyond me so back Monday for those. Also met with surgeon and date got changed to January 13th, wanted the first of the day so date got moved back one day. I guess one good thing about going down this road a second time, there are less questions and the questionnaires at easier to answer! After testing Monday I have to quarantine until time to go to the hospital so this weekend will be spent getting everything together and getting that last good meal and a few beverages in.

Ok, something a bit different for the group, something kinda interactive. I made a playlist before my first replacement five years ago and still have it, I am looking to update it. Being a child of the 70s and 80s I lean toward classic rock, but at one time I was a trained Jazz and Classical musician, and I even have some hip hop, alternative and a mix of stuff you haven't heard of on my phone. So, hit me with something I should add to my playlist while I am in the hospital.

So a month ago...your bovine valve is failing. A week ago...you will also need a bypass Last week...we are phasing out your job. Fitting way to end a crappy year. It's not how many times you get knocked down that matters it's how many times you get up that does. I will be standing when it is all done.

Just had a heart cath. So not only is my bovine valve bad but I will need one and maybe two bypasses. Meet with the surgeon on 12/22. Nice way to end a year like this one.

I had my appointment with my surgeon today and got info that I have never seen on this group or any other and surely didn't expect. My surgeon, cardiologist and a "Heart Structural Expert" at Cleveland Clinic consulted on my case, evidently there are some measurements not adding up. My mean pressure gradient is 56, which is way high and would suggest a valve opening of .5. But the valve opening appears to be at least 1. So, the plan right now is to take Eliquis for 3 weeks and after, I will have a heart cath, echo and cat scan to see if there was any change and measure just how much calcification is on the valve. After the results come back if it helps then continue on the Eliquis and monitor, if not then surgery. They seem to think that there is an outside possibility that there is something (maybe blood clot) that might be stuck over two flaps as two are not opening, but one is opening at least some. The Eloquis is to see if the blood thinner may break it up if that is indeed the case. Anyone ever heard of anything like this?

So I have been classified as severe surgeon meeting next week, was told to expect surgery within the next few weeks. Thought I would have a couple of months but looks like I have to get ready for my second replacement pretty soon. Got to say expected a slow deterioration over a few years, going from good to severe in a year after only five years has shook me. Been down this road once already and come out great so I think I can again.

TEE results showed severe aortic stenosis, gradient over 90, valve area around 1. Waiting for the plan for next steps but pretty sure where this is headed. Really thought I would get more than five years from the tissue valve I got.

So just got back from the cardiologist. Looks like I am back in the waiting room. The tissue valve I got five years ago appears to be calcifying already. Doc said the gradients are worse now that before I had the replacement so it will be fairly soon. Got a TEE next week. And as a bonus it's going to have to be mechanical so another OHS. Damn 2020.

Hey everyone. Been a member for over five years. Been a bit of a lurker for a while, just seemed like those close to the process was the most helpful So anyway, had a bovine replacement a bit over five years ago and things were all good, well until now. Had echo yesterday and knew something wasn't right based on the techs attitude. Got a call this afternoon cardiologist wants to see me asap. Going first thing tomorrow, looks like I am back in the waiting room. Got five years from my bovine valve, we will see what my options are tomorrow. Wish I could say its good to be active again, but I would rather not. Anyway any of my old friends still around?

To all you valvers out there a toast to you. Merry Christmas, happy hanukkah, happy holidays, or whatever. If nothing else here's to continued health, cheers.

Dont post here much anymore but still follow everyone's journey. Had to share today. Today had my annual cardiologist check up and got the results from my first echo since surgery three years ago. Woohoo! Ekg and echo was identical to what they were right after surgery! No echo for two more years. The cow used to make my valve is proving to have been a tough sob, thank god! Glad to finally get an echo to see how it was holding up, especially after great news!