Elaine's Journal

Lilly Black  Fantastic news, Elaine! My experience is if I overdo it physically the next day I feel a bit breathless. For instance, walking and hiking are fine but if I ... Read more

Lilly Black  Fantastic news, Elaine! My experience is if I overdo it physically the next day I feel a bit breathless. For instance, walking and hiking are fine but if I exercise on my bike which is a type of resistance exercise I will definitely feel breathless the following day if I overdo it. I’m happy for you, Elaine. Congratulations on 7 years and still going strong!😊❣️✌️

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, great news! You've been in my prayers, so I'll celebrate this good news with you! God is good! I'm doing well and still going strong as well with my ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, great news! You've been in my prayers, so I'll celebrate this good news with you! God is good! I'm doing well and still going strong as well with my mitral valve repair. One day would love for us to meet in person and have a reunion of our December 2014 heart surgery friends! I got to meet Lilly in person at an Edwards LifeScience meeting awhile back. Merry Christmas!

Elaine Foster  Thank you Rose and Civita for your replies. My 5 year echo was fine, and Dr. said we wouldn't do another one until the 10 year mark. But.....started having ... Read more

Elaine Foster  Thank you Rose and Civita for your replies. My 5 year echo was fine, and Dr. said we wouldn't do another one until the 10 year mark. But.....started having issues, so I am glad he ordered the Echo as that is the only way to tell what it happening. My best to you both also. Will let you know, after Dec. appt.

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, I saw your post and said - that's my gal that went through OHS with me and recovery..and prayed for and encouraged one another! Sorry to hear about ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, I saw your post and said - that's my gal that went through OHS with me and recovery..and prayed for and encouraged one another! Sorry to hear about your set back, but know I'm praying for you and want to stay in touch and know I continue to lift you in my prayer - Heart Sister!

Elaine Foster  So nice to here from you my heart sister! How are you doing? I think about all those who supported each other in 2014 and wonder how they are. Life has been ... Read more

Elaine Foster  So nice to here from you my heart sister! How are you doing? I think about all those who supported each other in 2014 and wonder how they are. Life has been good, just a little hick-up here, and will know more in December. I would love to stay in touch with you. Please let me know how you are and what you are doing now. Thank you for your prayers. God is good and faithful. If you prefer, my email is ..foster1975@sbcglobal.net

Jay Heagerty  Elaine, I am sorry you are going through this earlier than anticipated. The good news is each year the technology and surgical methods improve. I recently had ... Read more

Jay Heagerty  Elaine, I am sorry you are going through this earlier than anticipated. The good news is each year the technology and surgical methods improve. I recently had a aortic valve replacement with the Edwards bovine valve, my procedure was open heart. Anyway best of luck to you for a positive outcome. Please keep us posted

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, thrilled to hear you are doing so well! You were a huge encouragement to me on this site 6 years ago, and I had OHS a week after you. Praising God ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, thrilled to hear you are doing so well! You were a huge encouragement to me on this site 6 years ago, and I had OHS a week after you. Praising God with you for continued good heart health! Merry Christmas Heart Sister!

Elaine Foster  So good to hear from you Cheryl. Grateful to hear my heart sisters are doing well. Your encouragement and prayers were (and are) a blessing to me. Merry ... Read more

Elaine Foster  So good to hear from you Cheryl. Grateful to hear my heart sisters are doing well. Your encouragement and prayers were (and are) a blessing to me. Merry Christmas to you also. My grandson lives in TX now, that is where you are isn't it? Wouldn't it be awesome to meet someday. I was so happy that you and Lily got to meet at the Edwards reception. I so wanted to do that. What a wonderful community Adam has started.

Lilly Black  Elaine, great message and advice! Congratulations to you on your 2 year anniversary. You made it! and you will keep going strong. So happy for you! Enjoy the ... Read more

Lilly Black  Elaine, great message and advice! Congratulations to you on your 2 year anniversary. You made it! and you will keep going strong. So happy for you! Enjoy the holidays....we have so much to look forward to, heart sister! :)

Civita Fahey  great message Elaine.. I needed to read this as I await my AVR surgery in the early spring. I too have had my anxiety over which valve but I am leaning towards ... Read more

Civita Fahey  great message Elaine.. I needed to read this as I await my AVR surgery in the early spring. I too have had my anxiety over which valve but I am leaning towards the bovine as I am 55 and active and would like to continue that. All three opinions I received felt it was up to me and that being in that "in between age" its really a personal choice but most people in this age group are going with the bovine and expecting technology to advance as far a redo.. Like you I leave in the Lord's hands.. thanks again for posting.

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, so glad you are doing great at one year! My one year anniversary is next week. You have been a huge support for me going a week before...and your faith ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, so glad you are doing great at one year! My one year anniversary is next week. You have been a huge support for me going a week before...and your faith in the Lord has been such a help! Blessings heart sister!

Elaine Foster  Thank you Cheryl for your kind words. Best wishes for your "heart" anniversary. Even though we have never met, you have been a blessing to me also. So neat ... Read more

Elaine Foster  Thank you Cheryl for your kind words. Best wishes for your "heart" anniversary. Even though we have never met, you have been a blessing to me also. So neat for you to have walked with 2 of your "heart sisters" ! It was a great picture. You look the picture of health. God is good! Merry Christmas!

Terrie Syvertsen  Elaine-Congratulations on the "One Year" mark! Thank you for sharing your recovery days also keeping track with so many of us Heart Valve Brothers and Sisters. ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Elaine-Congratulations on the "One Year" mark! Thank you for sharing your recovery days also keeping track with so many of us Heart Valve Brothers and Sisters. Your words and thoughts seem always supportive and show your Faith. I am very happy for you and wish you many years of continued Joy and Life.

Lora Lee Peterson  My husband just finished his last maintenance treatment for now, and he has done so well since finding out that he had bladder cancer a year and a half ago. ... Read more

Lora Lee Peterson  My husband just finished his last maintenance treatment for now, and he has done so well since finding out that he had bladder cancer a year and a half ago. It's scary, but you will conquer it!! Wow, I can't imagine having both things hit me. You are so strong!!!

Elaine Foster  In celebration, I walked 10,261 steps today! I had hit the 10,000 mark a couple of times since surgery, but not consistently, so today that was my goal. ... Read more

Elaine Foster  In celebration, I walked 10,261 steps today! I had hit the 10,000 mark a couple of times since surgery, but not consistently, so today that was my goal. I hope to keep in up at least 3 times a week. Lora Lee, I am glad your husband is doing well, thank you for the encouraging words/

Janet R  Elaine, glad to hear you are doing well and that you cancer was caught early. Funny you mention the sweet tooth after surgery. I too was not big on sweets ... Read more

Janet R  Elaine, glad to hear you are doing well and that you cancer was caught early. Funny you mention the sweet tooth after surgery. I too was not big on sweets but it seems that after surgery now, and it has been 4 months for me, I am crazed by the sweets. Have to keep it in check!

Christine Pittelli  Elaine I am SOOOOO happy to hear about the cancer being stage one.
Continue to eat that healthy diet and stay away from sugar please - cancer loves sugar (but ... Read more

Christine Pittelli  Elaine I am SOOOOO happy to hear about the cancer being stage one.
Continue to eat that healthy diet and stay away from sugar please - cancer loves sugar (but fruit sugar is OK they say).

I am 10 months post op and after I garden my chest muscles still like to call out and remind me they are not done healing yet. Sometimes they ache on their own, or after a massage. I find my self rubbing certain areas and can feel the chest plate. But it is not too bad. It does not ache after a two mile run...go figure.

Thinking of you. :)

Terri Henwood  Thank you for sharing that with us as all information is always important and knowledge is a powerful thing, my prayers are with you and pray that things get ... Read more

Terri Henwood  Thank you for sharing that with us as all information is always important and knowledge is a powerful thing, my prayers are with you and pray that things get better for you and no more treatment is needed....Will be thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers..

Tammy Pilcher  Oh Elaine, I'm so sorry to hear you're having to go through this ! I'll be praying for good news from your biopsy! You are so right that our Savior brought ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Oh Elaine, I'm so sorry to hear you're having to go through this ! I'll be praying for good news from your biopsy! You are so right that our Savior brought us through our AVR's and I know He is still right by your side! Sending so much love your way, heart sister!

Terrie Syvertsen  Elaine- A good reminder to pay attention to our bodies and it is good that you did! As you are awaiting your results, know that your heart brothers and sisters ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Elaine- A good reminder to pay attention to our bodies and it is good that you did! As you are awaiting your results, know that your heart brothers and sisters continue to wish you well as you continue to heal too. You will get through this and whatever the results are we are here for you. Take care and tap that inner strength you know you have! Love and prayers your way!

Robert Osmachenko  You can find "Quest for the Cure" moderated by Ty Bollinger online or on Facebook. It is an educational series dedicated to cancer. In the program it states ... Read more

Robert Osmachenko  You can find "Quest for the Cure" moderated by Ty Bollinger online or on Facebook. It is an educational series dedicated to cancer. In the program it states that several cancers are caused by external, environmental factors.
Thanks for sharing your story.

  I am so sorry to hear you are going through all this at only 4 mo post-op. As you said....our Savior will see you through this. I could not go through MVP in ... Read more

  I am so sorry to hear you are going through all this at only 4 mo post-op. As you said....our Savior will see you through this. I could not go through MVP in a couple weeks if I thought I was doing this on my own. He is with us...Always.... I will keep you in my prayers.

D. Carol Moore  Elaine, It has been quite some time since I've posted to the Community. All is well w/me as I'm in my eight weeks of recovering from a fractured foot (slipped ... Read more

D. Carol Moore  Elaine, It has been quite some time since I've posted to the Community. All is well w/me as I'm in my eight weeks of recovering from a fractured foot (slipped on an icy driveway and fell). I'm so sorry to hear of your health challenge but "it's well" with you. Think back on what God has done in the past for you. He will never leave nor forsaken you so stand strong and mighty with the assurance that God is near and He WILL bring you through. Faint not, my dear heart sister and stand strong.
Much Love - Carol

Denise Cockayne  Oh Elaine I was so sorry to read of this and here you are sending me positive messages, I did not realise about the bladder cancer. Sending love and prayers ... Read more

Denise Cockayne  Oh Elaine I was so sorry to read of this and here you are sending me positive messages, I did not realise about the bladder cancer. Sending love and prayers your way, so understand living with cancer myself, hard to take heart stuff and cancer stuff all at once. God is so good he will not leave you or forsake you. Many blessings and please stay in touch.

Tammy Pilcher  I'm so happy for you, Elaine! You're not only a sweet heart sister, but also my sister in Christ. I have enjoyed sharing our favorite scriptures with each ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  I'm so happy for you, Elaine! You're not only a sweet heart sister, but also my sister in Christ. I have enjoyed sharing our favorite scriptures with each other and encouraging each other. I pray for continued success for your recovery! Lots of love sent your way!

Pat Bluemel  So good to hear. And you are so right, I pondered so many times this last few days 'no one mentioned this situation, this person didn't take as long to do ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  So good to hear. And you are so right, I pondered so many times this last few days 'no one mentioned this situation, this person didn't take as long to do this,' then I reminded myself that I am not everybody:-). Enjoy Florida.

Lilly Black  Elaine, great news! congratulations! you are doing great. One day at a time :o) Do you still use the Spirometer? I found it very helpful, and I am no longer ... Read more

Lilly Black  Elaine, great news! congratulations! you are doing great. One day at a time :o) Do you still use the Spirometer? I found it very helpful, and I am no longer out of breath. When I inhale the breath using the Spirometer, I hold it for as long as I can. Then let it out slowly. My husband showed me this trick and really helps the lungs 'stretch' to their capacity. I have also been able to walk on inclines....something I couldn't do for a year before surgery. I realize everyone is different and every situation is different, but just sharing something that works for me. I wish you great success in your continued rehab. :o)

Elaine Foster  Adam, Dr Gerdisch had good things to say about you too! I asked him how the video went, and he looked surprised, wondering how I knew about it. He was happy ... Read more

Elaine Foster  Adam, Dr Gerdisch had good things to say about you too! I asked him how the video went, and he looked surprised, wondering how I knew about it. He was happy to do the video, he is passionate about getting knowledge shared. He had great things to say about this website, and highly regards it as a great resource for patients.

Barry Van Gemert  There seem to be a lot of patients that go missing after surgery leaving the rest of us to wonder what happened. Maybe everyone participating here should make ... Read more

Barry Van Gemert  There seem to be a lot of patients that go missing after surgery leaving the rest of us to wonder what happened. Maybe everyone participating here should make a commitment to do some follow-up posts?

  My first surgery, didn't use anything and it faded and wasn't a big deal. Then two months later, I bought myself an expensive diamond necklace !! I look ... Read more

  My first surgery, didn't use anything and it faded and wasn't a big deal. Then two months later, I bought myself an expensive diamond necklace !! I look at that ! Not sure how I'll treat myself for this surgery. Maybe red (for the heart ) ruby earrings. My daughter gave me the heart charm for my Pandora bracelet.

Vicki King  I'm so happy to hear that you're doing so well! You're right about it being cold here in Indiana! I love winter but I hope it doesn't last long this year so ... Read more

Vicki King  I'm so happy to hear that you're doing so well! You're right about it being cold here in Indiana! I love winter but I hope it doesn't last long this year so I can get outside before too long. This winter has not been a fun one!

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, amen to everything you said and all praise to God! Glad you are doing so well. I'm waiting to feel "back to normal," but no complaints as most uncomfortableness ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, amen to everything you said and all praise to God! Glad you are doing so well. I'm waiting to feel "back to normal," but no complaints as most uncomfortableness is taken care of with extra strength Tylenol. Can't wait to hear how your Cardiac Rehab goes.

Joan Napier  Elaine, It's so good to hear that you are doing well in your recovery! I am 8 weeks post-op and into my second week of cardiac rehab. I'm finally starting ... Read more

Joan Napier  Elaine, It's so good to hear that you are doing well in your recovery! I am 8 weeks post-op and into my second week of cardiac rehab. I'm finally starting to feel better in the past 2-3 weeks, but still get tired if I overdo it. It's wonderful that you are walking and staying active, even though it is a challenge in these frigid temperatures. You are so right, the good Lord has been looking out for us here, and we have so much for which to be grateful. Good luck with rehab. You will do great and feel even stronger. And thank you for being such a prayer warrior on this site. Your prayers and support mean so much!

  Elaine, I am so happy to hear you are doing well. :) It is now very cold here in CT as well and I can no longer do my walk outside. Cardiac rehab will feel ... Read more

  Elaine, I am so happy to hear you are doing well. :) It is now very cold here in CT as well and I can no longer do my walk outside. Cardiac rehab will feel great. Thank you for sharing your favorite scriptures by the way, I really liked the one you posted on my journal. :) Take care.

Joan Napier  Elaine, It's so good to hear that you are doing well in your recovery! I am 8 weeks post-op and into my second week of cardiac rehab. I'm finally starting to ... Read more

Joan Napier  Elaine, It's so good to hear that you are doing well in your recovery! I am 8 weeks post-op and into my second week of cardiac rehab. I'm finally starting to feel better in the past 2-3 weeks, but still get tired if I overdo it. It's wonderful that you are walking and staying active, even though it is a challenge in these frigid temperatures. You are so right, the good Lord has been looking out for us here, and we have so much for which to be grateful. Good luck with rehab. You will do great and feel even stronger. And thank you for being such a prayer warrior on this site. Your prayers and support mean so much!

Tammy Pilcher  Elaine, I'm so glad you are doing so well! I'm at 10 weeks now and I am also feeling almost back to normal. I'm walking an hour a day at a pretty good pace. ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Elaine, I'm so glad you are doing so well! I'm at 10 weeks now and I am also feeling almost back to normal. I'm walking an hour a day at a pretty good pace. I'm also so thankful to our Father God for all of my blessings! I second what Joan said, you've been a great prayer warrior here and I have enjoyed meeting you!

Cheryl Batzing  Praise God for our great recovery Elaine! I got home yesterday and have slept tons and thankful to be able to do so. Will continue to lift you up that your ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Praise God for our great recovery Elaine! I got home yesterday and have slept tons and thankful to be able to do so. Will continue to lift you up that your energy returns and for your cardiac rehab. Merry Christmas. Your heart sister, Cheryl.

  Elaine you r doing so well. I felt like a bus hit me for about 2 weeks! No joke. But each week I got stronger. Those narcotics - great for pain but I had enough ... Read more

  Elaine you r doing so well. I felt like a bus hit me for about 2 weeks! No joke. But each week I got stronger. Those narcotics - great for pain but I had enough by day 4! I know what you are saying. Keep paying attention to the body, and rest and walk. Happy for you!!😊 and your attitude is wonderful.

Cheryl Batzing  Great news Elaine...God is faithful! You've been an inspiration to me on this journey as I walked it about a week behind you. I've had trouble getting pain ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Great news Elaine...God is faithful! You've been an inspiration to me on this journey as I walked it about a week behind you. I've had trouble getting pain and nausea, but I think we're almost there. Will be praying for your continued healing.

Joan Napier  Elaine , I have been thinking of you and praying that your recovery is moving along smoothly. It sounds like you are doing wonderfully! I found that napping ... Read more

Joan Napier  Elaine , I have been thinking of you and praying that your recovery is moving along smoothly. It sounds like you are doing wonderfully! I found that napping is a very good thing in recovery. Keep up the great progress!

Tammy Pilcher  Elaine, I'm so glad you're doing well! You reminded of some things I felt too. I was so thirsty for water! I didn't want anything sweet, so unlike most people ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Elaine, I'm so glad you're doing well! You reminded of some things I felt too. I was so thirsty for water! I didn't want anything sweet, so unlike most people I didn't take the Popsicles. I only took the ice chips and as much water as they would give me! I also was checked every hour for blood sugar levels. My fingers looked like pin cushions! I guess I was so happy to have the surgery over with and to be home that by the time I wrote my experience I had forgotten all that. Oh yeah, I'm not diabetic either. I asked the nurse why they were checking every hour and she said it's because you won't heal well if your sugar is high. Take it slow and don't over do it for awhile. Each day should get better. Love, Tammy

Joan Napier  Elaine, I can relate to the pain caused by the chest tubes, as well as the issues with nausea. I found both very trying, and was so relieved when they were ... Read more

Joan Napier  Elaine, I can relate to the pain caused by the chest tubes, as well as the issues with nausea. I found both very trying, and was so relieved when they were behind me. Keep on with your healing, and let us know how you're doing. Still praying for you as you progress through recovery.

  Glad to hear you are doing so well. You left the hospital faster than me! :) Getting the drugs figured out takes a few days, I had to work with someone before ... Read more

  Glad to hear you are doing so well. You left the hospital faster than me! :) Getting the drugs figured out takes a few days, I had to work with someone before I left the hospital because the narcotics became too strong- extra strength tylenol amazingly did the trick on day 6 and beyond. Hang in there.

  Am thinking about her. I found it very hard to get up in ICU and after trying and telling them I couldnt, I don't remember much after that. The first two days ... Read more

  Am thinking about her. I found it very hard to get up in ICU and after trying and telling them I couldnt, I don't remember much after that. The first two days are really hard, at least for me it was, but after going through it and still recovering myself, please tell her I said to hang in there, and am praying for her. She will do well, the body needs time.

D. Carol Moore  Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS flow. God is good and His mercy endures forever. So happy that your Mom (Elaine) is doing well. Who can expect anything ... Read more

D. Carol Moore  Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS flow. God is good and His mercy endures forever. So happy that your Mom (Elaine) is doing well. Who can expect anything less from a soldier? Please give her my love and blessings!

Tammy Pilcher  Elaine, I'm so glad you were able to make your valve choice and feel good about it. I know that's been a difficult decision for you, especially since your ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Elaine, I'm so glad you were able to make your valve choice and feel good about it. I know that's been a difficult decision for you, especially since your surgeon was leaning towards the ON-x. I was blessed that I didn't have as hard of a decision, because my surgeon seemed to lean towards the bovine and once I made my choice, he told me he thought that was a good decision. I didn't have long to think about it either, just 4 days. I'm still happy with my choice and I think you will be too.

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, glad to hear your pre-op is behind you and "being fixed" day is near. You have been a blessing to me reading your scripture verses. You will be in my ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Elaine, glad to hear your pre-op is behind you and "being fixed" day is near. You have been a blessing to me reading your scripture verses. You will be in my prayers now and on surgery day. The verse that has been helping me is I Peter 5:6-7: Humble yourselves, therefor, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Elaine Foster  Thank you Tammy and Cheryl for your prayers and encouragement. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this site is, bringing together all of us to share our ... Read more

Elaine Foster  Thank you Tammy and Cheryl for your prayers and encouragement. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this site is, bringing together all of us to share our "hearts" and help each other on this journey. My daughter Annette will be posting for me after surgery.

Rob Wigley  Hi Elaine, as you read in my story and journal, I went with the tissue valve as well. My reasons were pretty much the same as you, not wanting to be on blood ... Read more

Rob Wigley  Hi Elaine, as you read in my story and journal, I went with the tissue valve as well. My reasons were pretty much the same as you, not wanting to be on blood thinners the rest of my life. I lead a fairly active lifestyle, and didn't want to be constantly worrying about that....
Also I'm very aware of the constant progress made in the techniques of "our surgery". I spoke with my surgeon a few weeks ago at my 1 year check up. I pretty much took for granted that he would retire soon, as he is in his 60's, but he said no, he's still enjoying his work. I then asked if he would still be satisfied if he no longer did open heart surgery, rather if he was a technician putting valves into hearts thru catheter procedures, and his eyes brightened and he said the state of the art is moving so fast that he's doing so many more of those types of procedures and was enjoying it. He reminded me that I wouldn't have qualified for the catheter procedure regardless because I had an aortic aneurysm that required my ascending aorta to be replaced.
Bottom line, I'm fairly confident that if I need a new valve in 15 years that the procedure will NOT be open heart, rather will be a "simple" catheter procedure. No guarantees on that, of course, and I'd take open heart again in a second if required, but I doubt that will happen. Hope your surgery goes well!!

D. Carol Moore  Elaine, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare for surgery. "And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be ... Read more

D. Carol Moore  Elaine, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare for surgery. "And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Matt 8:13

D. Carol Moore  Happy Anniversary to you and yours! You have the right to boast about your husband (I'm always boasting about my husband who has always taken good care of ... Read more

D. Carol Moore  Happy Anniversary to you and yours! You have the right to boast about your husband (I'm always boasting about my husband who has always taken good care of me in sickness and in health.) Wishing you all many more happy years of life together. Be blessed.

Tammy Pilcher  Happy Anniversary! Elaine, I know exactly how you feel. God blessed me with the most amazing husband too! We will celebrate our 29th anniversary next April ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Happy Anniversary! Elaine, I know exactly how you feel. God blessed me with the most amazing husband too! We will celebrate our 29th anniversary next April and he has taken such good care of me! I never really gave it much thought that he might have to help me shower, wash my hair, get dressed, etc. The first couple of weeks he had to help me do all of those and more. He was wonderful! The thing you read about thinking about how someone will react in trying times is so true! We are so blessed!

Eleanor R  This is the same dilemma that everyone on this site has struggled with, Elaine. There are good things about both types of valves, as well as downsides. There ... Read more

Eleanor R  This is the same dilemma that everyone on this site has struggled with, Elaine. There are good things about both types of valves, as well as downsides. There are folks who have been on Coumadin for years with few problems, and others enjoying their tissues valves for several years. You have been presented with both sides of the case, and what each surgeon told you is what we have all been told. It is believed that the second and third generation tissue valves are lasting longer, but since they have not been implanted and tested for additional years, the data is generally from the first generation of valves. The trade off is reoperation in some form, which is a given, and anticoagulation therapy in some form, the other given. we all struggled with this, especially those in your age range. Younger folks often go with mechanical, older folks almost always with tissue. The "middle age" group is the either/or group. I am older, 68, but also deliberated unduly before choosing. It was made easier by the surgeon telling me he would implant whatever I chose, and I could even change my mind and tell him on the morning of the surgery. His advice was "either valve is infinitely superior to the one you currently have" and "whichever one you choose, I will do my utmost to make sure it is well done, and it will be "your" valve, as you choose it, and will learn to live with it". Good luck on your decision.

Ken Obermeyer  Hi Elaine. My surgeon explained the pros and cons of mechanical and tissue valves. Keep in mind that I’m 65. He said a tissue heart valve, such as bovine, ... Read more

Ken Obermeyer  Hi Elaine. My surgeon explained the pros and cons of mechanical and tissue valves. Keep in mind that I’m 65. He said a tissue heart valve, such as bovine, lasts about 10 years, give or take. That was the con. The pro was: you’re not taking blood thinners. With a mechanical valve, though they last much longer (the pro), you live on blood thinners the rest of your life (the con). I chose the tissue valve because of the blood thinner issue. If I happen to outlive the tissue valve, I’ll cross that bridge at that time. In the meantime, I’m more interested in the quality of my life post-surgery. And for me, living on coumandin or its cousins doesn’t add to my quality of life. I paid attention to my feelings as I thought about the pros and cons of each. I easily recognized I ‘felt’ better, more peaceful, when I thought about the tissue valve. Thinking about the mechanical valve always had an element of fear. So, what brings YOU peace? Hope this helps.

Clare Auten  The choice is so hard. You have to be at peace with your choice and not second guess yourself. The warfarin hasn't really changed my lifestyle much. I eat what ... Read more

Clare Auten  The choice is so hard. You have to be at peace with your choice and not second guess yourself. The warfarin hasn't really changed my lifestyle much. I eat what I want (no big servings of spinach or kale bit that is not a huge deal for me.) I still eat salad. I still do the activities I did pre surgery. I do need to get the levels checked. I haven't heard about stopping the warfarin. I did hear that the level may be lowered.

Elaine Foster  Thank you so much Eleanor and Ken for your insightful reply. You both expressed yourselves very well, and I agree with you. Also I received some good advice ... Read more

Elaine Foster  Thank you so much Eleanor and Ken for your insightful reply. You both expressed yourselves very well, and I agree with you. Also I received some good advice today from a couple of cousins, they reminded me I had done my research, and now I need to trust in my Lord. So I've turned it over to my heavenly Father, and ask him to make clear the choice I should make and give me peace. I was reminded of a couple of scriptures- Ps. 143:8 "In their hearts humans plan their course, but Lord establishes their steps" and Ps. 143:8 "Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life" NIV I too, feel more peaceful about the tissue valve, but I haven't closed my mind to the On-x either. Just waiting for God's leading. Thanks again, it means a lot to have this heart community.

Tammy Pilcher  Dear Elaine, I just read this post and wanted to try to help. My surgeon said the same thing Eleanor said. That the newer bovine tissue valves are lasting ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Dear Elaine, I just read this post and wanted to try to help. My surgeon said the same thing Eleanor said. That the newer bovine tissue valves are lasting longer. He even said it would most likely last 15 or 20 years and that by then there would be a good chance it would not even require open heart to replace. I just figured I would rather have the next 15 or 20 years as normal as I could. I hope this helps. Your heart sister, Tammy

Eleanor R  One thing my surgeon told me, Elaine, was that he had never been asked to remove a valve, as the patient had changed his mind and wanted a different type! ... Read more

Eleanor R  One thing my surgeon told me, Elaine, was that he had never been asked to remove a valve, as the patient had changed his mind and wanted a different type! Of course not, once we make a decision we own it, but his point was that there is no perfect valve and if there were a huge difference among valves, there would only be one. He told me he had patients who still had their original mechanical valve and had been on Coumadin for decades, for originally that was the only option. He also told me he had a range of patients with porcine and bovine valves, and no one of those is superior to another either, and that he has done re-operations on both types of valves. We all wish there were a perfect solution, but we have to accept what is available and best for us individually. My cardiologist recommended a mechanical valve, since his clinic does blood testing and he sees only the cardiac side of things, my primary care physician was torn between mechanical and tissue and was mainly concerned that I not feel pressured by anyone in a particular direction and make my own decision. The surgeon wouldn't recommend one way or the other, but it was clear that he thought Coumadin for an older person was "a big deal" and would want to avoid it, but as I mentioned he told me "just tell me on the morning of surgery which valve you want, and I'll pluck it off the shelf and make it work for you". However, being a cautious man, he also told me that if he found new information once he was inside, he reserved the right to do whatever was best for me (meaning type of valve, size, etc.). I did push him to tell me his "go to" valve of choice, and he told me that the valve industry is active and in constant development, and this changes over time with new innovations and improvements. I trusted him to give me what he felt was best (but a tissue valve), and he told me afterwards that it was an easy go, a small valve and perfect fit. That is all I could ask for. I know there is a limit to how long tissue valves last, but I also know that I could or could not outlive the valve. I hope I do actually! Best wishes to you, Elaine.

Adam Pick  Hi Elaine, Great question. Fyi, we've had many patients from our community have excellent results at St. Francis in Indianapolis. I'm not sure about IU Methodist. ... Read more

Adam Pick  Hi Elaine, Great question. Fyi, we've had many patients from our community have excellent results at St. Francis in Indianapolis. I'm not sure about IU Methodist. Actually, I never heard of that center.

The valve specialist at St. Francis is Dr. Marc Gerdisch -- a very nice guy and excellent surgeon. You can learn more about him at http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Marc-Gerdisch-Indianapolis-Indiana.php.

You can also see one of his patient's success story at http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2013/01/24/mitral-valve-repair-story-dr-marc-gerdisch-md/.

I hope that helps!
Adam

Elaine Foster  Thank you Adam. I have an appt. with Dr. Gerdisch on Nov. 4th. I was very impressed with the reviews and some of his videos. Also Healthgrades.com gives ... Read more

Elaine Foster  Thank you Adam. I have an appt. with Dr. Gerdisch on Nov. 4th. I was very impressed with the reviews and some of his videos. Also Healthgrades.com gives St. Francis 5 stars. It is only about 2 hours from my home, so I am excited to meet him.

Eleanor R  Hi, Elaine, I worried about that, too. I was so afraid of waking up with the tube in my mouth. I asked before the surgery and they told me they take the vent ... Read more

Eleanor R  Hi, Elaine, I worried about that, too. I was so afraid of waking up with the tube in my mouth. I asked before the surgery and they told me they take the vent out as soon as the patient has sustained breathing on their own and is not slipping back into unconsciousness. It was there when I woke up, but then they were waking me up, at my daughter's request to see me, as she was afraid I was sleeping too long. I must have known it was there for my daughter said I waved, gave her a thumbs up, and pointed to the vent as in "I can't talk with this in my mouth", but no struggle or anxiety and I went right back to sleep. I remember the nurse telling me "We are going to take this out, you and I. Count with to two, ready, one, two..." No problem. I was surprised to see afterwards, in and out of drugs, that I still had a "restraint" on my left wrist, just a bit of gauze, soft and loose, didn't even know it was there. We imagine what everything would feel like, using our conscious mind, plus an overdose of lively imagination, but it is not so bad since we are not really awake for the entire process. I am hoping the smoothest of surgeries for you and a speedy recovery. Eleanor

Michael Meyer  Elaine: My wife indicated I woke up with w tube in place, but I did not remember the removal procedure so I credit the anesthiology crew providing a very pleasant ... Read more

Michael Meyer  Elaine: My wife indicated I woke up with w tube in place, but I did not remember the removal procedure so I credit the anesthiology crew providing a very pleasant experience. I have no memory at all of the tube and very little soreness in my throat compared to the TEE.

I would have the discussion with the physician.

Donna Broquet  I had Mitral Valve Repair 5 weeks ago with a 6 inch sternotomy incision. Wearing a bra has not been comfortable over the incision, especially at the bottom ... Read more

Donna Broquet  I had Mitral Valve Repair 5 weeks ago with a 6 inch sternotomy incision. Wearing a bra has not been comfortable over the incision, especially at the bottom of the scar. I opted for tank type tops at first and am now able to tolerate a soft sports bra or exercise top. What you can tolerate will depend on your incision. Hope this helps and wishing you a speedy recovery!

Clare Auten  I woke from surgery in a "bra" or straight jacket they put on in the OR. I wore that 24/7 in the hospital and still wear a bra at night sometimes. My incision ... Read more

Clare Auten  I woke from surgery in a "bra" or straight jacket they put on in the OR. I wore that 24/7 in the hospital and still wear a bra at night sometimes. My incision is long but the bottom didn't rub because the scar was kind of protected by the cleavage. Hope that helps.

Eleanor R  I had a mini sternotomy so the scar is high up and ends between the breasts. I could have worn anything or nothing, except the artist/surgeon brought the chest ... Read more

Eleanor R  I had a mini sternotomy so the scar is high up and ends between the breasts. I could have worn anything or nothing, except the artist/surgeon brought the chest tube drains out under the right breast, so no way could I have worn anything due to those two little holes. I don't need much, don't have much, so I used a really soft camisole until the drainage holes closed up, about 3 or 4 weeks later. Larger breats would probably benefit from a loose, comfortable, soft, close in the front type of sleep or sport bra, but nothing too tight, as your body will also be retaining fluid the first week or so. Eleanor

Liidia Wootten  Did not wear a bra for 6 weeks after surgery - tried, but it was too uncomfortable and rubbed my long incision while putting pressure on my cracked sternum. ... Read more

Liidia Wootten  Did not wear a bra for 6 weeks after surgery - tried, but it was too uncomfortable and rubbed my long incision while putting pressure on my cracked sternum. I wore very loose fitting t-shirts, too.

Eleanor R  The best garment I ordered beforehand was a very soft camisole, a size larger than normal and with a higher scoop neckline. Loved it, wore it under anything ... Read more

Eleanor R  The best garment I ordered beforehand was a very soft camisole, a size larger than normal and with a higher scoop neckline. Loved it, wore it under anything else, mainly tee shirts. Ordered a soft bra, but never wore it or any bra for a few weeks because of the chest tube holes under my breast. Very small higher up incision so nothing bothered that but I protected the band area for a while. Find something comfortable, you won't be going very far for a while! Eleanor