Fred Lopez - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

My story begins 12 June 2020

Journal posted on July 2, 2020

Unfortunately for me, I did not know I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, until 3 weeks ago, so everything is hitting me fast and sudden. On June 12, 2020, I experienced a gripping chest pain over my heart and a sudden rapid heart rate for the 1st time in my life. I was at work exhausted, sleep-deprived, mentally drained, highly stressed from working 18 of 19 days with one day off. I worked 13 consecutive days, 12-hour days min, more when the protest/riots happened that last weekend in May and the weekend after. I was there. It was a terrible experience. I am a Chicago Police Officer, and while I have experienced stress throughout my life, those 3 weeks were the trigger to my perfect storm. I was looking forward to my 1st day off in 2 weeks that day 12 June, little did I know what was brewing inside of me as I was getting ready to leave work. Blood pressure sky-high, highly stressed, and sleep-deprived were the agitators that revealed the true condition I have and did not know it. I spent 5 days in the hospital, and I did a lot of reflecting. It has been a terrible year. As a 1st responder when COVID hit, the amount of uncertainty and stress took its toll on us. Now, this climate. civil Uproar. It’s a double-edged sword for me, If I did not go through this experience, I would not have gone to the hospital and would not even know I have this. Who knows what fate I may have encountered much older. Everything happens for a reason.

Like | Shannon Gray likes this

Ana Brusso It’s me again Fred, I want to thank you for your service as a police officer and first responder. Yes, I believe that everything happened to you for a reason. ... Read more

Ana Brusso It’s me again Fred, I want to thank you for your service as a police officer and first responder. Yes, I believe that everything happened to you for a reason. I hope others will reply to your post as these are very uncertain times and people are not really in the zone. God bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Update posted on...

July 2, 2020

Hello everyone I'm new here, still deciding which valve to go with and my surgery is around the corner. Although I'm leaning more towards the tissue valve. Blood thinners for life with mechanical, or tissue valve, no blood thinners but at some point, will need replacement and I know there is the TAVR procedure. I have read the pros and cons of both and feedback will be appreciated.

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Jennifer Tabor Hi Fred! I understand your decision! I had surgery to replace a leaky bicuspid valve and repair an aneurysm in 2011. I knew that tissue valves fail, and my ... Read more

Jennifer Tabor Hi Fred! I understand your decision! I had surgery to replace a leaky bicuspid valve and repair an aneurysm in 2011. I knew that tissue valves fail, and my re-do seems to be within the next year. However, for me personally, the thought of doing this every 10 years is preferable to being on blood thinners. I am active and did not want to have to do the testing, etc. I know there have been a lot of advances in medicine and many people report no issues at all with anticoagulants, but I just wanted to share my experience. Good luck and best wishes!

PATRICIA BIJAS Hello Fred, I had my Aortic valve replaced 4 years ago at the age of 63. My Surgeon suggested right off the bat that I go with a Tissue valve because he thought ... Read more

PATRICIA BIJAS Hello Fred, I had my Aortic valve replaced 4 years ago at the age of 63. My Surgeon suggested right off the bat that I go with a Tissue valve because he thought I was too young to be on blood thinners the rest of my life. I totally agree with that too. Everyone is different, some tissue valves last longer than others. I have a Bovine valve, so far, so good. As far as the TAVR procedure, that certainly gives me hope when the time finally does come for a replacement. By then, it will probably be a very routine procedure! I know it can be overwhelming, just go with what your gut is telling you. I wish you the Best of luck, however you decide.

Fred Lopez Thank you for sharing your experiences. I greatly appreciate it. I am too leaning towards the Tissue valve. The tissue valve replacement at Northwestern Memorial ... Read more

Fred Lopez Thank you for sharing your experiences. I greatly appreciate it. I am too leaning towards the Tissue valve. The tissue valve replacement at Northwestern Memorial are Edwards valves and the mechanical is typically the On-X valve but they will confirm with me. How has your quality of life been Post surgery? Were you able to notice a difference? I have never had any symptoms until 3 weeks ago...curious if you notice an improvement in your breathing, sleeping, energy...

Marie Myers The valve choice was the hardest decision I ever made. I Eventually chose a tissue valve at age 63. I am hoping this valve will last 15 yrs, but you never know. ... Read more

Marie Myers The valve choice was the hardest decision I ever made. I Eventually chose a tissue valve at age 63. I am hoping this valve will last 15 yrs, but you never know. The younger and more active you are, the sooner the tissue valve may wear out. I am hoping for a TAVR when I need a new valve in the future. Wishing you a smooth trip through surgery and recovery!

Jill Mullikin Hello from NW Indiana. My son had his bicuspid valve repaired for regurgitation about a year and a half ago. What tests have you had done so far? I would ... Read more

Jill Mullikin Hello from NW Indiana. My son had his bicuspid valve repaired for regurgitation about a year and a half ago. What tests have you had done so far? I would inquire If repair is an option for you and if not, why. Our cardiologist did not say repair was an option and we learned about it from the first surgeon who reviewed his TEE.