Sandy AVR Bovine 5/9/13 posted a note for Sherry that says: i opted for the same minithoracotomy and Bovine with the same disease as yours.i loved your backup question. I didnt know there was a backup. LOL I assumed they pretty much have that error proof. At my last postop visit I told my surgeon that he better be around in 15 years if i need a new one. he said he'd be in his 80s then. I didn't care id get him out of a nursing home if i had to.!!! keep posting. we will keep supporting.

jeff o posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, best of luck and you'll be in our prayers. I still have to pick a valve, but hope CCF doctor can save my original factory one. I'll be on about the same schedule as you.

Susan Smith posted a note for Sherry that says: Dear Sherry, Like all the other people sharing their stories, mine sounds very familiar. I am 72 and was diagnosed with a murmur when I was 40. I had no symptoms for years, but in 2002 I starting getting chest pains. I had a cardiac evaluation and from then on had a yearly echocardiogram until one and a half years ago when after getting out of breath with exercise made by cardiogist perform an EET and that is when a bivalve was revealed. Now I go every 6 months and have been told by my primary care doctor to prepare for surgery within the next 2 years. This August will be my 1st year and so I am preparing as much as one can. I am loosing weight without much exercise and have a goal of 30 pounds. So my eating habits are changing. I devout Christian and so will keep you and the others in my prayers. Thanks for letting us share this journey with you. Susan

Irina Profis posted a note for Sherry that says: Dear Ms. Stevens,
I am 59 year old and am facing both Aortic and Mitral Valve replacements in a probable month period. Even though I choose the place and the surgeon I very nervous because I was told my cath will be done one day before surgery. So I will not know till last moment how many valves to be replaced as well as any other issues. I also read Adam's blog for years and at times I was amazed with people's support, and sometimes with side effects from the surgery. I am with you with all my heart undergoing through same feelings, fears, and trying to put things together in my mind. In addition, I have very stressful work situation when new boss came and firing take place right and left. I might be left without insurance right before surgery which complicates situation even more.
We have to be strong, believe in a positive outcome, and pray.
What valve are you considering? All the best to you in coming months. Irina

Ernie posted a note for Sherry that says: I just finished my angiogram, too. So, I'm right behind you. Keep a positive attitude to get positive results. Keep on smiling, and we'll get through this like so many others on this website.

Carlene Malone posted a note for Sherry that says:
Hi Sherry, getting Adam pick's Heart Book has been the greatest comfort I could get. My husband & I met with a thoracic Dr last week he has the worst bedside manner's. sorta like Adam's Dr bad bedside( LoL) Dr. Anyway I tried to calm my husband & tell him I really wasn't ready for that meeting. Now that I have my heart book I'm ready. I have read your story about what you are about to go thru I just wanted to wish you the best,,! I too am going with a Edwards Perimount valve don't want to B on Coumadin I've been on plavix for nine years now.i feel real good about the valve choice you are right it is a lifestyle choice.please keep me posted. It really is awesome that people have a way to talk to people who are going thru the same thing. I really don't have much family or a support system but what I do have is my Best Friend & My husband. We have been married 21 yrs. you are in my thoughts. Cc Malone

Sue Gardner posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry...I had my Tricuspid valve replaced last year at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. I had a tissue valve and do take Coumadin. I think I will be approved for a device to periodically check my own blood. Since I had a rare congenital disease, Ebstein's Anomaly, I am so grateful to feel "normal" for the first time in my life. I am 63 years old and extremely active. It has been a year for me after having surgery and I feel terrific. In fact, I started walking laps at Mayo after surgery and just got better and better. Good luck to you. Email me if you have some time.

Jim Eyler posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry
My surgeon, Dr. Scot Brewster, is at Scripps Memorial in San Diego. He came highly recommended by not only my cardiologist, but by many in the medical field. Dr. Brewster prefers the Bovine Pericardial Tissue Heart Valve by Edwards Lifesciences. Telephone number 1 800 424-3278. They also have a great website you can visit at www.edwardssmri.com.
Any other questions just ask!

Roland Watson posted a note for Sherry that says: Your story sounds a lot like mine. I had a porcine valve put in on Jan 5th of this year. I'm 67. The recovery was harder then I thought it would be because of complications with atrial fib, but I'm finally feeling pretty much back to normal after 6 months. My advice, go slow and give yourself plenty of time to heal and recover.

Val Badvelian posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, I'm in Calif. and plan to have the aortic valve replaced in Monterey, Ca. Surgeon told me last March that I will lethim know when I'm ready. That sounded wierd. I had no symptoms at that time. Four months later now, BP is too high, pain in chest, rapid heart beat prevents me from walking more than half block. My understanding of this is that they want as much calcification to surround the valve; otherwise a partical can break easily, travel to the brain during surgery. Have you been told the same? Also, I've researched online, the new Robotic Surgery is top, quick recovery, and so accurate. Unfortunately, not in Calif.

Kent Dorwin posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry: I'm a friend of Adam Pick's and had an Aortic Valve replacement about 6 weeks ago at Sequoia Hospital Cardio Center in Redwood City,Ca. My path was almost duplicate to your's and I, too, had a Bicuspid Valve. My Surgeon is Dr. Luis Castro, a superb guy. I selected Pig Tissue and the procedure went perfectly. I would suggest that you move sooner rather than later to do your Replacement since you can reach a point of diminishing returns ! In my case, I was more concerned about the size of the incision than the Operation ! Happily, since my Heart and Arteries were all clear, he only did a 3" incision at the top of the chest rather than an 11" incision which is common when other work has to be done. I'm doing great and am extremely thankful. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can help. Best.............Kent Dorwin in Burlingame, Ca.

Bob Eldi posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry - I'm a 71 yr old man who was born with a bicuspid valve. I started getting shortness of breath in october 2012, so I knew surgery was close. I had a bovine aortic valve put in on Feb 20 at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC by a great doctor, Dr. Alan Stewart. It's not a walk in the park, but after a few days it gets better quickly. I felt normal in 2 weeks. I'm playing 9 holes of golf friday. Hang in there and let the professionals worry - Bob Eldi, Amagansett, NY

Jim Eyler posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry

I just turned 62 and now 6 months post op. My symptoms escalated quickly approximately one month before my surgery. I chose a tissue valve as a replacement for my failing bicuspid Aortic valve. If you have any questions about the procedure, I'll do my best to answer them.
Best of luck
Jim Eyler

Lisa Obst AVR 6-11-13 posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi sherry.
I will be 1 month post op tomorrow. I am 57 yrs. old I had a tissue valve , root replacement and a small hole in my heart repaired during my surgery. Like you my cath showed my heart was fine but the bicuspid valve was almost shut. Do not be afraid. This is what I remember from the surgery. I took my green soap shower had an I.V. put in went to the operating room. They told me they were going to lift me to the next table and I joked with them that I was pretty heavy and didn't want to ruin anyone's back. That is the last thing I remember until I was in my room and they were waking me up! The breathing tube scared me because I thought I couldn't breathe. Don't let that scare you. It took them about a minute to remove it. I wish someone would have told me that because that was the only thing that scared me. Don't fight it you can breathe. They got me up that evening. The pain is not what you think. Your heart does not hurt. Your incision is very minimal pain also. You just feel like your muscles hurt. It was not near as bad as I was expecting. Ask for pain meds when you need them. I was stubborn and would go without them. That was stupid of me. The second day I was doing fine. Third day I just wanted to go home! Get up and walk when they ask you to. You think you don't have the strength but you do. That first shower is glorious! You will feel so much better. It's been a month and its a distant memory for me. Yes, I am still weak, but I have gone to the store several times and walked a lot. You will be fine. I know how scary it is, but just know its not half of what you imagine it to be. I was really amazed at how much easier it was than I expected. It's not a walk in the park, but it's so much easier than you have imagined. Hang in there you will be fine and will be home before you know it!

Marti Scamman posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry, I had aortic heart valve replacement surgery 4 years ago at the Cleveland Clinic with surgeon Marc Gillinov. If I can help you in any way or provide information about my experience at the CC, let me know.

Diane Soo Hoo posted a note for Sherry that says: Dear Sherry,

Our stories are similar, the cardiologists have been watching my aortic valve for about 12 years. We just returned from a month long trip to SE Asia where I had begun to have more problems such as swollen ankles, lightheadedness, inability to stabilize my blood pressure. I had scheduled an echo to take place immediately after I returned and, sure enough, the regurgitation and left ventricle size had gone from moderate to severe. I was hoping to have minimally invasive surgery but after talking to the surgeon, I have a PFO which is a hole between the chambers of my heart that usually closes when you are born but does not in about 25% of the people. Doctors think this contributed to a slight stroke that I had last May. So, the surgeon wants to fix that also, which means I needed to have a regular sternotomy. Long story short, since I had to have a regular AVR, I decided to talk to another surgeon and have elected to change surgeons and opt for a superior facility. Things have moved very fast, my surgery is scheduled for July 23rd, just two weeks away.

I lived for 30 years in Mesa, AZ and still have my house there. I remarried so we live mostly in the East Bay across from San Francisco. We try to spend winters in Mesa.

Susan Miller posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, I am exactly one year post-op and never felt better in my life. I was also 62 when my AVR was done. You will be up and about before you know it!

Sandy Wummer AVR 5/9/13 posted a note for Sherry that says: sounds like our stories are the same!!! remember whatever you choose for a valve is right for you.. weigh the options and make a choice then don't look back... be at peace and remember how many of us have gone before and all doing just fine. you will too.. my doc said that being afraid going into this is normal. but put one foot in front of the other and step out in faith. (jump and the net will appear). We are here with support and prayers for a speedy recovery. you can do this Sherry, best to you...keep posting

jeff o posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, thanks for posting, it really helps to read about other peoples experiences. I'm 4 weeks out from my surgery, aortic aneurysm and maybe a replacement for my bicuspid aortic valve. The valve decision is tough for me. I'm having trouble imagining how I'm going to make it through one surgery let alone a second if I go with the bio valve. But the anti coagulants are not walk in the park either. I'll be looking to see which way you go. Hang in there.

Marianne posted a note for Sherry that says: Hello again Sherry,

This is a response to your question about my decision to have a bioprosthetic valve replacement. For me it was a no brainer. Like so many other patients I did not want to be on Coumadin for the rest of my life. As I mentioned in my earlier post my surgery was almost on an emergency basis even though I have known for years that I would need it eventually. After the surgery I learned from a friend who has one that the mechanical valves are quite noisy so I was doubly grateful to get the pericardial tissue heart valve. I am sorry it took so long to respond to your question and hope the answer arrives before your surgery. The past few weeks have been really busy ones for me! Life is really good as you will see in a few short weeks. Best wishes.

Ann Dreyer posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry, just to let you know, if I made it through surgery you can too! My advice would be to stay calm if you wake up on the ventilator and realize breathing will be difficult but you'll be okay, and don't listen to anything you hear the doctors saying about you while you're lying there. You'll be fine. Your body has taken an enormous hit with the surgery, but you'll recover. Your cardiac nurse will be an angel. Also, do what your drs/nurses say, even walk when you don't feel like it. You will recover by walking and eating. And, the best time to walk the hospital floor is after visitors go home. Everyone is there to help you. Accept their help and look after them as carefully as they look after you. You will be rewarded.

Sandy Wummer posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry , in response to your question, I chose tissue valve over a mechanical for a few reasons. I am fairly young, 57 and though I will probably need another valve on my lifetime, the technology for a TAVR in the next 10-15 years may be in place. The best shot at eligability for that is with a tissue valve and I wanted to pre-position myself for that. Also, I was not happy with the need to be on Coumadin forever. That can be easy or difficult to manage. also with a family history of abd. aneurysms, Coumadin therapy would not be a benefit if i were on it. its a pain to stop this and restart later if i needed any procedures done also. The valve choice is more of a lifestyle choice than a medical one... there is no wrong answer. Hope this helps.

Matt Lampley posted a note for Sherry that says: Hang in there things will get better post surgery , you will fine .

Beth posted a note for Sherry that says: Dear Sherry, I am 3 years with my new valve. was like you and stayed fairly healthy, But when it comes you will do GREAT... You will be my prayers Will follow on Adams site.

Ann Dreyer posted a note for Sherry that says: I also chose biovalve for my AVR. My surgeon assures me that when (if) it would need to be replaced, technology will be better than it is today. You're in my moral support thoughts and prayers already. Keep your smile going!

Adam Pick posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry,

You are going to do great. If you need anything, please let me know.

Keep on tickin!

LuAnne Hansen posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,
I had my leaky tricuspid valve repaired last September and now feel great. Keep in mind that these things do not fix themselves. Being physically restricted is no fun for active people. My advice would be to do careful research and then take the plunge. I waited nearly 4 months to do the actual surgery, and like everyone on this site says: Waiting is the hardest part.

Good luck. LuAnne H.

Marianne Plenn posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,
I just celebrated my 6 month "anniversary" of my bioprosthetic AVR (11/27/2012). My symptoms, or rather lack of symptoms, were similar to yours and I only had annual echocardiograms which progressed from moderate to severe in a year or so and then from severe to critical in a couple of weeks. My surgery was immediate and very successful. For the last couple of months I have been back to gardening, walking 5K, daily exercises, household chores and in essence "back to normal" on a full time basis - except better! I wish you all the best!

Ann Dreyer posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry! I like your sense of humor. I am going for aortal valve replacement and mitral valve repair on Tuesday. I love going for the last minute tests because the nurses tell me I'm young (50) and I'll recover quickly. I'm sure you will, too. Keep your smile up!

Sandy Wummer posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry, welcome to the site! I am 3 weeks postop and find this very helpful so far. I learned that i am not the only one facing this and that I can (and did) get through this. I am 57 YO and like you went from mod to severe but i was short of breath and had some chest pain. My surgery was within 1 month of the symptoms. Part of that was me, I wanted it over with and didnt want to be "activity restricted". Since the ONLY treatment for sever stenosis is surgery I didnt wait. keep posting and reading. it isnt as frightening once you have info.
Sandy Wummer AVR 5/9/13

Jan Singleton posted a note for Sherry that says: My story followed yours almost exactly, except I needed an aortic valve replacement. Kept watching it with no symptoms and then wham--do nothing, you need surgery now! I am now almost 4 months after surgery and all is well. Recovery (I think because I was very active and healthy) was fast and I am back to playing tennis and going to the gym. I have learned to not overdo, but all seems well. Needed someone to talk to occasionally, so by all means email me if needed. jan2550@aol.com