2 YEARS SINCE AVR WITH BOVINE TISSUE VALVE AND ALL IS WELL!!
First, I want to thank everyone who helped with my journey.
Dr. King, my PCP who set me up for ...Read more
2 YEARS SINCE AVR WITH BOVINE TISSUE VALVE AND ALL IS WELL!!
First, I want to thank everyone who helped with my journey.
Dr. King, my PCP who set me up for a stress test - finally, after I insisted.
My Echo Tech who knew I had a problem within a couple minutes.
Dr. Travis Wilson who explained my condition to me and sent me for further tests and set me up with an awesome surgeon.
Dr. Stephen Bailey, my awesome Surgeon who was both good and fast, making my recovery quicker
My awesome wife Barb, who was supportive throughout while giving me plenty of space.
Anyway, I'm doing very well. Absolutely no symptoms or pain or discomfort. I'm pretty active, so I still get out of breath when hiking up a steep hill, but I recover very quickly - probably more so than 5 years ago before I was symptomatic.
I've been pretty good about keeping my weight down, exercising and eating right. However, I have to admit that I've slipped in all three categories a lot since this past summer. That's what New Years Resolutions are for!
I went on a 10 day 100+ mile backpacking trip at altitude with the boy scouts this past summer and felt great throughout the trip. This trip was the primary reason on went with the tissue valve instead of the mechanical valve. I wanted to be as normal as possible for this trip - even if it meant I'd have to repeat surgery some day. I'm 56 years old now, so I suspect that some day I'll need a replacement, but I honestly don't think about it much.
So, to all of you who are awaiting surgery or in the early stages of recovery, Enjoy the journey! I wouldn't wish it on anybody, but I have to say that it's a life experience that I'm really glad I went through.
Gregg
Civita Fahey Congratulations Gregg.. good to hear all is well after 2 years.. I'm 7 months out and feeling pretty ... Read more
Civita Fahey Congratulations Gregg.. good to hear all is well after 2 years.. I'm 7 months out and feeling pretty good.. hopefully I will feel great soon.
Hello Heart Valve Patients!
One year ago yesterday I went into the hospital a 5am for my Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery. The year went so fast and I feel ...Read more
Hello Heart Valve Patients!
One year ago yesterday I went into the hospital a 5am for my Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery. The year went so fast and I feel so great now that I can barely remember the pain or discomfort.
For those who are getting ready for surgery, please relax and say your prayers. At least for me, the whole experience was much easier than I thought it would be. The ICU wasn't too bad and the recovery slow but very steady and much easier than I had expected.
My advice to everyone waiting to go in to surgery or just starting recovery: Stay positive and maintain a healthy diet. Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. Stand up straight and hold your chest out. Take advantage of the time off and relax a bit - read those books you've been setting aside, watch movies you've always wanted to see, but make sure you get out and walk.
This may sound strange, but you've actually been given a gift (assuming that all goes well) in that you get to experience something that very few people get to experience. Not that I'd wish it on anyone, but at least for me, it was a very interesting life experience.
Lilly Black Congratulations on your 1 yr anniversary, Gregg! awesome to hear. Good advice too, especially about t ... Read more
Lilly Black Congratulations on your 1 yr anniversary, Gregg! awesome to hear. Good advice too, especially about the positivity and walking! it definitely boosts the recovery period. Good luck!
Amy Steele Gregg - So great to hear your 1 year update! Glad you're doing so well. I agree that we are given a ... Read more
Amy Steele Gregg - So great to hear your 1 year update! Glad you're doing so well. I agree that we are given a gift to have our hearts fixed and live a longer, re-invigorated life. I'm determined to use this next phase of my life to its fullest. Congratulations, and may there be many more years to report on...
Gregg Nissly Amy, thanks. And congratulations on being able to drive again!!
Hello Heart Valve Patients!
It was one year ago today that I went in for a stress test to try to figure out what was wrong with me. Why was I getting so ...Read more
Hello Heart Valve Patients!
It was one year ago today that I went in for a stress test to try to figure out what was wrong with me. Why was I getting so out of breath every time I exerted myself - even going up stairs? Why did I almost pass out two times over the last six months after exerting myself. Why was I so out of shape and tired.
Well, it didn't take long to find out. After only five minutes of looking, the Echo Technician knew that something was wrong and asked if I had had an Echo Cardiogram before. I said, yes 5 years ago but all was normal. She left the room to see the doctor and came back to tell me that they would complete the Echo, but not do a stress test. Eventually, the doctor came in to tell me that I had severe aortic stenosis and needed valve replacement surgery as soon as possible.
Well, I was a shocked to say the least, but actually relieved to know that there was a cure for the problems that I was having. After a few more tests, the surgeon, Dr. Stephen Bailey, determined that I needed to have a full sternum incision to have my valve replaced plus a single by-pass. We picked a date, Dec 4, and I just had to decide between a mechanical valve and a bovine tissue valve.
To make a long story short, I decided on the bovine tissue valve and my surgery and recovery went great without any complications.
So, for all of you who are awaiting surgery, I'm a good case of how well things can go. Ten months after surgery, I'm back to 100% - I would say 110% compared to where I was three years ago. No more pain, no more discomfort, no restrictions. I know I'm one of the lucky ones - and I thank God for that - but I want everyone to know that there is life on the other side.
So, for all of you getting ready for surgery or just coming out from the other side, get active as soon as you can. Walk, walk, walk. Do your breathing and other exercises, hold your chest out, remain positive, take the time off to relax a little, but be as active as you can be.
Marie Leighton Those of us who are overweight and sedentary to begin with need this kind of positive encouragement. ... Read more
Marie Leighton Those of us who are overweight and sedentary to begin with need this kind of positive encouragement. Thank you for the encouraging words.
Bob Fessler Great story, great outcome, very encouraging. Thanks for sharing.
Phyllis Petersen Sounds great! I can't wait to do some serious hiking, and your words give me hope.
Regan Runnalls Thanks Gregg, perfect timing to read this story of hope!!,
Roseline Rosario Absolutely...think I'll be reading this a few more times...specially that last paragraph!....thanks!
Has anyone ever gotten a good answer on what actually causes the Aortic Valve Stenosis? I had a murmer my whole life but didn't become symptomatic until I ...Read more
Has anyone ever gotten a good answer on what actually causes the Aortic Valve Stenosis? I had a murmer my whole life but didn't become symptomatic until I was about 52 years old. In fact, I had an ultrasound at about 48 years old and was given a clean bill of health. I'm just curious if there are lifestyle issues that could have triggered the stenosis. For example: Second hand cigarette smoke? Not taking antibiotics when going to the dentist? I have a nice new tissue valve that is working wonderfully and I want it to last as long as possible.
Looking for any input anyone might have.
Thanks, Gregg
Adam Pick Stay tuned Gregg... I'm getting ready to post about this in the next 24 hours. In the meantime, here' ... Read more
http://www.HeartValveSurgery.com - Learn about aortic valve stenosis - the causes, the risks, the progression and the surgical treatments - from Dr. Marc Gil...
Gregg Nissly Thanks Adam. They don't really know the cause. But I look forward to your article
Today is my six month anniversary of my AVR surgery. I'm feeling great and have no more pain in my chest. Pull ups still hurt so I don't do them but am able ...Read more
Today is my six month anniversary of my AVR surgery. I'm feeling great and have no more pain in my chest. Pull ups still hurt so I don't do them but am able to do most other exercises. And I have much more endurance than I had a year ago or even three years ago before I was symptomatic.
Had a dream the other night that I had to have surgery again and have two valves replaced. Strange.
To all of you who are getting ready for surgery, don't worry And remember that everyday after surgery you will keep feeling better.
Gregg
I posted on my actual anniversary date which was Friday, March 4, but it didn't post. User error I'm sure.
All is going well - I feel blessed to have ...Read more
I posted on my actual anniversary date which was Friday, March 4, but it didn't post. User error I'm sure.
All is going well - I feel blessed to have
done so well. I've been back to work for six weeks now and I'm walking as much as I can. I put in over 11 miles today!! And I have very little pain left - more like discomfort. Still not doing pull ups or push ups but that has more to do with an old shoulder injury that I'm still trying to recover from.
This might sound strange, and I wouldn't wish this condition on anyone, but this has been a really interesting experience and I'm actually glad I went through it. And not just because I feel so much better than I did a year ago.
So, I hope this post helps those getting ready for AVR surgery.
Cheryl Shute Walter I'm so happy for you Gregg. I had my surgery two days before you, and am also glad I went through it ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter I'm so happy for you Gregg. I had my surgery two days before you, and am also glad I went through it. The 15 years of waiting was getting on my nerves. I do feel better. But the best thing is that it has given me a new outlook on life. Life is so short, and we need to appreciate what we have. Best wishes for you in the future!
Doran Herritt Glad to hear u r doing well! Just checked in for the first time in months and saw ur post. Take care ... Read more
Doran Herritt Glad to hear u r doing well! Just checked in for the first time in months and saw ur post. Take care. Keep on healing. Drn
Wanda Mroz Yes... I am glad I went through it too. Teaches you that you are much stronger than you think!
Frances Halley Gregg, it's good to see you back on this site. I'm back at work for the first time today. I felt like ... Read more
Frances Halley Gregg, it's good to see you back on this site. I'm back at work for the first time today. I felt like I could have come back sooner, but because I am a school nurse I had to be cleared as safely able to perform CPR and lift an adult or child from the the floor to a wheelchair. They wanted to make sure my sternum was completely healed. I would still love to meet you somewhere in Pittsburgh with our spouses. I agree that this has been an amazing journey.
Gregg Nissly Hi Frances, I don't know how to exchange emails confidentially on this site. Maybe we we could tr ... Read more
Gregg Nissly Hi Frances, I don't know how to exchange emails confidentially on this site. Maybe we we could try Facebook
Congratulations to you, Gregg! Sounds like you have made great progress and are back to your normal r ... Read more
Congratulations to you, Gregg! Sounds like you have made great progress and are back to your normal routine!
Frances Halley OK Gregg. I am on Facebook so look me up there. I will also try to find you on FB as well.
I have been truly blessed! I'm almost embarrassed to write because I see that a lot of people are struggling, but I guess it's best to give others hope. ...Read more
I have been truly blessed! I'm almost embarrassed to write because I see that a lot of people are struggling, but I guess it's best to give others hope.
Everything is going very well. I'm walking either by myself or with members of my recovery team an average of 2.5 miles per day with some days as much as four miles. I still have pain around the incision and in my ribs, but it's manageable with on aspirin or Ibuprofen twice a day. And finally I've been sleeping well since I started drinking a glass of heart healthy red wine each night. I can't say that I'm super motivated to do a lot, but it is Christmas, after all.
So, Merry Christmas to All and keep recovering!
pino correale That's great that you're doing so well God bless. I am 4weeks post operative and i did almost 5k this ... Read more
pino correale That's great that you're doing so well God bless. I am 4weeks post operative and i did almost 5k this morning and loving it. The only ""bump"" i had so far , was due to not being able to sleep well at night. It kind of really bothered me (pissed) ! So i had to call my doctor and he prescribed something to help me. I am really glad i did because i am resting a lot better. By the way i like my glass of red wine too !!! Cheers to all and Happy Holidays.
Cheryl Shute Walter Way to go,Gregg. You had surgery two days after me and are rocking it. I'm going a little slower du ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter Way to go,Gregg. You had surgery two days after me and are rocking it. I'm going a little slower due to my pacemaker and some dehydration issues, but be warned, I'll catch up with you soon! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Liz Burroughs Merry Christmas Gregg!! I'm glad that you're doing so well!!
Enrique K Keep it up Greg! Great to hear that your recovery is going really well!
Went to the mall for a few hours yesterday then went to church today. It felt good to get out and about both days. Having less and less pain each day, but ...Read more
Went to the mall for a few hours yesterday then went to church today. It felt good to get out and about both days. Having less and less pain each day, but I have to admit that it's still annoying. Been very happy to read and watch tv - not much desire to do paper and computer work, but I'm taking care of the critical stuff (like my disability case $$). Also going for a nice walk everyday. GOD has been very good to me!
Liz Burroughs Hi Gregg, I'm glad that you're doing so well & were able to get out this weekend! That's good that yo ... Read more
Liz Burroughs Hi Gregg, I'm glad that you're doing so well & were able to get out this weekend! That's good that you're taking daily walks too. Best wishes for your continued recovery & I hope you feel better with each passing day! Take care. Liz
Frances Halley I am so happy to hear that Gregg. It's inspiring! I hope my recovery progresses as well as yours seem ... Read more
Frances Halley I am so happy to hear that Gregg. It's inspiring! I hope my recovery progresses as well as yours seems to be. We are so blessed to have this unseasonably warm weather in Pittsburgh right now. I hope it continues so I can get out and walk when I get home after surgery.
All is well. Pain is subsiding each day. Doing some decent walking, though it seemed more strenuous today than yesterday.
Elaine Cutri Glad to hear you're doing well. Please be kind to yourself, your body has been through a lot.
Christine Oliva Gregg, the walking may be initially uncomfortable but really helps you now and in the future. It help ... Read more
Christine Oliva Gregg, the walking may be initially uncomfortable but really helps you now and in the future. It helped me get rid of the lingering fluid in my lungs, coughing, not sleeping and generally feeling blah. It seemed the more I did it, the more I wanted to do it. I now do 2 miles a day and did not even walk before my surgery. Keep up the good work and continued blessings to you and your recovery.
Gregg Nissly Christina and Elaine, thanks for the support and kind words. I have to be careful that I don't try t ... Read more
Gregg Nissly Christina and Elaine, thanks for the support and kind words. I have to be careful that I don't try to push too hard. I tend to push myself, but I also have the ability to be very lazy. Just need to listen to my body and find the right balance.
Cheryl Shute Walter Way to go, Gregg. Getting up and walking is so important. I need to push myself more in that direct ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter Way to go, Gregg. Getting up and walking is so important. I need to push myself more in that direction. It only gets better from here (or so I've been told, lol). Prayers for your continued improvement!
Sophia Ridley Well done on the exercise, take it steady.
Enrique K Walk, walk and Walk Greg even if you are in your house. Don't let the laziness get to you! You will f ... Read more
Enrique K Walk, walk and Walk Greg even if you are in your house. Don't let the laziness get to you! You will feel much better in the coming weeks! Glad everything went well with your surgery!
Gerald Schaffer It sounds like you're doing well for only 7 days out. try to walk everyday and increase just a little ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer It sounds like you're doing well for only 7 days out. try to walk everyday and increase just a little each time and you'll be good as new before you know it.
Eddie Patton A little bit more every day. Keep it up it is better for you than anything else at this point.
Thanks to all of the great medical professionals at Allegheny General Hospital. They were great.
And thanks to everyone on this web site for the support ...Read more
Thanks to all of the great medical professionals at Allegheny General Hospital. They were great.
And thanks to everyone on this web site for the support and help. You all definitely helped me prepare for this.
Gregg
Frances Halley Gregg, who did your surgery? I will be at the McGinnis Clinic tomorrow to find out when I will have t ... Read more
Frances Halley Gregg, who did your surgery? I will be at the McGinnis Clinic tomorrow to find out when I will have the valve replacement. I had all the preliminary testing done on November 30th. I have been feeling anxious but your story gives me some degree of relief going into this.
Gregg Nissly Stephen Baily did my surgery. He's out of Allegheny General in Pittsburgh.
Gregg Nissly Stephen Baily did my surgery. He's out of Allegheny General in Pittsburgh.
I walked and exercised (non-cardio) a lot for the two months leading up to Surgery. I think it helped.
Frances Halley What a coincidence. I saw him on November 18th and had all the pre-op stuff done on November 30th. To ... Read more
Frances Halley What a coincidence. I saw him on November 18th and had all the pre-op stuff done on November 30th. Tomorrow I see him again to review it all. I really felt comfortable with Dr. Bailey. I have been walking my very energetic dog twice a day for about the last 6 weeks. That's about as aerobic an activity as I can tolerate right now. How long did you have to wait between testing and surgery?
Gregg Nissly Hi Francis, Dr Baily is awesome. He's very well respected at AGH. All the staff said I should have ... Read more
Gregg Nissly Hi Francis, Dr Baily is awesome. He's very well respected at AGH. All the staff said I should have a quick recovery because he is such a good surgeon. They were right.
And AGH was a great facility. Great nursing staff and all the caregivers and others were very friendly. Plus, the cardiac units are on the twelf floor and if you're lucky enough to get the south wing, you'll have a great view of the city. I watched the fireworks before the Steeler game from my room on Sunday.
I did a lot of dog walking too. I don't think you should push too hard. You don't want to pass out.
You will do great and you have a great surgical team. Keep posting - I'll follow you.
Frances Halley Thanks Gregg. I totally agree. Dr. Bailey has been very easy to communicate with and has been extreme ... Read more
Frances Halley Thanks Gregg. I totally agree. Dr. Bailey has been very easy to communicate with and has been extremely helpful in this process. My surgery date was decided at my visit to the clinic yesterday and it will be on December 22nd. I met with Terri and she went over everything in great detail. I'll probably be in the hospital for Christmas, but the goal of feeling better is as good a gift as I could ever ask for at Christmas. I too have been doing a lot of dog walking. I religiously walk my little Lottie twice a day for a total of a little over a mile. Other than this restricted bicuspid valve, I feel pretty good, so I don't anticipate a long recovery. My next door neighbor is a home care nurse with AHN so the hospital is trying to arrange for her to be my nurse when I am discharged. Everything is falling into place. Thanks for your kind and helpful words!
About 45 hours post op and doing quite well. Go in and out of mild nausea, but not too bad. I'm walking a good amount and using the breath incentivisor as ...Read more
About 45 hours post op and doing quite well. Go in and out of mild nausea, but not too bad. I'm walking a good amount and using the breath incentivisor as much as I can remember. There's a chance that I'll get all the remaining tubes out tomorrow and be discharged. I'm hoping that will be the case, but mentally prepared either way. It was great having my mom here for the first four days, but she's heading for sunny Florida tomorrow morning. Had four guys from my "Huddle Group" Bible Study stop by last night, which was great - thank you guys!
To all you who are having surgery soon, stay positive and my prayers are with you. And to all of you who are post op, please keep the updates coming.
Gregg Nissly Sorry about the bad math. It was actually 4 days post op, not 45 hours.
This is Barb posting for Gregg...
Gregg is out of surgery! All went well. We are waiting to see him and start day 1 of recovery😀 Thank you all for the ...Read more
This is Barb posting for Gregg...
Gregg is out of surgery! All went well. We are waiting to see him and start day 1 of recovery😀 Thank you all for the kind thoughts and prayers. He will be posting soon!
Sophia Ridley Good to hear all went well. Welcome to recovery!!!
Lynee Casper Glad to hear of your successful surgery Greg, and hope your recovery is moving right along. Best to y ... Read more
Lynee Casper Glad to hear of your successful surgery Greg, and hope your recovery is moving right along. Best to you! PS: great Pic of you and your Mom too!
God willing, one week from now I will be out of surgery and on the road to recovery. I'm feeling very positive about everything. No anxiety, almost done getting ...Read more
God willing, one week from now I will be out of surgery and on the road to recovery. I'm feeling very positive about everything. No anxiety, almost done getting all of my personal and business affairs in order, comfortable with my valve decision.
I'm ready to go!
I'm feeling blessed to have found this website and have found great comfort in reading all your journals. My prayers go out to all of you.
Gerald Schaffer You sound very much like me. I took care of everything ahead of time and going into surgery I was ver ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer You sound very much like me. I took care of everything ahead of time and going into surgery I was very much in peace. Hope everything goes well for you.
Good luck! I'm ready to get mine over with, but feeling very anxious!
Thank you! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers as well!
Liz Burroughs Hi Gregg, I'm glad that you're feeling so positive & comfortable with your surgery decisions! I wish ... Read more
Liz Burroughs Hi Gregg, I'm glad that you're feeling so positive & comfortable with your surgery decisions! I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. You'll be on the road to recovery before you know it! My thoughts & prayers will be with you. Liz
Enrique K Gregg, The best for you on a quick recovery!
I've been enjoying reading about everyone's successes over the last few weeks and seeing how the group supports each other through the struggles. So much prayer ...Read more
I've been enjoying reading about everyone's successes over the last few weeks and seeing how the group supports each other through the struggles. So much prayer - it's inspiring.
Had my final pre-op appointment today. All is well for my Dec 4 Surgery. It can't come soon enough. I'm excited but not anxious - no anxiety.
I made my final decision to go with an Edwards Bovine Tissue Valve. I was trying to convince myself that mechanical was the best way to go, but kept coming back to the tissue valve. About a week ago I decided that it would take some stunning new information to move me away from tissue, but it never came. Today was my self imposed DECISION DAY. I'm happy with it and feel very free.
I met Merril Hoge today. He is a former Steeler and Bear running back from the late 80's and 90's and now a commentator for ESPN. More importantly he is just six weeks post op from Open Heart Surgery for an anuerism. He had the full Sternotomy and he looks fantastic. He is back to work and gave a great speech at our high school on leadership and meeting goals. I couldn't believe he was only 6 weeks post op. What an inspiration.
My prayers are with all of you who have surgeries coming soon or are in recovery.
Congrats on making an informed choice. Best wishes for your upcoming surgery!
Doran Herritt Gregg,
Great story. Glad you found some peace. That's the general consensus once you make it. It is t ... Read more
Doran Herritt Gregg,
Great story. Glad you found some peace. That's the general consensus once you make it. It is tough, I like you went back and forth, especially after having the cardiologist suggest a mechanical, but my surgeon was more open and I ended up with the newest Edwards valve. Glad I did. I am four weeks out and went back to work part time a week ago. Make sure you get up and walk ASAP after and use that breathing device every hour. You will do great. Prayers heading your way. Take care. Drn
One month until surgery-wish it were sooner. However, using the time to get everything organized and prepared at home and at work. No anxiety so far.
In ...Read more
One month until surgery-wish it were sooner. However, using the time to get everything organized and prepared at home and at work. No anxiety so far.
In Florida now with my wife Barb and my youngest son Derek visiting my mom and using up some vacation time. Looking forward to visiting and getting some motherly support and advice.
Doran Herritt Good for you. Stay busy. For me the anxiety didn't really ever come. I am glad it didn't. Worrying is ... Read more
Doran Herritt Good for you. Stay busy. For me the anxiety didn't really ever come. I am glad it didn't. Worrying is a waste of time. Doesn't change a thing. Just makes you miserable. Make a plan. Trust in your medical team. And like thousands of U.S. Who have had this done, get fixed and get on living. Praying for your peace leading to the surgery, a skilled medical team that fixes you, and a quick uneventful recovery. Take care and enjoy the warmth of Florida and your families love.
Drn
Steven A Husted i to was similar to you i was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and tried to put it off but the s ... Read more
Steven A Husted i to was similar to you i was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and tried to put it off but the shortness of breath got to bad and i went to the hospital right from my doctor appointment not much time to do anything a few days later i had a new bovine heart valve and i am glad i am doing fine and i am over one year out and in phase 3 of cardio rehab you will do great it is really not as bad as i thought it was going to be
Enrique K Gregg, I was never scared, worried, or had any anxiety leading to my surgery or the day of my surgery ... Read more
Enrique K Gregg, I was never scared, worried, or had any anxiety leading to my surgery or the day of my surgery. I knew I had to have the procedure done or I would have died like many other in this forum. I left it in the hands of my surgeon and his team and knew everything was going to be alright. I have a small incision 5cm long minimal invasive right side of my chest and it's healing very well. I will post a picture soon. LIVE LONG and PROSPER!!!!
On Oct 15th, I had my heart cath to see if I had any blockage. Pretty routine, I guess, but they had to go through my groin in order to look at everything. ...Read more
On Oct 15th, I had my heart cath to see if I had any blockage. Pretty routine, I guess, but they had to go through my groin in order to look at everything. Anyway, I do have one blockage, so that means I need to have a full sternotomy and a single bypass. A bit disappointing, but no big deal.
Michael Bowes That's too bad, sorry to hear that Gregg. I see that you have an upcoming surgery to replace the val ... Read more
Michael Bowes That's too bad, sorry to hear that Gregg. I see that you have an upcoming surgery to replace the valve, can they do both of these things at the same time?
Michael Bowes Btw, was this your first cath through the groin?
Jeff V. Gregg, I had a full sternotomy (9" incision) and back to work in 4 weeks. I was off pain meds about ... Read more
Jeff V. Gregg, I had a full sternotomy (9" incision) and back to work in 4 weeks. I was off pain meds about one week after I got home and then only needed an occasional Tylenol. It was about 3 months before the mild discomfort completely subsided. Don't be too disappointed in the news as you are now getting a 2-for-1 and giving your surgeon the best possible access for a great repair!
Michael Bowes Great point Jeff! Two in one is better than 2 separate.
Gregg Nissly To Michael. Yes, this is my first cath thru groin and they will do both at once. The entry point is ... Read more
Gregg Nissly To Michael. Yes, this is my first cath thru groin and they will do both at once. The entry point is still hard after 4 days.
Looking for advice on Mechanical versus Tissue Valves. I'm 54 and in good shape (other than the valve). I have 4 sons, with the youngest in 7th grade.
W. Carter I was told by my surgeon under 65 he recommended a mechanical valve since I was 57 he said I probably ... Read more
W. Carter I was told by my surgeon under 65 he recommended a mechanical valve since I was 57 he said I probably had 20-25 yrs left. He told me the mechanical valve would last a lifetime and explained that I would have to be on warfarin the rest of my life. It was an easy decision for me, I went mechanical. This was at the V.A. Hospital and he had no reason to want to re-operate on me in 10 years for $$$$$$ so he was honest. :-)
Charles Haas Likewise, I am 63 and had a mitral valve repair on 10/5, but the contingency was a mechanical since a ... Read more
Charles Haas Likewise, I am 63 and had a mitral valve repair on 10/5, but the contingency was a mechanical since at least for MV, the surgeon projected a 10-15 year valve lifetime for tissue, and otherwise my health is good.
Jeff V. Here's the bottom line, Gregg... there is a 100% chance that you will need another AV surgery in 10-1 ... Read more
Jeff V. Here's the bottom line, Gregg... there is a 100% chance that you will need another AV surgery in 10-15 years with a tissue valve vs. virtually a 0% chance of re-surgery if you select a mechanical valve. If you ask 100 people on this website you will likely get a 50/50 response. Ultimately, it's a personal choice based on your lifestyle. There are pro & cons to each valve type and you will find well thought out positions by the HVS.com community. It was probably the most confounding decision for me as I flip-flopped for weeks and even until the last moment before my surgery began. Fortunately, my MV was repaired, however, an AV replacement is in my future and I'll have to cross that bridge when the time comes. Be confident in your choice and don't look back!
Enrique K Gregg, I am a healthy 41 years old. I had an aortic root and AVR Oct 9 with a pig valve (porcine). I ... Read more
Enrique K Gregg, I am a healthy 41 years old. I had an aortic root and AVR Oct 9 with a pig valve (porcine). I didn't hesitate one bit 3 years ago I knew what valve I was going to pick when I was a candidate for surgery. My surgeon suggested this type since it's the most durable of all the tissue valves and can last 12-15 years he even told me he had a patient going into 20 already. I didn't want to change my active lifestyle with 2 young children. Your choice will depend on your short- & long-term lifestyle. Coumadin changes your lifestyle completely. There are diet restrictions and no contact sports. I love sports, including skiing. Also, I didn't choose a mechanical due to the clicking noise you would can hear clicking every time it open and closes. With Coumadin, I wouldn't be able to eat my favorite veggies (i.e. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, avocado, etc) or drink any type of alcohol before measuring your INR. Many different things can affect the Coumadin in your blood example being sick, medications or diets. Finally, you have more risks of getting blood clots and a stroke with a mechanical valve. I am 9 days post-op and the only medicine I take is metropolol and baby aspirin. I am recuperating very well at home.
It's a big decision and one that ONLY YOU can determine and live with the choice you make. Your doctors might suggest either one of the two. Read other opinions & advice in this great forum.
Gregg Nissly Thank you for the detailed response. I'm going back and forth right now, but I have time to decide. ... Read more
Gregg Nissly Thank you for the detailed response. I'm going back and forth right now, but I have time to decide. I'm very active (skiing, backpacking, etc.) and I have a 7th grader who I'm hoping to take backpacking in a couple years. So I don't like the idea of restrictions and lifestyle changes.
Thanks again.
Gregg
Gregg Nissly Not sure how the posting works yet. I wanted to thank all of you for your input.
Gregg
Nancy D I was 57 at the time of my mitral valve replacement, and I chose Tissue even though my surgeon though ... Read more
Nancy D I was 57 at the time of my mitral valve replacement, and I chose Tissue even though my surgeon thought mechanical is the way to go. I like Enrique, did not want warfarin the rest of my life, and as someone who deals regularly with insomnia I was very afraid the ticking noise would keep me awake if I went mechanical. I just knew what was right for me. In what I hope will be 20 years from now if I need more work cause this cow valve plays out....I can't imagine the advances they will make by then. It is truly an individual decision- the only one correct for you is the one you feel most comfortable with.
David Augustus I got my St. Jude mechanical valve last year when I was turning 50. I had a aortic valve and root re ... Read more
David Augustus I got my St. Jude mechanical valve last year when I was turning 50. I had a aortic valve and root replacement. The statement of blood thinners changes your life completely is not true. It's a life adjustment managing your INR and keeping it within range, but it is for sure better than wondering when the next OHS is going to be. The clicking noise is a factor and is something that takes time to get use to. To me, it means I'm alive.... It hasn't slowed me down as far as hiking or other sports I enjoy. Good luck with your choice. Dave
W. Carter I have seen this subject set some people off and get arguments going over it. It comes down to this, ... Read more
W. Carter I have seen this subject set some people off and get arguments going over it. It comes down to this, whatever the person thinks they will be comfortable with is what they should go with. As far as anticoagulants go they do have some bad points, but they aren't as bad as some folks say they are. As far as being active you can do whatever you want except sports where you might bang your head. Bicycling and skying all you have to do is wear a helmet. There are people on warfarin running marathons, ultra marathons, and doing iron man triathlons, so hiking would be no problem.
Neil Collins Gregg, it's such a personal decision and so far this online community has been very understanding of ... Read more
Neil Collins Gregg, it's such a personal decision and so far this online community has been very understanding of everyone's decisions and have been very helpful. I was going back and forth with this decision about four times a day and would decide on one only to change my mind later on. For me I am choosing tissue at 44. I am a marathon runner and newish triathlete so I wanted to continue to be active. Either valve would have been a good choice in that regard. For me it came down to two things which swayed my decision. The first was hearing recordings of mechanical valves and as a fairly thin person I think I would have noticed it for sure. The second was "optimism" that these third gen tissue valves would last long enough for the Trans Catheter (TAVR) technology to become mainstream. The initial data looks promising in high risk, inoperable patients. The medical community seems to be moving very slowly, in data driven incremental steps prior to expanding into a larger population. I've made a commitment to myself that if the valve fails prior to this being feasible I am ok dealing with another surgery to get a mechanical valve. Good luck in your choice.....
Eddie Patton It's such a personal decision. Knowing there is a replacement if you live long enough vs. Possibly ... Read more
Eddie Patton It's such a personal decision. Knowing there is a replacement if you live long enough vs. Possibly not having to do this again and dealing with warfarin and it's side effects and the ticking. I am sure you have done your research. Consult with your surgeon and make the best choice for you. I was 50 and mine called it a toss up. I chose tissue. But that was just my decision. There are very few here that decided and regretted it. Either way you will be better.
Karen F 2 mechanical valves are a little noisy, but no problems with the blood thinner (warfarin). I really ... Read more
Karen F 2 mechanical valves are a little noisy, but no problems with the blood thinner (warfarin). I really made this choice, despite my aversion to drugs, because of the looming certainty of needing another surgery for replacement of tissue valves in 10-12 years. Thought was that I probably won't be as strong in 10-12 years as I was at time of my surgery (age 60) so might not fare as well undergoing another big time operation. Practical tip: Nighttime valve noise easily covered by sound of small fan on night table. Helps a lot!
Take care.
Liz Burroughs I'm going with a mechanical valve if necessary (I hope not). I don't want to go through another surge ... Read more
Liz Burroughs I'm going with a mechanical valve if necessary (I hope not). I don't want to go through another surgery in 10-15 years.
Steven A Husted I KNOW IT IS A HARD DECISION AND EITHER WAY YOU WILL DO FINE BUT NO ONE HAS SAID THAT MECHANICAL VALV ... Read more
Steven A Husted I KNOW IT IS A HARD DECISION AND EITHER WAY YOU WILL DO FINE BUT NO ONE HAS SAID THAT MECHANICAL VALVES FAIL TO SOME IN ONE OR TWO YEARS SO THE STATEMENT THAT A MECHANICAL WILL LAST A LIFETIME IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE JUST LIKE SOME TISSUE BOVINE VALVES HAVE LASTED 31 YEARS IN ONE PATIENT I READ ABOUT SO THEY BOTH CAN LAST AND BOTH CAN FAIL WITH MECHANICAL YOU HAVE TO WORRY WITH COUMADIN THE REST OF YOUR LIFE AND YOUR INR AND A BLEED OUT IF YOU ARE INJURED AND THE CLICKING NOISE WITH A BOVINE TISSUE VALVE NONE OF THAT BUT YOU MAY HAVE A REDO VALVE REPLACEMENT IN 15 TO 30 YEARS BUT BY THEN YOU COULD HAVE A TAVR OR EVEN A SURGERY AGAIN I WOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF BECAUSE IT WAS NOT REALLY THAT BAD I COULD EVEN GO THRU IT 2 MORE TIMES IF I HAD TO I AM OVER ONE YEAR OUT AND DOING FINE I AM 67 AND ALL I TAKE IS BABY ASPIRIN I HOPE THIS WILL HELP YOU OR SOMEONE WHO IS IN THE DECISION MODE YOUR HEART BROTHER STEVE (POPEYE)
Patricia Garcia Hi Gregg, I have not been on this site for awhile, but this a tuff choice and I have been in your sho ... Read more
Patricia Garcia Hi Gregg, I have not been on this site for awhile, but this a tuff choice and I have been in your shoes. I will tell you about my experience. I am a busy mom of 4. I had a repair done in 2001 and 5 yrs later the valved calcified over with scar tissue. Then in 2007 I went to Cleveland Clinic and had a tissue valve put in. I was told it should last 16 plus years. Well that failed in 8 years. Interesting is that my echo in August of last year said it looked OK and then it went down hill rapidly. I had congestive heart failure and AFIB from a stenosed mitral valve. I went to UNPENN in Philadelphia and was told no more tissue valves. I now have a St. Jude Mechanical Valve and yes I am on Coumadin. It is a small price to pay to ever have to go through this again. My last two surgeries I had giant clots cut out of my left atrium that has been enlarged from my damaged valve. Your heart can only take so much manipulation. I have Afib/Aflutter from scare tissue and it wouldn't matter what valve I choose because I would still be on Coumadin. I still eat greens but it is in moderation and you have to be consistent. If you think that you could go through this again then you could go through with a tissue valve. My friends mother had two valves replaced and one of her mechanical valves is over 20 years old and she is a mail carrier. Whatever you decide to do I wish you a healthy and fast recovery.
Michael Bowes It's a tough choice.. but for me.. living was more important. I have two mechanical valves. Other t ... Read more
Michael Bowes It's a tough choice.. but for me.. living was more important. I have two mechanical valves. Other than not being able to play hide and seek with my nieces and nephews.. life is grand. I eat what I want, I play whatever sports I want (none.. lol), and I live life on the edge. Simple fact is that tissue valves wear out and mechanical ones don't. Sure.. I hear the clicking noise whenever I think about it.. but most of the time.. it's white noise. And when I don't hear it.. I instinctively place my hand on my chest to make sure I'm not about to go push up some daisies.. I know that you will make the right choice for yourself, be at peace man and have a good surgery!
Gregg Nissly Thank you all for your responses. It helps to get different perspectives. Ultimately, it is my choi ... Read more
Gregg Nissly Thank you all for your responses. It helps to get different perspectives. Ultimately, it is my choice, I know. I very happy that my wife is being careful not to say too much. She knows that I have to decide.
I love this website.
Gregg
Michael Shaughnessy Gregg, I am 48 and had my AVR 4 years ago. I am very active and athletic. I am also a physician and ... Read more
Michael Shaughnessy Gregg, I am 48 and had my AVR 4 years ago. I am very active and athletic. I am also a physician and did not want Coumadin if at all possible. I don't want the diet hassles or the stroke risk. I chose the Medtronic Freestyle valve (pure pig, nonstented). I wouldn't change a thing. My last few years have been an incredible journey of what I lived with my whole life. I would go tissue again tomorrow (and I know another surgery is inevitable ). I would not recommend the St. Jude due to shortest lifespan. It's a tough decision. No right answers. Good luck on your surgery, you are 4 years and a day from mine.
Jeff V. Michael S., I am curious - as you are a doctor - statistically speaking, what's riskier in your opini ... Read more
Jeff V. Michael S., I am curious - as you are a doctor - statistically speaking, what's riskier in your opinion... having two or three more complex heart valve replacement surgeries in your lifetime or taking Coumadin for life? Thanks.
W. Carter Before we start freaking out over dietary restrictions and taking warfarin lets consider a few things ... Read more
W. Carter Before we start freaking out over dietary restrictions and taking warfarin lets consider a few things.. Lets say that your perfect inr range is 2.5-3.5 suggested by your cardiologist. That doesn't mean if your inr is 2.0 you are going to immediately get a clot, thrombosis to valve, or you will suddenly die. In other countries they have proven that 1.5-2 is a safe inr range. I am a happy camper when my inr 2.5, a little below what the anticoagulation clinic and my cardiologist wants. I feel better and have fewer headaches when it is lower. My minor point being you can eat veggies with vit. k, just don't pig out. Speed walking, jogging and running also lower the inr by speeding up your metabolism in your liver lowering inr to safer numbers and also making you feel good mentally. :-) My main point here is 2.0-2.5 inr which is very safe as far as internal bleeding is perfect for most mech. valves to keep them ticking for lots of years, and keeps you safe from brain bleeds (subdural hematoma) and such. Warfarin is not the devil in disguise but it can bite your a$$ if not enough respect is shown, its just part of living as we do with heart disease. Some people have refused warfarin therapy altogether following mechanical valve surgery for over 20 years and the valves are still perfect.
Read below..
http://icvts.oxfordjournals.org/content/8/2/263.full
Alma Mater These comments have all been very helpful to me. I am leaning mechanical, and am very glad to hear th ... Read more
Alma Mater These comments have all been very helpful to me. I am leaning mechanical, and am very glad to hear the information about the lifestyle modifications with coumadin.