Born with a bicuspid valve and have monitored it my whole life. I’m now 38yo and the time has come to replace the valve, as well as my ascending (i think) ...Read more
Born with a bicuspid valve and have monitored it my whole life. I’m now 38yo and the time has come to replace the valve, as well as my ascending (i think) aorta (no aneurism, but moderate/severe dilation). I’ve been HIGHLY encouraged to get a mechanical valve by my surgeon, and thats what i’m booked for on Mar 10, 2026.
I’m highly active in running and fitness, and enjoy travel, good food, and good wine.
I’m scared of adjusting to the mechanical noise, I’m scared of lifelong warfarin, and i’m joining this site to meet others who have stories about how to live with this valve and warfarin.
I’ve been told that athletes can sometimes expect to become even better once fully recovered (no more regurgitation), but i want to know your stories about recovery, limitations on athletics/food/wine, etc.
Mary Rosa my husband (age 62) just had the Inspiris Resilia valve a tissue valve to replace his aorta valve. So ... Read more
Mary Rosa my husband (age 62) just had the Inspiris Resilia valve a tissue valve to replace his aorta valve. So no coumadin, no "clicking" and if another surgery needed later, it is designed to take a TAVR valve. It was done at Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Lars Svensson. You can read about this valve from an article Adam wrote last summer. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2018/08/09/inspiris-resilia-fda-approval/ Good luck!
Learn important facts about the INSPIRIS RESILIA Aortic Valve in this interview with Dr. Lars Svensson from the Cleveland Clinic.
Marie Myers At such a young age, you might consider a Ross Procedure. The founder of this website had a Ross , a ... Read more
Marie Myers At such a young age, you might consider a Ross Procedure. The founder of this website had a Ross , and I think he had it 20 years ago if I am not mistaken.
Barry Brasseaux Hi Jason, I received a mechanical St. Jude valve
implantation in 1988. It has been reliable, and I’ ... Read more
Barry Brasseaux Hi Jason, I received a mechanical St. Jude valve
implantation in 1988. It has been reliable, and I’ve maintained it through
regular exercise to keep my heart healthy. I was 25 at the time, due to a
bicuspid valve, and now at 63, I’m still very active and working full-time in
IT. You'll notice the clicking sound, but I quickly adapted to it. I've been on
warfarin for many years, which requires some lifestyle adjustments, like
avoiding risky activities. However, it's a small price for maintaining good
health. I pay attention to my diet, mainly vegetarian with fish and chicken,
and eat lots of dark leafy greens. I’ve adjusted my warfarin levels over time
to accommodate that. Feel free to ask any additional questions. I also had an
aortic aneurysm repair in 2017, without any complications.
Grace Mason When I first discovered this blog my doctor's were recommending a tissue or mechanical valve replacem ... Read more
Grace Mason When I first discovered this blog my doctor's were recommending a tissue or mechanical valve replacement and aneurysm repair. After learning more about my options and about the Ross procedure here, I opted to go that route. It was the right choice for me. Finding this blog with all the information to explore and the supportive people that know what you are experiencing was invaluable. Wishing you all the best in your journey and happy to answer any questions.
Pamela Gregory I also had the Inspiris Resilia Aortic Valve at 55, but at your age I would definitely look into the ... Read more
Pamela Gregory I also had the Inspiris Resilia Aortic Valve at 55, but at your age I would definitely look into the Ross Procedure.
I had my aortic valve, ascending aorta and hemiarch replaced last May. I went with the On-X. I too am on the younger side (42). I considered the Ross procedure but didn't like the added complexity though it's becoming more routine.
My surgeon was able to do a mini sternotomy. I was back to working remote 3 weeks post op and back the office by week 5. ... Read more
I had my aortic valve, ascending aorta and hemiarch replaced last May. I went with the On-X. I too am on the younger side (42). I considered the Ross procedure but didn't like the added complexity though it's becoming more routine.
My surgeon was able to do a mini sternotomy. I was back to working remote 3 weeks post op and back the office by week 5.
I run and exercise regularly. I'm on Warfarin and it has been pretty easy to manage especially with the at home test.
The noise doesn't bother me and actually I like it as it reminds me of how fortunate I am.
I will drink on occasion and have no observed difference in INR. Yes you should be more considerate if you get an injury but in overall my lifestyle hasn't really changed much.
If you have any specific questions feel free to reach out.
Best of luck
Don
Andrew Dial Almost 37 here. Had my surgery at 33.. I opted for the Ross, and couldn’t be happier. I was born wi ... Read more
Andrew Dial Almost 37 here. Had my surgery at 33.. I opted for the Ross, and couldn’t be happier. I was born with bicuspid aortic stenosis and my aorta grew to ascending, so that was replaced at surgery as well with a Dacron graft. Please ask as many questions as you’d like!
I am from: Erie
My surgery date is: March 10, 2026
I’m highly active in running and fitness, and enjoy travel, good food, and good wine.
I’m scared of adjusting to the mechanical noise, I’m scared of lifelong warfarin, and i’m joining this site to meet others who have stories about how to live with this valve and warfarin.
I’ve been told that athletes can sometimes expect to become even better once fully recovered (no more regurgitation), but i want to know your stories about recovery, limitations on athletics/food/wine, etc.
implantation in 1988. It has been reliable, and I’ ... Read more
implantation in 1988. It has been reliable, and I’ve maintained it through
regular exercise to keep my heart healthy. I was 25 at the time, due to a
bicuspid valve, and now at 63, I’m still very active and working full-time in
IT. You'll notice the clicking sound, but I quickly adapted to it. I've been on
warfarin for many years, which requires some lifestyle adjustments, like
avoiding risky activities. However, it's a small price for maintaining good
health. I pay attention to my diet, mainly vegetarian with fish and chicken,
and eat lots of dark leafy greens. I’ve adjusted my warfarin levels over time
to accommodate that. Feel free to ask any additional questions. I also had an
aortic aneurysm repair in 2017, without any complications.
Finding this blog with all the information to explore and the supportive people that know what you are experiencing was invaluable. Wishing you all the best in your journey and happy to answer any questions.
I had my aortic valve, ascending aorta and hemiarch replaced last May. I went with the On-X. I too am on the younger side (42). I considered the Ross procedure but didn't like the added complexity though it's becoming more routine.
My surgeon was able to do a mini sternotomy. I was back to working remote 3 weeks post op and back the office by week 5.
... Read more
I had my aortic valve, ascending aorta and hemiarch replaced last May. I went with the On-X. I too am on the younger side (42). I considered the Ross procedure but didn't like the added complexity though it's becoming more routine.
My surgeon was able to do a mini sternotomy. I was back to working remote 3 weeks post op and back the office by week 5.
I run and exercise regularly. I'm on Warfarin and it has been pretty easy to manage especially with the at home test.
The noise doesn't bother me and actually I like it as it reminds me of how fortunate I am.
I will drink on occasion and have no observed difference in INR. Yes you should be more considerate if you get an injury but in overall my lifestyle hasn't really changed much.
If you have any specific questions feel free to reach out.
Best of luck
Don