Jason's Posts

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!

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.

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.

Hi Jason, 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