Joanne's Journal

     I had my second SAVR 3/18/26 so I’m 2 weeks out now. I have an Inspiris 25 valve and am feeling better each day. My wonderful surgeon, Dr Scott DeRoo at UW hospital, said it was an easy surgery with no surprises. The care at UW was excellent and I was blessed to have my family and friends supporting me through it all. Of course the process coming out of open heart surgery is a challenging journey and hard to explain to someone who hasn’t gone through it.  I know I have many heart brothers and sisters out there who understand.  We all are here to support those just starting this process.  

     This website is such a great resource and support!   I share it with people all the time!  Thanks Adam for creating this!!!!  You’ve really helped more heart patients than you can imagine!!!!  God bless you!!!!

     I’m so very thankful to have this second chance at living more action packed years with my husband kids and grandkids!   I’m filled with gratitude and thanks to modern medicine and to God the ultimate healer. 

Thanks for the encouragement. It’s good to hear from fellow valve sisters and brothers.   My SAVR is march 18 and I will be getting an Inspiris valve which has been out for several year with a good track record. Have any of you had sternal closure with fiber tape rather than wires?

I’m headed for a redo SAVR in 3 weeks. A TAVR was not a good plan for me so it’s open heart again……I got almost 10 years out of my St Jude’s trifecta valve which is more than many got. My symptom of valve failure are different than the first time. I’m having chest ache/pain rather than feeling faint. How have surgical redos gone for others and do you have any advice?

How many of you have a failing saint Jude trifecta valve? Mine is 9
years old and my friends is 8. She’s already scheduled to replace. I’m wondering what most patients are doing as replacement?

Has anyone out there had to go on anti coagulation med Eliquis for a type of clot formation on the leaflets of their bioprothotic aortic valve? My AVR was June 28, 2016. I received a st Jude trifecta valve and have learned that many of these valves have failed and usually within 3 years. I was certainly hoping for more than 8 years of healthy valve replacement! I would greatly appreciate any information from other patients and from Adam! Thanks so much fellow valve brothers and sisters😍