JON COOK - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

January 13, 2021

Hi everyone. I had my open heart surgery about 4 weeks ago. I had a Mitral Valve repair and they fixed a aneurism in my aortic arch. I also have a auto immune disease called ankylosing spondylitis. Is there anyone that has had surgery and has that same auto immune disease? It has been challenging with my AS symptoms in my entire body being inflamed during recovery from surgery. Since Ive had AS i cant sleep on my back without inflaming my spine which in turns effects many other parts of my body. Since surgery I have to sleep on my back, so sleep is very little for me. When can I start trying to sleep on my side and or stomach? I just cant sleep on my back. If there is anyone else out therewith AS I would love to communicate with you about the challenges during recovery and see if you experienced any of them also. Thanks

Like | Steven Methot likes this

Chris Hall I don't have AS but did have mitral valve repair. They let me sleep on my side around day 3 or 4. Call your doctor and ask but I bet they'll tell you it's alright. I hate sleeping on my back. Good luck.

Frank Giovanniello Jon, have you tried a power recliner. After my bypass about 16 months ago I've been sleeping in a power recliner love seat. My sternum never healed up well ... Read more

Frank Giovanniello Jon, have you tried a power recliner. After my bypass about 16 months ago I've been sleeping in a power recliner love seat. My sternum never healed up well enough to roll into bed. And now with the second surgery only a month ago, I'm gonna wait a few more months. I do sleep well in it.

JON COOK No I have not tried that thank you and I wish you success on this second surgery.

JON COOK Thanks Chris and Frank for responding

Update posted on...

December 7, 2020

I will be going in to have my Mitral Valve repaired and the Aortic Arch aneurism repaired on Dec 17. Hopefully they can repair the valve, but if not I need to decide on which valve to replace it with. Mechanical or Pig valve. I'm very active and a hiker, and keep flip flopping on which I should get. Is there anyone that has the mechanical and can you tell me how much of a problem being on Warfarin is ?I'm 60 years old

Like | Steven Methot, Shannon Gray likes this

Steven Methot John, I am 62 and have an aneurysm and a bi-cuspid aortic valve. Not ready for operation yet, and everything is stable. The advice I have for you is... well, ... Read more

Steven Methot John, I am 62 and have an aneurysm and a bi-cuspid aortic valve. Not ready for operation yet, and everything is stable. The advice I have for you is... well, it's up to you. I am extremely active, hiker, cross-country skier and even though I shouldn't due to arthritis I do run. I am also very clumsy. The thought of having blood thinners for the rest of my life leaves me, personally, cold. I don't like taking pills and I would prefer not to. That said, the pig valve will need replacing. In 15 years the technology will have advanced and maybe it will be an easier task than it is now. So, for my case I think I'll go with tissue over plastic.

Marie Myers The good news is that the docs are often able to repair the mitral valve.
I had an ascending aneurysm, root aneurysm, and bicuspid aortic valve replaced with ... Read more

Marie Myers The good news is that the docs are often able to repair the mitral valve.
I had an ascending aneurysm, root aneurysm, and bicuspid aortic valve replaced with a tissue valve at age 63. My decision was mainly one of avoiding Coumadin. But on the mechanical valve side, the mechanical valve will likely last the rest of your life. It is a tough choice, and a very personal one. Wishing you peace during your decision-making time.

JON COOK Thank you Steven and Marie it is a very tough decision, I appreciate you taking time to respond to me! Happy Holidays!!

Susan Lynn Jon - A very high percentage of mitral valves are repaired - my surgeon didn't even ask me about a valve replacement choice. As Marie said, it's an individual ... Read more

Susan Lynn Jon - A very high percentage of mitral valves are repaired - my surgeon didn't even ask me about a valve replacement choice. As Marie said, it's an individual choice. At the time of my surgery, I couldn't imagine having to go through it more than one time, but there are new valve in valve replacements that make replacing bio valves easy. Give the options some thought and choose what's right for you. Chances are your surgeon is just going to put a ring on it and it'll be in the history books! Good luck! ❤

Bradley Dunn I am on Warfarin and it has no effect on my life. 60 is a tricky age for this surgery. I could see you picking any valve for yourself. If you were very active, I would lean towards mechanical.

JON COOK Hi Bradley thank you for your input. Hope your well

JON COOK Thank you Susan so much

Rita Savelis I've had 2 mechanical valves for almost 6 years (got them when I was 54). Anticoagulants are just a pill I take. It's hard at first and then you accomodate ... Read more

Rita Savelis I've had 2 mechanical valves for almost 6 years (got them when I was 54). Anticoagulants are just a pill I take. It's hard at first and then you accomodate to them. There are pluses and minuses for both valve types. It's a very personal choice. Whatever choice you make will be right for you.
And it's true that a high percentage of mitral valves can be repaired.