Josh's Journal

Thomas Brusstar  Interesting product. I’d love to hear that it lasts as long as other synthetic valves, but with no thinners.

Rose Madura  I've not heard that. There are some on this site who have mechanical valves and are very happy with them. When discussing with my surgeon, having to take blood thinners and the side effects was what made me go with a tissue valve. If I were younger (I was 59), I would have gone mechanical. The way I look at things, which may be odd to some us that the life expectancy of the alternative (doing nothing) is much worse.....

Civita Fahey  before my surgery, I read the same things and it scared the beejeebes out of me, but when I talked to my surgeon he reassured me that with either valve barring any complications one should expect a normal life expectancy. Now, he felt that being on blood thinners for many years, would be more of a complication than having to have another surgery as the risk may raise from 1-2% to 2-3% ( all things staying the same). I chose a tissue valve , at the time I was almost 56 year old. I know that I will eventually need a replacement, I will decide then depending on how long this valve lasts whether I go with another tissue or mechanical. Its a tough decision one I wish none of us ever had to make, but, I'm happy with my choice, I live my life normally as if I didn't have a replacement. Praying to God that I continue this way for a long time and I hope that the advances in medicine will keep going and whatever surgery I have will be minimally invasive or TAVR. But, even if its an open, then I'm trying to stay healthy, keep fit and hopefully the one will be uneventful.. Try not to read into things, sometimes too much info is harmful.. speak with your doctor and if he doesn't make you feel comfortable, find another. I went to 2 before I chose the one that did the surgery.. Best of luck to you.

Elaine Roach  I have had a mechanical mitral valve for 7 yrs and have never heard anything negative about life expectancy from my doctor.

Kevin Lee  Josh, I have had two mechanical valves installed. Both have saved my life, but there are pros and cons to them, just like the tissue valves. I can not be sure of the data that you read. However, a good majority of individuals go on to live full normal lives. Understand this as well, the life expectancy of an individual that has had the surgery will typically always win over someone that needs the surgery and doesn't receive it.

Lisa Bolinger  Hi Everyone! I am 55 and my Surgery is November 30th. My doctor has recommended that I choose a mechanical valve. I am still on the fence with this decision. I would love to hear from some of you who have a mechanical valve. Any advice, thoughts?? I am so conflicted!

Carlos Banuelos  What discouraging posts and data? In fact, I’ve seen just the opposite - people who have had mechanical valves for 30+ years with no issues.