Julie's Journal

Steve Farthing  In my case, that lump you asked about at the top of the leg over the femoral artery has shrunk 60-80% over the last year. They inserted a cannula into the artery and another one into a vein thru that same incision so quite a bit to get closed and sealed up after the procedure so the interior sutures cause a lump.

Chris Purvis  Mine has shrunk as well. I had one cannula through that site and they said it could take some time to heal. Only worry would have been if it actually growns are causes discomfort so if your ankle is swollen I would definitely call the surgeons office and double check that’s on the normal list.

Susan Lynn  My incision flattened completely in about six weeks, but you should inquire about the swelling. It's probably nothing, but your doctor should be aware of anything out of the ordinary. I'd call the office tomorrow as he may have something you can do before your appointment on Thursday.

Carolyn Newell  Hi Julie! I'm 6 weeks post op and went with a tissue valve and so happy I did. I have not had one regret with my decision. It's a very personal decision and the fact that people with tissue valve's will have to have another surgery is enough to scare off anyone. I'm hoping that by the time I need another one it will be done up through the leg for everyone. Any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Adam Boyadjis  Hi Julie - I’m 35 and had a mechanical mitral valve installed (minimally invasive). I’m about two weeks post-op. Recovery is shorter with no sternotomy but they did say the immediate pain may be more. I personally didn’t want another surgery and was told if I had another surgery it would most likely be a sternotomy to avoid the scar from the first minimally invasive surgery. I don’t regret my decision but recovery is still early so I’m also not dancing in the street yet either (YET). They will do a great job managing pain so don’t worry about that. I wish you the best. It is a personal choice I was passionate about not wanting another surgery so I chose mechanical. Follow your gut and you won’t regret it.

Tim Chapman  I am 52 almost 53, I will be having surgery at some point. I have decided to go mechanical since I do not wish to go through it again. The blood thinner is no biggie since I am diabetic and take meds all the time.

Betty Sullivan Sorge  Gotta do what u gotta do! I had surgery on Aug 31, 9 months ago and feeling totally back to Normal. Have now a little piggy valve, which seems to be working nicely. Had some depression and insomnia first month post op, but once I could comfortably lie flat again in bed,, started sleeping better and depression lifted. Also tried sleeping pill, Lunesta quite good. Wishing u all the Best❤️❤️❤️

Civita Fahey  I was just about 56 when I got my tissue valve and I am happy with it.. I know that it means at some point I will need to have it replaced but at this point I dont want to deal with Coumadin though Im sure its not as bad as I think.. but for me it was the right choice. Now that I have gone through OHS, its no cake walk but its doable and there are breakthroughs in medicine as we speak so I'm hoping for a TAVR next time around. best of luck

Rose Madura  I had a tissue valve at age 59. I did mmot want the blood thinners. It's a very personal choice and one that should be discussed with your cardiologist and surgeon. The new tissue valves last ~20 years now. I was told that given my age, there's a good chance I won't need another surgery. If it lasts 20 years, it will start to go bad, it won't suddenly go bad, but, if I do need it replaced, I will be a candidate for TAVR process. Best wishes on making your decision. I know it isn't easy.

Kelly Stoll  Hi Julie. I did not go with a tissue valve and have an On-X, but will add that there were a few things I did not think through or know about before making my decision. I don't regret it at all, however blood draws for the rest of my life was not something we really discussed prior to surgery. A lot of people mention the clicking noise. Mine isn't loud but yes, you can hear it. I have to set an alarm to take my meds every day, since it is still a developing "habit". I completely had to adjust my diet, and am in a good place now.

I really wanted to limit the number of surgeries I would need (due to my age) and as I said, I am happy with my decision. Go with your gut but expect there may be a few surprises along way. Best wishes.

Don Faust  Im 59 got a tissue valve, I only take a baby aspirin everything is going well for me so far 9 weeks out of surgery. I had the mini sternotomy, they say this valve is good for 15 years. I'm hoping for at least 10 years. With the advancements to the heart valves in the next 10 years we might be able to have a TAVR with a longer lasting valve.

veronica gunthner  Hi Julie, I can understand feeling positive at this stage. There is so much uncertainty when you are diagnosed, and I ended up being treated for anxiety. I can tell you that once the decision is made that it's time for replacement there is a peace that it's going to be ok, and you'll go on with your life. I'm a little over 2 years from diagnosis and scheduled for May 2nd. Listen to your body on the exercise. My heart cath is next Tues, day before surgery.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hello Julie,
Your attitude is just great. And attitude is important as you prepare for your surgery. Best wishes going your way for successful surgery and easy recovery.
I had a mitral valve repair in December and feel fine. Will be sending prayers your way.

Joanne Popkin  Hi Julie. I have AVS also. About two weeks ago I started having problems walking uphill. I am 65 years old and a tour guide in Washington DC, so I'm on my feet a lot. On one of my last tours I started huffing and puffing on the steps up to the Lincoln Memorial. I emailed my cardiologist and he had me go to urgent care just to make sure I wasn't experiencing heart failure. Then he scheduled me for a cardiac Cath last Wednesday. While recovering from the Cath my soon-to-be surgeon came in and suggested surgery for the next day. I asked if it could wait till the summer (when I don't have as much work). He said how about next week? So, April 25th it is!

My mom had the same disease but she was twenty years older and showing some early signs of dementia. She had the operation at Cleveland Clinic in Fla. After seeing what she went through I vowed I would never do that. (At that time, I didn't know I had the same disease!). I'm trying to get as prepared as I can. I am cleaning my home, preparing lots of meals for freezing, doing all the laundry and stocking up on food. I have someone who will watch my dog while I'm in the hospital.

I am very scared about the operation, but I know I need it. I am even more scared about the recovery process.

I am very glad to have found this site. I think it will be very helpful during the recovery period.

Julie Fehrenbach-Cain  Thanks everyone! This is such a helpful group of people.
I had the left heart catheterization on April 24th, and it went well. Fortunately he was able to go in thru my right wrist.
The good news is that there were no blockages and I'm in pretty good health. The not-so-good news is that my AVR will most likely be open heart.
I will be meeting with two surgeons in the next couple of weeks, so I'm hoping to decide which surgeon/valve/treatment is best for me.

Joanne Popkin...how did your surgery go? I'd love to hear an update!

Thanks again everyone--God bless!