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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: April 21, 2018

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Julie Fehrenbach-Cain posted a photo

8 years ago (August 18, 2018)

Here I am, exactly two short months after minimally invasive aortic valve replacement surgery--ready to get back on my trike (after2years!). I feel great, and am ready to enjoy life again!!!

👍 Shannon Gray, Mark Wilbur and reacted to this

Steven Methot

8 years ago (August 18, 2018)

Is it recumbent? That looks like fun!

Julie Fehrenbach-Cain

8 years ago (August 19, 2018)

Hi Steven, yes it is recumbent and is very fun!

Julie Fehrenbach-Cain posted an update

8 years ago (June 30, 2018)

I had my AVR done on June 18th and went home on June 23rd. I'm so thankful that I was able to have the less invasive surgery and only have a small horizontal incision on my chest. I ended up going with the tissue valve-cow tissue. So far, so good!... Read more.

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Steve Farthing

8 years ago (June 30, 2018)

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... Read more.

Chris Purvis

8 years ago (July 1, 2018)

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... Read more.

Susan Lynn

8 years ago (July 1, 2018)

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.

Julie Fehrenbach-Cain posted an update

8 years ago (June 7, 2018)

My AVR is scheduled for 6/18/18 with presurgery testing on 6/12/18. I'm 99.9% sure I'm going with a tissue valve. I will be 52 in October. Right now, I'm not feeling nervous or afraid, and I feel that I have a realistic understanding about recovery. I'm hopeful that I will... Read more.

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Carolyn Newell

8 years ago (June 7, 2018)

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... Read more.

Adam Boyadjis

8 years ago (June 7, 2018)

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... Read more.

Tim Chapman

8 years ago (June 8, 2018)

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

8 years ago (June 8, 2018)

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... Read more.

Civita Fahey

8 years ago (June 8, 2018)

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... Read more.

Rose Madura

8 years ago (June 8, 2018)

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... Read more.

Kelly Stoll

8 years ago (June 9, 2018)

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... Read more.

Don Faust

8 years ago (June 9, 2018)

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... Read more.

Julie Fehrenbach-Cain

8 years ago (June 11, 2018)

Thanks everyone! I appreciate your honest feedback. I'm very thankful for the input.