Lisa's Journal

Susan Lynn  Lisa- You're going to do just fine! You'll be happy to put the procedure and shortness of breath in the past! Stay positive and keep looking ahead! You'll be in the recovery club by lunchtime! ❤

Mike Roskowinski  Hello Lisa - You got this! No more waiting and you can get back on to recovery. I think you made the right choice on your valve as this one should last you the rest of your life and no need to go through this again. As for the medicine it will become just a normal ritual for you. I had surgery back in May and I take medicine twice a day. Since I take other vitamins and supplements with my medicine I have learned to space them out. I have been a member of this site since February of last year and I have seen so many people come and go through here for advice and help. It is very scary for you to be the one going through it but with all the surgeries that are completed daily and the advancement in medicine you will get through this perfectly fine. Keep you head up and faith strong! God bless and my thoughts and prayers will be with you! Lets get on the recovery side!

Rose Madura  I'm glad you've made your decision and soon you'll be on the road to recovery. It's amazing how much better I feel. I realized that I attributed much to getting old when it was actually my heart. I'm so thankful we live in a time when all this is possible, including a website forum such as this. Best wishes and keep us posted.

john roland  Looks like you are at peace with your decision which makes things a little easier. We will hear from you on the recovery side. Stay strong and keep posting.

  Dear Lisa, you are ready for this surgery and I will pray you come out just fine and recovery will be smooth. I also have a very small family but was all I needed and God’s healing hands to get me through it. I am still here and grateful. Blessings to you and your family. Let us know how you are doing as soon as you can.

Lisa Baine  Thank you everyone for your kind words! I am beyond grateful.
I just got a call from the surgeons office and was told the doctors wife needs emergency surgery. So, they have put my surgery on hold for tomorrow. I psyched myself up for tomorrow and now I’ve been post poned. Hope to keep up this positivity for my new date, whenever that will be.

Susan Lynn  Lisa - By this time tomorrow, you'll be the latest member of the recovery club and the worst (the waiting) will be behind you. You'll be ready to rock and roll by the time your procedure is starting and will enjoy what will seem like a one minute nap! Then - the world's greatest ice chips await you! You're going to do just great! We'll be here looking for your first post-op thumbs up!

Marie Myers  Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery! If this old lady can do it, you certainly can get through surgery also!

Jennifer Winslow  Prayers for tomorrow Lisa! I know you are scared but you will be on the recovery side soon and relieved it’s over. We all have to make the best decision for us as to what type of valve. My fear of blood thinners made me opt for bio even though I’m only 53,. My surgeon set me up for TAVR next time by giving me a good sized cow valve. Hugs!

Rose Madura  I had my postponed once and ita a hard pill to swallow but you can do it. Stay positive. At least you did not have an emergency. As it was said God's timing is always perfect.

Arlene VanNorstrand  I am 52 almost 53 I had AVR 5 weeks ago and choosing a valve I think was the hardest part for me. I too didn’t want the clicking or to be on blood thinners but I know this works well for many. I chose the Edwards Inspiris Resilia tissue valve hoping it will last 15-20 years and then be able to do a valve in valve when needed later (TVAR) and who knows what they will be able to do in in the future. I am amazed how far OHS has come in the past 20 years so in another 20 what the possibilities will be. I was very symptomatic so I knew I had no choice but to get the surgery soon. My chest is still healing but my heart feels great. I notice a huge difference already.

Diane Maher  Hi Lisa. One tissue valve that you might want to specifically research is the Edwards Inspiris Resilia tissue valve . A number of members who are in your general age range have opted for this particular valve. If you scroll down, you might want to read Dan Vechiola’s updated post and journal as well as Joey Hardee’s journal who also responded to Dan’s post. Also Adam wrote an article last October, Skydiver Bill Legard Jumps for an Edwards Inspiris Resilia Heart Valve Replacement. Valve type is such a huge decision especially when your age falls into the ‘grey zone’ so I hope this gives you some helpful information in your decision considerations. ❤️

Susan Lynn  Lisa - Good advice from Arlene and Diane. I didn't need a replacement, but I knew that a mechanical valve wouldn't work for me - because of the blood thinners and dietary restrictions.
It's definitely an individual choice. Take your time and decide what's right for you. Good luck! ❤

Alex Sigalov  Hi Lisa, at 53 its a hard age to make a choice, i am 39 and felt like mechanical was only way for me to go, i got Aortic On-x did u consider looking at Ross procedure. Here my basics experience clicing is annoying sometimes, but most of the time i dont notice, being on blood thinner is not that big deal just have to take pills every day. I get blood drown every week cant say that i bleed more then i did before. hoping to get home INR kit so it will be like pricking for diabetics. I am not a big green food eater so my diet did not change that much. The big thing with tissue valve to consider if ur acctive it can wear out much faster. So if tissue only last u 10 years and TAVR another 10, u can be looking at OHS at 75. Let me know if have any questions about mechanical one, iam 2.5 months post-op

Rose Madura  Hi Lisa. I'm sorry you have the flu and had to postpone your surgery. The value decision is a very personal one. I was 59 and got a tissue valve. I have heard that if you are very active, th e tissue valves do not last as long. It's definitely something you should discuss with your cardiologist and surgeon so you can have peace of mind. Please keep us posted.

Marie Myers  I can really sympathize with you. Making that decision was the hardest decision I ever made. I felt so much was riding on that one choice. I was 63 at the time of my surgery, but am very active. My surgeon wanted me to really consider the On-X valve. My GP was favoring tissue. I asked my surgeon and anesthesiologist (whom I had known for 20+ Yrs) what would they do in my situation. Both of them said tissue valve. I feel my decision to go with the tissue valve was really one choosing against Coumadin.
I hope you are feeling better from the flu, and that you come to a comfortable decision on choice of valve. Prayers to you for a smooth surgery and recovery!

Lisa Baine  Since I’ll be done with my Tamiflu two days before my previously scheduled surgery, the surgery is back on for this Wednesday the 26th. The surgeon that I’m going to is Dr. Elefteriadas, He is out of Yale New Haven Hospital and he is one of the best surgeons in the country. He’s explain to me that He will do a mechanical valve and a graft for my aortic aneurysm. I just keep questioning myself because I’ve read so much about tissue valves and all the pros and cons. I don’t really want to be on Coumadin and have to monitor myself in that way, but I guess that things are going to change for me in a big way anyway. I will be alive and hopefully better than I am today. I am praying for better quality of life. I have been blessed with an amazing husband, son and A very good support system. I’ll keep everybody updated as I hope you will all keep me updated on your amazing journeys.

john roland  Bad time for the flu but great time for a multitude of opinions. You got some great feed back from many people in similar situations. Being that I am in the same situation as you I would agree with some of the others that you should get a second opinion on the valve. Seems like you were told what valve you are getting without your opinion. Second opinion is a good choice. Good luck

Joe Tarango  Lisa, I hope you find comfort in your decision and go into surgery feeling confident. Going into surgery, the Lord lead me to the answers to my questions. You will make the right decision. I will keep you in my prayers that the Holy Spirit guides you along this journey.

Frank Pavia  Hi Lisa i went for tissue but i was 64 at the time but i thought that if i am still alive and needs replacing in 10 or 12 years maybe they have found an easier way than open heart, and i didnt want to be on bloid thinners ggor ever. I believe in quality of life not quantity. Good luck with whatever you choose.