Lora Lee's Journal

Dan D.  I went cow (or "bovine" as they say.) But I'm 68 and, if the cow-fix doesn't last my lifetime, I'm hoping less invasive surgical procedures available by then. Also, I get lots of bloody noses and being a blood thinner didn't thrill me.

Tammy Pilcher  Hi Lora, welcome to the community! I had my BAV replaced Oct. 31,2014 with a bovine tissue valve and an aortic root enlargement with a Dacron patch. I was 50 at the time ( 51 now). I've done great! You are welcome to read my journal and I'll answer any questions you have. I wrote a post titled " surgery experience" in there. It really wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Prayers and best wishes, Tammy

  I am 60 and other than my mitral valve am in great health. My doctor recommended the pig valve. I'm trusting his judgement.

Nancy D  I am 58 now, 57 at the time of surgery, and my surgeon gave me the choice too. It was a tough call, but I went tissue valve- I didn't at this point in my life want to be on Coumadin for the rest of my years, and I am not sure I could adjust to the clicking the mechanical valve makes. I don't sleep well on most nights and didn't want to factor that in. Interestingly both my surgeon and cardiologist recommended mechanical for me, and my pcp said he would go tissue as well if it were him. ;-) No right or wrong way to go here-- but once I made up my mind I felt less stressed for sure. Gave the surgeon the choice of what type of tissue and he implanted Cow/bovine and Flossie and I haven't looked back! ;-)

Terri Grimes  I chose tissue but the night before my surgery my heart surgeon called me at home and told me he thought I was making a mistake due to my age. He said he would hate to have to redo the surgery in 10 years. (Although I must say I have a family friend who had a tissue valve 20 years ago and she's not had a bit of trouble with it. Still going strong.)

My reasons for not wanting it was the possible clicking sound and taking the Coumadin. Not had a problem with either. I've only heard the click once and that's when I went ghost hunting and stuck the voice recorder in my cleavage so I could use my hands. All you heard on the recording was click - click - click. It was so annoying. LOL

Of course now I'm going through endocarditis caused by a dental visit but that's another story.

Good luck with your decision. I'm sure which ever valve you decide to with will be a fine choice.

Terri

Pat Bluemel  Read through stories here and be at peace with your course of action. I chose bio as I am accident prone and wasn't ready for daily blood thinners. Hoping it lasts a long while and that TAVR is perfected for us by the time I have to think about it next.