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Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: January 18, 2018

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Martha Kaczala posted an update

8 years ago (February 19, 2018)

Just a quick update. My Surgery date was changed from February 21 to March 5th.

Phyllis Petersen

8 years ago (February 19, 2018)

Don't let the delay cause more anxiety. Plan some fun things to do to get you through the extra days.

Elaine Phares

8 years ago (February 19, 2018)

Agree with Phyllis. Enjoy some extra nights sleep, go eat an incredible dessert (which you might not have for awhile--even though I am not even pre-diabetic, my blood sugar went wacko in the hospital.) March 5 will be here before you know it!

Martha Kaczala

8 years ago (February 20, 2018)

Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I truly appreciate your support!

Martha Kaczala posted an update

8 years ago (January 18, 2018)

Hello All, My aortic valve replacement surgery is scheduled for February 21, 2018. I am currently researching tissue valves vs. mechanical valves. I am definitely leaning toward a tissue valve but because I am only 55, I have been told I should consider a mechanical valve. Does anyone have any... Read more.

Tim Murray

8 years ago (January 18, 2018)

I had a tissue valve at 49 (open heart) and last week at age 62 I had a TAVR procedure which is also a tissue valve. So I have a valve in a valve. Everyone is different and you are young but considering the ease of the TAVR procedure, I... Read more.

Rita Savelis

8 years ago (January 19, 2018)

I had double valve replacement with mechanical valves in 2015, plus a third valve repaired at age 54. Because of the state of my valves, and my insides (damage due to childhood radiation therapy) it was decided that was my best option with a double replacement. There are many patients... Read more.

Martha Kaczala

8 years ago (January 19, 2018)

Thank you so much for the information. I truly appreciate it! I am so glad you are both doing well!

Phyllis Petersen

8 years ago (January 22, 2018)

I was fortunate to have a repair, but had chosen a tissue valve (pig) should they need to replace, and my surgeon felt that was a good choice. I was 62 at the time (15 months ago). You still have time to research more and soul search for what you... Read more.

Martha Kaczala

8 years ago (January 23, 2018)

Thank you for your insight and kind words Phyllis. I hope all is well with you. Martha

Phyllis Petersen

8 years ago (January 23, 2018)

Thank you, I'm doing great. Early post-surgery days take patience and hard work and lots of naps, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Toni Z

8 years ago (January 24, 2018)

Hi, I picked mechanical since I'm only 42. My surgeon also let me know I would not qualified for TAVR so that made my choice easier. I didn't want 2 more OHS. It's a very personal choice as I'm learning life with Coumadin and the little squeaks from my valve.... Read more.

Martha Kaczala

8 years ago (February 20, 2018)

I have read that the little squeaks do lessen after a while or perhaps you stop noticing them. Thank you for your thoughts. I hope all is going well for you! You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Rita Savelis

8 years ago (February 22, 2018)

I've never had squeaks. I did hear my valves at the beginning especially if the room was very quiet (for example sitting on the sofa reading in a quiet room), but now I am unaware of them. At night I just hear my husband snoring. There is a video on... Read more.

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