Mike's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: January 23, 2016

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Mike Mo posted a photo
1 year ago (November 1, 2024)
The baby in the photo on my profile is the youngest in the photo below. Time flies!!
UPDATE. I am now 51, moved to Arizona with my family on 7/3/24. Found out first week after move that I need a Re Do aortic valve and also aneurysms repaired. Surgery on 11/12 with Dr. Sell-Dottin from Mayo Phoenix. I have not decided on tissue or mechanical valve yet!... Read more.
I have gone through that (mitral valve). At 50 years it's a difficult decision. I didn't really want another open heart surgery in my 70s as it's harder to recover. I was heavily leaning towards a mechanical valve. I wasn't too concerned about Warfarin despite me probably more at risk... Read more.
Thank you Robert! That is very helpful advice. Much appreciated. I am very worried about being on Warfarin. If anyone has advice on how Warfarin makes you feel I would really appreciate it!
I cannot comment on whether you should get a tissue or mechanical because my valve was repaired and i was 79 at the time. I could however see that warfarin over an extended period of time would get old, especially at 51. However, with the advancements in heart surgery and... Read more.
Mike. I had my Aortic Valve replaced with a St. Jude valve at JHH in Jan 1988 and have been on Warfarin since that time. I am now 62 and have not had any major issues. I am active in order to keep up with my High School sophomore who... Read more.
Barry, what an inspiration you are. Plus you are still a young man ( in my eyes). You have a great attitude and that is a big deal. At 82, my running days are behind me but walking the dog 4 miles a day is vital for my heart health.
Mike, you have a beautiful family! I got a tissue valve at age 59 because I didn't want to be on warfarin. It's definitely a tough decision. But once you make up your mind, go with it and don't second guess the decision. It will be the right one for... Read more.
I've been on warfarin for 9 years after double valve replacement when I was 53. I've had no problems with anticoagulants. One has to get used to being on a new drug but I haven't changed anything I eat or my lifestyle. I'm sorry that you have to go through... Read more.
What a beautiful family! It is a really tough and personal choice. I chose tissue valve at 55 because of the blood thinner and ticking but there are many on this site that have had a lot of success with mechanical. I pray that they will have major advances in... Read more.
Thank you Pamela. I am leaning towards tissue. Pre op is in 10 days. My current tissue valve lasted 8 years.
Thank you Rita and Rose. These are helping my decision.
Hii Mike, blessings on your upcoming surgery. What valve did you end up deciding?
thank you max. Leaning towards tissue. pre op is today and will make final decision then. Thank you
Mike Mo posted an update
10 years ago (April 6, 2016)
Hello, I am recovering well at home. I feel really good mentally and physically. I had something strange happen yesterday and was seeing if anyone had something similar or could give feed back. Yesterday morning my hands began to go numb. Then my tongue. I started freezing and almost convulsing... Read more.
👍 Stephen Doherty reacted to this
Jeez sounds scary, thankfully they told you it was normal. Good luck Mike in recovery!
It sounds scary, but glad to hear you're feeling better! Best wishes for a smooth recovery from here.
I did have a freezing spell similar to that. Mine wasn't as severe. I didn't call doc. It also happened when I had my hysterectomy. I do think it's your body out of whack. It hasn't happened again.
Haven't had that but have occasional palpitations.
Hi Mike, I am happy that you are feeling fine and recovery is great.
How are you feeling Mike? It's been three weeks since your surgery. Everything healing up?
Hi Bob, feeling great. Better then before surgery already. Still bruised and sore, but not to bad. Had a few dizzy spells, other than that, I feel great. Walking 1-3 miles a day. Rehab starts next week! Thank you, good luck to you Bob
Well Mike, are you still feeling great? It's been awhile since I checked in with you. Are you going to rehab? Any more dizzy spells. I hope you are doing fantastic and feeling a lot better than before surgery.
Mike Mo posted an update
10 years ago (March 31, 2016)
Waking up early today for some testing. Dr. Barnhardt stopped by last night. He reccomended that I be discharged today! I'm so excited, Surgery was finished Monday at 6:00 PM, and I'm going to be discharged 72 hours later,...for full open heart surgery!! Modern medicine is truly amazing. Swedish Cardiac... Read more.
👍 Eddie Patton and Kate Watson reacted to this
This is so encouraging! Great positive attitude. Enjoy your first night at home. :)
that is great news, congrats again, I am so happy for you. My husband is having his valve surgery tomorrow in UK, I hope he can recover with same speed as you.
Anonymous, heart valve patient
Anonymous
I don't have surgery scheduled yet but stories like yours are very inspirational. Hope I do as well.
That is so great to hear especially since I'll be there next week! Hope you continue to have a smooth recovery process.
Wow Mike. So good to hear. I am scared to death - I need an aortic valve and ventricle septa defect corrected in June. Did you do the invasive or non invasive? Bovine ot mechanical? Thanks in advance and your posts have been very helpful. Good luck.
Great post Mike. I'm going to have the same surgeon as you so it is more than encouraging to hear your thoughts on Swedish.
Bob, the staff was so great. I told the nurses about this site and how great a resource it has been. Best care I could have ever hoped for!
Linda, the waiting was awful for me as well. I was so scared. I got some therapy at the reccomendation of my primary care doctor and it really helped me deal with the whole thing. The tools I learned have helped me with recovery immensly. The therapy has made me... Read more.
Good luck Kate! You'll do great!
Great Mike, praying for your prompt recovery! I'm already moving around like nothing happened. Best regards, Jesus bless!

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Dr. Christopher Heid is a leading cardiac surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas who specializes in heart valve repair and replacement operations.