Nicole DuPont - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

I have a surgery date

Journal posted on May 14, 2019

My surgery will be on Friday, July 26th. I’ll need an aortic valve replacement and an aortic aneurysm repair. My surgeon discussed both but presented the benefits of a tissue valve because at 51, I’ll likely need a TAVR replacement down the road. For this surgery though, I’ll need OHS. He said it’s my choice, but I’m leaning toward the tissue valve instead of the mechanical valve.

Like | Tim Saint , Rob Sparling likes this

Civita Fahey Hi Nicole.. I chose a tissue also at 55. My doctor gave me the pros and cons of both and I went for the tissue. its a personal choice, but so far so good. Best ... Read more

Civita Fahey Hi Nicole.. I chose a tissue also at 55. My doctor gave me the pros and cons of both and I went for the tissue. its a personal choice, but so far so good. Best of luck with the surgery. Ask any questions you need, many wonderful people on this site that will be happy to answer.

Lea Parker Hi Nicole,
I was 52 at the time of my OHS - also aortic valve replacement and an aneurysm repair. I opted for bio prosthetic valve instead of a mechanical ... Read more

Lea Parker Hi Nicole,
I was 52 at the time of my OHS - also aortic valve replacement and an aneurysm repair. I opted for bio prosthetic valve instead of a mechanical mainly because I wanted to avoid blood thinners for life. I am very happy 3 years later with my bovine valve. I was even invited by Edwards Lifesciences to attend Patient Day and learn all about the valves they make and procedures they have pioneered (like TAVR). I spoke to a researcher there who shared with me the fascinating work they are doing with “valve in valve” replacements....which of course I wanted to know all about! Let us know how we can assist, you have alot of folks here who have walked the path...blessings to you, Lea

Alan Jamieson I was in the same boat - my cardiologist said that regardless of which valve I chose, that I would need another one sometime down the line. I was not eligible ... Read more

Alan Jamieson I was in the same boat - my cardiologist said that regardless of which valve I chose, that I would need another one sometime down the line. I was not eligible for TAVR this go around, but with a bio valve, I will be eligible for TAVR next time, but wouldn't if I got a mechanical. It was an easy choice for me.

Naomi Gray Hi Nicole, I'm glad to hear that you are making a progress in your journey. I'm 51, just like you. I've just got a bovine tissue valve for replacing my bicuspid ... Read more

Naomi Gray Hi Nicole, I'm glad to hear that you are making a progress in your journey. I'm 51, just like you. I've just got a bovine tissue valve for replacing my bicuspid aortic valve. I don't have to take coumadin, plus my high blood pressure was fixed, and I no longer need to take high blood pressure med.

Julie M I also had OHS, a little over three weeks ago, and chose a tissue valve to replace my mitral (had a ring put on my tricuspid). I'm 67 but even at your age, ... Read more

Julie M I also had OHS, a little over three weeks ago, and chose a tissue valve to replace my mitral (had a ring put on my tricuspid). I'm 67 but even at your age, I think it beats being on blood thinners for life with a mechanical valve. And just imagine the strides that will have been made by the time these tissue valves need replacing! Best of luck with your surgery... I will keep you in my prayers. It's true when you hear the worst part is the waiting. God bless!

Diane Esposito Nicole, I know you’ll make the decision that’s right for you. As you can see, you’re not alone on this site and there is plenty of collective wisdom and ... Read more

Diane Esposito Nicole, I know you’ll make the decision that’s right for you. As you can see, you’re not alone on this site and there is plenty of collective wisdom and experience here. My problem was my mitral valve which thankfully was repaired but I had decided on a bio prosthetic valve as a back up if the surgeon had not been able to repair it, because I didn’t want to be on Coumadin the rest of my life. You have time to do the research and talk to your doctors and will make the right choice.

Rob Sparling Nicole, I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve last July (2018). My cardiologist prepared me for tissue valve with TAVR for a valve-in-valve procedure ... Read more

Rob Sparling Nicole, I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve last July (2018). My cardiologist prepared me for tissue valve with TAVR for a valve-in-valve procedure later, once needed. Surgeon had a different opinion and recommended Ozaki Procedure. Cardiologist left it to me but supported that recommendation, and that is the way I went. I am now 7 months post-op and no issues. (Going to Cleveland for next check-up next week and will offer an update then!) Please see my journal for the play-by-play and my surgeon review.

Most important part: You are in the right place. Don’t fear this thing. You will transform. Once you do, you will know. Trust us all. Waiting and the uncertainty is the absolutely worst part. ❤️💪

Nicole DuPont Thank you all for your encouragement and wisdom. I value every word.

Rita Savelis I'm fine with 2 mechanical valves. Wishing you a smooth recovery.

First meeting with the surgeon

Journal posted on May 10, 2019

On Tuesday, I meet with the surgeon for the first time. My cardiologist says we’ll talk about the procedure I’ll need, the options for a new aortic valve, and timing of surgery. I’m bringing my boyfriend of 6 years with me. I’ve told him that I’ll need him at all my appointments going forward to hear what maybe I won’t. I’m really scared.

Like | Barbara Wood and 1 other likes this

Jeremiah Erez Nicole, you're not alone.
The fear you have is normal.
Probably everyone on this website who has had ohs felt fearful at some point. I know I did.
Just try ... Read more

Jeremiah Erez Nicole, you're not alone.
The fear you have is normal.
Probably everyone on this website who has had ohs felt fearful at some point. I know I did.
Just try not to let it grip you.
Make sure you choose an experienced surgeon (one with a proven track record who does a lot of the type of surgery you're having).
Rest assured that excellent surgeons typically have an excellent medical team working with them.
I pray you find God's peace in the midst of all of this.
He will hold your hand and walk with you as you traverse this ohs journey.
Peace and blessings to you!

Judy S Nicole, it’s totally normal to be scared. What will help is learning from all the experience on this site and arming yourself with information. Make sure ... Read more

Judy S Nicole, it’s totally normal to be scared. What will help is learning from all the experience on this site and arming yourself with information. Make sure you talk to a few surgeons to see who has the experience, the outcomes, and the ability to repair your valve if that’s possible. Pick a surgeon who you feel you can trust. It made all the difference for me.

Kathy Blank Nicole- I remember feeling exactly like you do now when I first realized my longtime heart murmur for MV Prolapse got worse and I needed surgery. I was overwhelmed ... Read more

Kathy Blank Nicole- I remember feeling exactly like you do now when I first realized my longtime heart murmur for MV Prolapse got worse and I needed surgery. I was overwhelmed at first and it took a few months for me to wrap my mind around the idea of OHS. But I decided to research and take control of my care and this community made ALL the difference. This post helped me organize a list of questions and my daughter accompanied me and took notes. She remembered things I didn’t. Let us know how your appt goes! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2016/12/18/questions-before-dr-accola/

12 Great Questions To Ask Your Heart Surgeon

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2016/12/18/questions-before-dr-accola/

A brilliant question I often receive from patients is, "What should I ask my surgeon when I meet with them?" I've written about this question in the past. H

Marie Myers I can really sympathize. I felt totally overwhelmed at the news I needed heart surgery also. It is good to bring someone else with you to appointments, because ... Read more

Marie Myers I can really sympathize. I felt totally overwhelmed at the news I needed heart surgery also. It is good to bring someone else with you to appointments, because it is a lot to process. Just take one day at a time, and you will get through whatever you have to get through. Like others have said, be sure your surgeon does a lot of the type of work you need. Wishing you peace through your journey!

rich monoson Nicole, I went in for my yearly check up fulling expecting the annual "you're fine. See you next year and we'll re-examine then". Not this time. I was immediately ... Read more

rich monoson Nicole, I went in for my yearly check up fulling expecting the annual "you're fine. See you next year and we'll re-examine then". Not this time. I was immediately told by the surgeon that this needs to be done in the next 4 weeks. It was like an out of body experience hearing this. I felt the blood drain from my face. The thoughts were running randomly wild. I was completely taken by surprise the urgency. Once that initial processing takes place the acceptance phase begins. Once accepted I put my head down and marched forward ready to grab the bull by the horns. This always present heart condition hanging over me is going to get fixed. I actually got to the point where I was looking forward to the day. I prepared mentally and focused on aggressive rehab (things I can control). It went spectacularly and I'm 3 1/2 weeks out and feel like I didn't even have surgery (absent the sternal annoyance). Nicole, you're going to do great. Attitude is everything. Please note this surgery has a 99% success rate. It's a gift that such a successful procedure exists that will improve the quality of our lives and extend our lives. This has been an awesome experience and will provide a new perspective on everything. Your surgical team and cardiac care nurses are heaven sent and you'll be overwhelmed with support you receive. Nicole, its a process and the mental preparation and attitude is essential to making this as good as you would like it to be. Look forward to your updates and I'm rooting for you!

Nicole DuPont I can’t thank you all enough for commenting so soon after my post. Your shared experience is definitely going to get me through this. I admit the fear has ... Read more

Nicole DuPont I can’t thank you all enough for commenting so soon after my post. Your shared experience is definitely going to get me through this. I admit the fear has a grip on me right now, but it’s new and I will find the peace I will need to head into surgery. I’m going to be patient with myself in getting past this freaked out and weepy phase. Thanks for the encouragement, and thanks for your support which I hope to eventually pass on to others just as you have.

ski kemp ..You will, and before you know it, you'll be there too giving encouragement to someone else. It's natural to feel scared, for me this was the first time I ... Read more

ski kemp ..You will, and before you know it, you'll be there too giving encouragement to someone else. It's natural to feel scared, for me this was the first time I ever had to go to the hospital for a procedure in my life. I had no idea I had an Aneurysm. Unfortunately it grew so large, it caused a stroke - ascending aorta over 6 cm, never had a symptom until the stroke. Found it Thursday afternoon and had to have surgery first thing Friday Morning. Never had time to research, or discuss, it happen so fast, It was 2 weeks before my 49th birthday. I worked out 5 days a week and have been active all my life. it was no where on my radar. I didn't really find out what corrective procedure they did until after the surgery, I didn't really know all the details going into it. The night before the surgery they asked me - Tissue or Mechanical?.. I said "you tell me" I had no idea and got a 10 min summary on each and made a choice...It just so happened that the Hospital had one of the best thoracic surgeons in the State and I literally asked him "could you do the surgery please" less than 12 hours before the actual surgery, just met him, but had heard about him through my cousin who happen to be a cardiac ICU nurse...by the grace of God, he did the surgery....after all that, I can tell you, I'm doing well. No deficits from the stroke, it all came right back within a hour. I'm now 8 weeks post op. Back to work, energy is almost normal and I'm Good Nicole and getting better...what you stress'in about :) . You will too! but you will have to be a patient, patient. Recovery takes time, but each week you will get stronger. You have a good medical team and they are prepared, and your prepared, you got this! Be Blessed and tell you BF not to worry either, your both going to be okay.