Robert Young - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

January 14, 2022

Does anyone have in-it on what kind of Aortic valve replacement preferred ? I am weighing the on-x mechanical vs the inspiris tissue valves. I’m basically 62 years old and really not looking forward to another surgery in the future. I do realize no one can predict. Anyone out there care to share experience or how they made this decision
Thank you

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Tom Everson Hi The bottom line is whatever one u choose is the right one. I was old when I had my replacement ( 77) so my choice was easy ( Inspiris by Edwards)If I am ... Read more

Tom Everson Hi The bottom line is whatever one u choose is the right one. I was old when I had my replacement ( 77) so my choice was easy ( Inspiris by Edwards)If I am lucky enough to need a second surgery when I am 90+ I plan on a TAVR surgery ( or whatever is the best then). You are in between, if you go for inspiris you can plan as I am. If you go with Mechanical you are probably done , and will require getting used to medications. A lot of folks on this site state that they adjusted to the medications just fine, some complain of hearing the mechanical valve but at night sometimes I can hear my heat beat in my ears ( I like it better than the alternative ) . I believe faith and also faith in your Surgery Team will carry you to a successful recovery no matter what you choose. There is No Wrong Choice

Timothy Stoner First off I love Acadia NP. I see you live right there, how cool. Second, Tom is exactly right. No wrong choice between on-x (which is what I had about a month ... Read more

Timothy Stoner First off I love Acadia NP. I see you live right there, how cool. Second, Tom is exactly right. No wrong choice between on-x (which is what I had about a month ago) and bioprosthetic valve. I chose on-x because of my age(39) and that I didn't want to do another surgery later in life when the risk level goes up. You would have to be on a blood thinner with on-x, which to me is not a big deal plus there is currently a trial going on with on-x and Eliquis. Also, I can hear my valve ticking, but that's the least of my worry, I'm glad to be alive and breathing. Have faith in whatever decision you make and your heart team. The worst part of this experience was the waiting up to surgery really. You'll be fine Robert.

Rose Madura Hi Robert. Like Tom, I've always said, no matter which valve you choose, it's the right decision. Actually, it was one of the toughest decisions of my ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Robert. Like Tom, I've always said, no matter which valve you choose, it's the right decision. Actually, it was one of the toughest decisions of my life. I was 59 when I had my surgery nearly 5 years ago and I chose a tissue. Alve, the Edwards Magna Ease, I think it was. I never looked back on my decision. A frank discussion with my surgeon and my brother (a doctor) about blood thinners helped me decide. I hope I never have to have another replacement but realize that chances are, someday I will. Godspeed.

Richard Munson Older tom, not old

Marie Myers I was 63 at the time of my surgery, and I chose a tissue valve. It was a very difficult decision for me, and I went back and forth for weeks. Ultimately, my decision was one to avoid Coumadin.

Robert Young Thanks for all the input. It’s appreciated. I am thinking the inspiris valve to avoid Coumadin . The information so far on the inspiris is promising but the ... Read more

Robert Young Thanks for all the input. It’s appreciated. I am thinking the inspiris valve to avoid Coumadin . The information so far on the inspiris is promising but the hope of eliquis being a possibility for the on-x is exciting

Richard Munson Eliquis has its own set of side effects like everything but at least being tested regularly is not required. My goal is to cut back on eliquis but my doctor is fighting me.

Robert Young Richard I am on eliquis anyway for the possibility of AFiB , No side effects so far (2 years). Just trying to figure it out,.........................But when that will be is anyone's guess!

Richard Munson Not sure if i have any side effects either. My point with my doctor is that i had the maze a year ago, have worn a monitor twice for 2 weeks each time and was ... Read more

Richard Munson Not sure if i have any side effects either. My point with my doctor is that i had the maze a year ago, have worn a monitor twice for 2 weeks each time and was a fib free. He says just in case. I say at what point do you say the maze worked. Do i live the rest of my days what if. In that case i should take a pill for every illness known to man on the what if theory. I could also get hit by lightning. Do i stay inside? On the flip side, i don’t want a stroke either.

Update posted on...

January 10, 2022

Hi all
First time here. I found out today that I will be scheduled for surgery at Mass General at some point. I need to have ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement. Not sure when with the Covid and all but hoping it will be sooner than later. I feel like I’m in good hands with Dr Passeri and Dr D’alessandro. But very nervous

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Deena Elani CALLING ALL MASS GENERAL WARRIORS:

Hi Robert, welcome! Mass General - outstanding hospital. There are many heart warriors that have had successful open ... Read more

Deena Elani CALLING ALL MASS GENERAL WARRIORS:

Hi Robert, welcome! Mass General - outstanding hospital. There are many heart warriors that have had successful open heart surgery there (yoo-hoo, R.M. from NH:). I am sure some will chime-in. And yes, of course you're nervous. We all were. The thing is if you go to an outstanding hospital, with an outstanding surgeon who does high volume heart surgery, your odds for a successful surgery is high, actually incredibly high. So, try to focus on what you can control and ask as many questions as come to mind. You already have a great start by choosing Mass General! Godspeed.

Paul Lechiaro Hey Robert,
Just had avr at Brigham on Nov 18th. Excellent care. In on Thursday and out on the following Tuesday afternoon. Not normal if you are not nervous. ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Hey Robert,
Just had avr at Brigham on Nov 18th. Excellent care. In on Thursday and out on the following Tuesday afternoon. Not normal if you are not nervous. Just have to remember these surgeons are experts at what they do. It will go by quick and you will be so glad its behind you.

Paul Lechiaro Hey Robert,
Just had avr at Brigham on Nov 18th. Excellent care. In on Thursday and out on the following Tuesday afternoon. Not normal if you are not nervous. ... Read more

Richard Munson I had ohs last january at mass general. Great facility, wonderful people. You could not be in a better place.

Rose Madura Hi Robert. It's normal to be nervous. Trust your doctors. They do this every day and are good at it. The odds are in your favor. Praying helped me tremendously - always does. Godspeed.

Mike Tirrell Hi Robert, I had AVR at MGH in August with Dr Cameron. Dr D'alessandro was the doctor of my room mate so I got to meet him, nice guy. You are in good hands there, the cardiac staff are all top notch.

Civita Fahey Hi Robert, I have my AVR at the Brigham 4.5 years ago. We are lucky to have outstanding health care in the Boston Area. MGH will take great care of you and you will do great.