It’s been awhile since I have posted. I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Gerdisch in March. Still haven’t decided on what valve I am going with. This decision ...Read more
It’s been awhile since I have posted. I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Gerdisch in March. Still haven’t decided on what valve I am going with. This decision is tough. I am an avid car/truck enthusiasts and have a full auto shop in my back yard. I’m kinda worried about the warfarin and working on things. I know it’s a lower INR at 1.5-2.0 for the aortic On-x mechanical valve. I’m leaning that way but still not sure what to do. I have reservations about both options. I don’t think there is an article or information left I haven’t read or studied on both valves. Pros and cons to both …I’m at peace with everything and the nerves and worry have subsided and I am sleeping well again.
Rose Madura Hi Rob, it is a tough decision and a very personal one. Do your research; come to a conclusion and ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Rob, it is a tough decision and a very personal one. Do your research; come to a conclusion and they go with it. The choice you make will be the right one. God bless you.
Marie Myers Valve choice was the hardest decision I ever made. I remember going back and forth for months, changi ... Read more
Marie Myers Valve choice was the hardest decision I ever made. I remember going back and forth for months, changing my mind several times. I am glad you are sleeping well! God bless you in making your decision.
Robert Miller From all the articles I read the general consensus is <50 get a mechanical valve and >65 get an ... Read more
Robert Miller From all the articles I read the general consensus is <50 get a mechanical valve and >65 get an organic valve. But a lot also depends on the lifestyle.
I am just at the very low end of that 50-65 range so that pointed more towards a mechanical valve. In addition, if a first organic valve via open heart surgery lasts 15 years and then another replacement via a blood vessel lasts another 10 years it would bring me to 75 years. So if I get that old I might need a 3rd open heart surgery (I already had one before I had to make that decision). I kind of wanted to avoid this. Hence, I was pretty much set on a mechanical valve. That's despite my lifestyle which involves skiing, climbing ladders, working with jigsaws, circular saws, etc. I also didn't mind watching my INR, watch my diet, and I was going to get a home kit to measure the INR myself.
Then on surgery day, while the nurse prepared me, she was asking about the valve. She was surprised I said a mechanical valve and said most people these days chose the biological valve, even at my age. I then talked to the surgeon. We ended up leaving the decision to him. He said he will look at the scares from my previous surgery and based on this will decide what valve to use (if the scares were bad then a third surgery is more likely to lead to complications). It turned out the scares looked pretty good so he would have used a biological valve. Luckily, he was able to repair the valve so it became a moot point.
Rob Riley Yeah I’m there I’m only 51 so that is the same scenario I find myself in. Thanks for your story a ... Read more
Rob Riley Yeah I’m there I’m only 51 so that is the same scenario I find myself in. Thanks for your story and your decision making process it helps.
Rita Savelis I hear you Rob. I think most everyone has reservations about both options. Whatever you choose will b ... Read more
Rita Savelis I hear you Rob. I think most everyone has reservations about both options. Whatever you choose will be right for you and you'll see that life goes on and one gets used to any valve. I've had mechanical valves (aortic and mitral) for 8 years and have a high dose of anticoagulants and a high target INR. After an initial period where I worried a lot about anticoagulants, now I don't think much about them. I test whenever I want - about once a month - I decide my own doses, I eat everything I want to, I do everything I did before surgery. I didn't have much choice because with double valve surgery for radiation induced heart disease, it was better for me to have only one surgery if possible. So I did that. But deciding what kind of valve to pick seems to be the number one anguish of everyone on this site. Don't know if your surgeon has any personal recommendation for you , or how old you are. But whatever you decide will be right. In fact there is no right choice, just the choice you make. Take care. I'm sorry you have to go through this.
Greg Lewis Hi Rob! I have come to the understanding that as Rita says, the only right choice is the one for you. Every valve can go for years. Or, not. They all can have problems. They tell you mechanical will go forever, but, not always the case. They tell you tissue valves will go for 10 to 15, but, not always the case. You work with machines, as did I, so you know that anything man made, can fail. So where does that leave us? I wrestled with, do I want to worry about bleeding the rest of my life? Do I want to come back for another surgery in 12 years? TAVR is a good possibility later on? My surgeon ultimately helped me make a decision. And I am very happy with it. For me, I chose tissue valve because of his recommendation. Since my surgery was less than ideal, I wound up on blood thinners for a few months. Not for me..I worry too much, about bleeding. Type A personality. Lol . It's not the taking Coumadin, and the INR that's the issue, for me. That was easy. It's the body leakage that I don't like. 😁 Not thrilled about the possibility of having to go through this again, but had to pick something.
Greg Lewis Hi Rob! I have come to the understanding that as Rita says, the only right choice is the one for you. Every valve can go for years. Or, not. They all can have problems. They tell you mechanical will go forever, but, not always the case. They tell you tissue valves will go for 10 to 15, but, not always the case. You work with machines, as did I, so you know that anything man made, can fail. So where does that leave us? I wrestled with, do I want to worry about bleeding the rest of my life? Do I want to come back for another surgery in 12 years? TAVR is a good possibility later on? My surgeon ultimately helped me make a decision. And I am very happy with it. For me, I chose tissue valve because of his recommendation. Since my surgery was less than ideal, I wound up on blood thinners for a few months. Not for me..I worry too much, about bleeding. Type A personality. Lol . It's not the taking Coumadin, and the INR that's the issue, for me. That was easy. It's the body leakage that I don't like. 😁 Not thrilled about the possibility of having to go through this again, but had to pick something.
So. The choice was right for me. Whatever you decide..never think about it again. Can't be changed. It just is. Hope I didn't add anymore confusion. Good luck!!
Rob Riley Hey Greg, thanks for the insight . I’m with you as I’m not real worried about the Warfrin per say ... Read more
Rob Riley Hey Greg, thanks for the insight . I’m with you as I’m not real worried about the Warfrin per say but the leakage from cuts and scrapes mainly on my hands and bald head. I seem to bump it often. … lol… it’s a toss up still for me at this point. Surgeon recommended the On-x valve due to the lower INR and my age. But said I could go with the Inspiris tissue valve as well and it would do a good job and be large enough for TAVR down the road.
It’s been awhile since I posted. Had a heart cath a couple weeks ago and got the best news I could have . No other issues except the Severe bicuspid aortic ...Read more
It’s been awhile since I posted. Had a heart cath a couple weeks ago and got the best news I could have . No other issues except the Severe bicuspid aortic stenosis and AFIB.
I had a couple consultations and I have made a decision on where I’m having my surgery. I will have to have aortic valve replacement and a MAZE procedure to fix the AFIB. I am at peace with my decision and met with a great Dr. and team. Only decision I have left is which valve .. mechanical or bio. This is going to be tough decision.
Marie Myers Valve choice was the hardest decision for me. I went back and forth for months, since there are advan ... Read more
Marie Myers Valve choice was the hardest decision for me. I went back and forth for months, since there are advantages /disadvantages to each choice. Wishing you peace during your preop time.
Rose Madura Rob, you are doing great and thinking everything out methodically. I agree with Marie. The valve dec ... Read more
Rose Madura Rob, you are doing great and thinking everything out methodically. I agree with Marie. The valve decision was definitely the hardest. My advice is to do research; make a decision and then go with it and don't second guess. Whatever you decide, it's the right decision. Godspeed.
My appointment is over … I’m think I’m uneasy now than when I went in. They are scheduling me for a heart cath. So far all I have had is the TEE. They ...Read more
My appointment is over … I’m think I’m uneasy now than when I went in. They are scheduling me for a heart cath. So far all I have had is the TEE. They really push the TAVR procedure here but said the heart cath is the first step to get started and see what the best options for me are. I did ask a ton of questions.
Everything I read is that there is not sufficient data on TAVI in younger patients. Being 51 and still active it concerns me.
when is the best time to get a second opinion? Before or after some of the testing? I reached out to Franciscan Health in Indianapolis yesterday to see if I can get in.
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Rose Madura I got a second opinion immediately after being told I needed surgery. I didn't like the new cardiolog ... Read more
Rose Madura I got a second opinion immediately after being told I needed surgery. I didn't like the new cardiologist who replaced the one that retired so went with the new one whose diagnosis was the same. Your choice for a second opinion is a great choice. I'm not a doctor, of course, but I'm thinking TAVR at age 51 is too young. Just my thoughts.. each person's situation is different. If I were you, I'd get the second opinion before the heart catheterization.
Terry Tannenbaum Do it when you are comfortable, it's your body and mind so you need to be at peace with the professio ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Do it when you are comfortable, it's your body and mind so you need to be at peace with the professional opinions and diagnosis. I interviewed four surgeons and consulted with three cardiologists before making my decision.
Rob Riley Thanks Terry… today I felt rushed a little. I know that was not the intention at all from them. I a ... Read more
Rob Riley Thanks Terry… today I felt rushed a little. I know that was not the intention at all from them. I am still just a bit overwhelmed. I do have a second opinion lined up.
Ana Brusso Second or third opinions or more. Rose and Terry are right. You need to be comfortable with the surge ... Read more
Ana Brusso Second or third opinions or more. Rose and Terry are right. You need to be comfortable with the surgeon that will do your surgery. Hope you find the right one. God bless you
I head to the Doctor tomorrow to get the official results of my TEE from 2 weeks ago. I know that my aortic valve is at .90 cm2 per the test results ...Read more
I head to the Doctor tomorrow to get the official results of my TEE from 2 weeks ago. I know that my aortic valve is at .90 cm2 per the test results I viewed online. Is there a chart that shows progression of stenosis or is different for everyone?
Rose Madura Rob, I'm no expert but I think each person progresses differently. Please let us know how your appoi ... Read more
Rose Madura Rob, I'm no expert but I think each person progresses differently. Please let us know how your appointment goes tomorrow...
Susan Lynn I'm not an expert, either, but I think your doctor will also look at your ejection fraction and as... Read more
Susan Lynn I'm not an expert, either, but I think your doctor will also look at your ejection fraction and ask if you're having any symptoms. You may want to ask about TAVR. It used to be reserved for high-risk patients, but is now a widely accepted approach to address stenosis. A quick out-patient procedure beats the trauma and recovery of OHS. Please keep us posted on your appointment. Good luck.
Patsy Stewart Your doctor can usually predict a timeline for you by gathering all of this information, and watching ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Your doctor can usually predict a timeline for you by gathering all of this information, and watching your echoes along the way. My cardiologist was present the day of my TEE. He told me I wasn’t a candidate for a TAVR, but after my unsuccessful OHS, they scheduled me for a TAVR because that was the only option available to fix me. I am forever thankful for that second chance! I pray that you get hopeful news tomorrow, and they get a plan in place for you. ~❤️
Rita Savelis Every patient is different and singular. Every stenosis is different. Take care Rob.
I’m 51 years old have just been told that my bicuspid stenosis has become severe. I’m a looking at my options and trying to do research on the best valves ...Read more
I’m 51 years old have just been told that my bicuspid stenosis has become severe. I’m a looking at my options and trying to do research on the best valves out there to consider. Any help would be appreciated.
Adam Pick Hey Rob, Just posted on your Guestbook. I hope that information is helpful!
Adam Pick Hey Rob, Take it step-by-step and everything will work out fine.
As many patients might share with you... The time leading up to surgery can be the worst part of this entire process. Just know that you are not alone. Let us know how we can help!
Rose Madura Rob, do your research and no matter which valve you choose, it will be the right one for you. There a ... Read more
Rose Madura Rob, do your research and no matter which valve you choose, it will be the right one for you. There are pros and cons of each. We are here for you so if you have any questions, ask away. Godspeed.
I am just at the very low end of that 50-65 range so that pointed more towards a mechanical valve. In addition, if a first organic valve via open heart surgery lasts 15 years and then another replacement via a blood vessel lasts another 10 years it would bring me to 75 years. So if I get that old I might need a 3rd open heart surgery (I already had one before I had to make that decision). I kind of wanted to avoid this. Hence, I was pretty much set on a mechanical valve. That's despite my lifestyle which involves skiing, climbing ladders, working with jigsaws, circular saws, etc. I also didn't mind watching my INR, watch my diet, and I was going to get a home kit to measure the INR myself.
Then on surgery day, while the nurse prepared me, she was asking about the valve. She was surprised I said a mechanical valve and said most people these days chose the biological valve, even at my age. I then talked to the surgeon. We ended up leaving the decision to him. He said he will look at the scares from my previous surgery and based on this will decide what valve to use (if the scares were bad then a third surgery is more likely to lead to complications). It turned out the scares looked pretty good so he would have used a biological valve. Luckily, he was able to repair the valve so it became a moot point.
My surgeon ultimately helped me make a decision. And I am very happy with it. For me, I chose tissue valve because of his recommendation.
Since my surgery was less than ideal, I wound up on blood thinners for a few months. Not for me..I worry too much, about bleeding. Type A personality. Lol . It's not the taking Coumadin, and the INR that's the issue, for me. That was easy. It's the body leakage that I don't like. 😁 Not thrilled about the possibility of having to go through this again, but had to pick something.
... Read more
My surgeon ultimately helped me make a decision. And I am very happy with it. For me, I chose tissue valve because of his recommendation.
Since my surgery was less than ideal, I wound up on blood thinners for a few months. Not for me..I worry too much, about bleeding. Type A personality. Lol . It's not the taking Coumadin, and the INR that's the issue, for me. That was easy. It's the body leakage that I don't like. 😁 Not thrilled about the possibility of having to go through this again, but had to pick something.
So. The choice was right for me.
Whatever you decide..never think about it again. Can't be changed. It just is.
Hope I didn't add anymore confusion. Good luck!!