Yesterday, I started my whipper snipper,lawn mower and leaf blower. I did all my yard work easily and with no pain. Feel good today as well. I can't believe ...Read more
Yesterday, I started my whipper snipper,lawn mower and leaf blower. I did all my yard work easily and with no pain. Feel good today as well. I can't believe it is eight weeks and three days since I received my new aortic valve. Feel'in good!
Gerald Schaffer You're doing much better than me. I'm a couple days past seven weeks and can't think about yard work ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer You're doing much better than me. I'm a couple days past seven weeks and can't think about yard work yet.
Congrats on how well you're doing.
Rodger Dixie Gerald it will come. I have had a great recovery. I was able to walk 5km or 3 miles at,four weeks and ... Read more
Rodger Dixie Gerald it will come. I have had a great recovery. I was able to walk 5km or 3 miles at,four weeks and one day after surgery in under an hour. I really don't have any pain left. I am very fortunate.
Gordon Currie Roger, I too am 7 weeks plus since my mitral valve repair. It was a bit slow the first four weeks but ... Read more
Gordon Currie Roger, I too am 7 weeks plus since my mitral valve repair. It was a bit slow the first four weeks but I kept getting stronger...walking and working a little...after the first four weeks started jogging (that first one was 0.25 miles and had to rest after only 0.125 miles) during my walks of four mile walks...walks are now up to 4,50 miles and the jogging is up to 2.75 miles. Still a long way to go, but very fortunate to have a surgeon who was able to perform minimally invasive surgery.
Ginger Marine I have been working in my garden for 6 weeks now, and it feels GOOD! Today I pulled up 32 bean stake ... Read more
Ginger Marine I have been working in my garden for 6 weeks now, and it feels GOOD! Today I pulled up 32 bean stakes and carried them up to the house. As long as you don't overdo (which I think varies by individual) the sun and greenery help your mood and your body.
I choose a tissue valve so I would not have to take an anticoagulant. My cardiologist insists I take xeralto because I went into AFIB four times over the last ...Read more
I choose a tissue valve so I would not have to take an anticoagulant. My cardiologist insists I take xeralto because I went into AFIB four times over the last seven years. He says I need to take it to prevent a stroke. From my research I think that I have a very small risk if I don't take xeralto.
I am very disappointed about taking xeralto.
What is your advice and experiences?
Tammy Pilcher I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you, Rodger, but hopefully someone here will. God bless!
John Noriega Ask if there a different medicine you can take. There is one called Aggrenox - I took that after havi ... Read more
John Noriega Ask if there a different medicine you can take. There is one called Aggrenox - I took that after having a stroke in 2006. It was changed to Plavix after my AVR. It seems to work just as well, and it is cheaper!
Steve Salvador Hello Rodger, I was told, by having a Maze procedure, I would be on Warfrain for only 6 months.
Rodger Dixie Steve I am on xeralto for the rest of my life. I don't have any reactions to it but the drug scares m ... Read more
Rodger Dixie Steve I am on xeralto for the rest of my life. I don't have any reactions to it but the drug scares me.
Jean Raber Rodger, I understand why you are worried, especially with lawsuits over this drug still ongoing. It s ... Read more
Jean Raber Rodger, I understand why you are worried, especially with lawsuits over this drug still ongoing. It sounds like your doctor wants you to take a blood thinner, so you could ask him why you couldn't take Coumadin, which is a much older drug with better known side-effects (though less convenient than Xarelto). You might also ask him why you couldn't have a pace maker. (There may be reasons why the pace maker isn't going to work for you, but it would be good to understand that, no?) If your cardiologist won't budge, tell your GP what the deal is, and ask him to refer you for a second opinion to someone else. Please let us know what you find out!
Rodger Dixie Jean my wife and I travel a lot and Coumandin requires too much testing to keep everything balanced. ... Read more
Rodger Dixie Jean my wife and I travel a lot and Coumandin requires too much testing to keep everything balanced.
Jean Raber Yeah, Coumadin's a pain and Xarelto's scary. I got nothin'.
John Noriega Rodger as I said I took Aggrenox, but it was too expensive so we switched to a generic form. It is an ... Read more
John Noriega Rodger as I said I took Aggrenox, but it was too expensive so we switched to a generic form. It is an 81mg aspirin (low dose or baby aspirin) & 200mg dipyridamole. I took that for about 5 years until they switched me to Plavix this year! The reason for the switch is that I have kidney disease and can't take NSAIDs. Ask your doctor about that regimen. It worked well!
Onward & Upward - John
I had my first meeting post aortic valve surgery with my cardiologist. He was extremely pleased with my recovery. I no longer take blood pressure pills as my ...Read more
I had my first meeting post aortic valve surgery with my cardiologist. He was extremely pleased with my recovery. I no longer take blood pressure pills as my blood pressure is now on average 110 over 60. I am off metapropolol 100 mg and am now taking 5 mg of bisoprolol. I no longer take 162 mugs of aspirin. I am disappointed that he insisted I stay on xeralto. He felt that my two episodes of Afib before surgery left me with a chance of doing this again and possibly having a stroke. I disagree with him but I am trusting his training and experience. Any thoughts on this?
I feel great and am walking five km in 56.30 minutes. I haven't been able to do this in a long time and being 67 makes me feel good. I have appreciated being part of this community and appreciate your support. Thank you.
Shirley Turner Be careful not to push yourself to hard. Sounds like you are doing really well. Hugs Shirley.
Today four weeks and one day after receiving a new aortic tissue valve, on the tread mill with no elevation, I finally did 5 km or 3.1 miles in 59 minutes. ...Read more
Today four weeks and one day after receiving a new aortic tissue valve, on the tread mill with no elevation, I finally did 5 km or 3.1 miles in 59 minutes. That works out to 11.8 m/km or 19.1m/mile. No heavy breathing and I am not tired.
I am feeling good. Now can I keep this up?..
I am on this blood thinner until I have a check up with my cardiologist. I was told I would not have to take a blood thinner if I received a tissue valve. I ...Read more
I am on this blood thinner until I have a check up with my cardiologist. I was told I would not have to take a blood thinner if I received a tissue valve. I have read very nasty things about this blood thinner. Bayer says you are not to take it with a prosthetic device.
Do most people take a blood thinner with their tissue valve. I was hoping to take aspirin only.
Any advice is welcome.
Bob M Please check out my story concerning my decision between a tissue valve and a mechanical valve. Becau ... Read more
Bob M Please check out my story concerning my decision between a tissue valve and a mechanical valve. Because I cannot tolerate Coumadin, I could only replace my aortic valve with a tissue valve, vintage 12/10/14. With advancements using the TAVR procedure, I believe when my tissue valve fails in 15 years or so, I will not need to redo OHS, but my aortic valve will be replaced via TAVR.
Rita Savelis It is typical to take anticoagulants for the first few months with a tissue valve, and then stop. Or ... Read more
Rita Savelis It is typical to take anticoagulants for the first few months with a tissue valve, and then stop. Or you might take aspirin only depending on your valve.
Elaine Cutri I had a porcine valve in the 80's. I was on blood thinners for a few months after OHS. Then I was off ... Read more
Elaine Cutri I had a porcine valve in the 80's. I was on blood thinners for a few months after OHS. Then I was off blood thinners for 9 years. Then I had an event that the doctors thought might have been related to my older porcine valve. They put me on Coumadin and it took a while to figure out the diet management. I have been on it since ~1990. Three years after starting Coumadin, my porcine valve was severely stenotic and needed replacing. My doctors suggested a St Jude mechanical valve. It worked well for 22 years. I had another OHS in May 2015 to take care of an ascending aortic aneurysm, so the surgeon suggested a new (and larger) aortic valve. He offered a tissue valve, but I opted for another mechanical valve, On-X, I hope not to have OHS again, four is enough.
Elaine Cutri Hi Bob, I hope you get your wish of a TAVR in the future. It wasn't an option for me, too much scare ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Hi Bob, I hope you get your wish of a TAVR in the future. It wasn't an option for me, too much scare tissue.
Jean Cook I was also told I would not need to take a blood thinner for very long after a tissue valve replaceme ... Read more
Jean Cook I was also told I would not need to take a blood thinner for very long after a tissue valve replacement. I have a cow valve replacement for my mitral valve back in April 2013. I am still on Coumidin and will be for the rest of my life because I had a stroke 6 mo prior to my surgery. I have no residual from the stroke. I was working in the hospital at the time of the stroke.I was already there. Thank God. I get tested once a month. It really isnt that bad.
Three weeks and three days since surgery and I walked 3.5 km in 56 minutes. Felt good , no shortness of breath. Shooting for five km in next few days. Hope ...Read more
Three weeks and three days since surgery and I walked 3.5 km in 56 minutes. Felt good , no shortness of breath. Shooting for five km in next few days. Hope I can do it.
Did 3 km or 1.8 miles today in 41 minutes. Went ok but I feel that I still don't have the energy I expected. It has been 17 days since my surgery and I feel ...Read more
Did 3 km or 1.8 miles today in 41 minutes. Went ok but I feel that I still don't have the energy I expected. It has been 17 days since my surgery and I feel I should be more energized.
Jeanette Davidson Take it easy heart brother! It is so soon. Allow your body time to heal. Go slowly and be patient. Th ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson Take it easy heart brother! It is so soon. Allow your body time to heal. Go slowly and be patient. There is no race here in OHS recovery land!😃
Rodger Dixie Thank you. I feel good but don't seem to have the energy level I expected.
Eddie Patton Good job. Give it time, if you keep exercising it will serve you well. The energy will be back soon ... Read more
Eddie Patton Good job. Give it time, if you keep exercising it will serve you well. The energy will be back soon.
Bob M Great recovery! Listen to Jeanette: take it easy heart brother.
Rita Savelis What does "should be" mean? Five months after surgery I don't have the energy I had before. I was to ... Read more
Rita Savelis What does "should be" mean? Five months after surgery I don't have the energy I had before. I was told this would be the case, which makes it easier to deal with. It can take months to get over OHS. After that you can start the months it can take to be more energetic.
Rodger Dixie I feel really good. Because my energy level was so low before surgery I guess my post surgery expecta ... Read more
Rodger Dixie I feel really good. Because my energy level was so low before surgery I guess my post surgery expectations are too high.
Daryl McCallum It will come in time....give that ticker a chance to grow strong again
Shirley Turner This explains how energetic my husband felt after his op. He over did it first up and his body sure l ... Read more
Shirley Turner This explains how energetic my husband felt after his op. He over did it first up and his body sure let him know it.
Slow and steady I said to him.
Feeling pretty good, not much pain but still not sleeping well. I haven't really tested my new valve as I have not walked more than two KM or 1.2 miles. Incision ...Read more
Feeling pretty good, not much pain but still not sleeping well. I haven't really tested my new valve as I have not walked more than two KM or 1.2 miles. Incision healing well and I am impatient waiting for full healing of sternum. Enough ranting I feel happy to be alive and to be feeling so good. Patience is a virtue I don't have.
Jean Raber I don't have much patience, either, Rodger. Maybe my MVR and attendant ailments will teach me some, t ... Read more
Jean Raber I don't have much patience, either, Rodger. Maybe my MVR and attendant ailments will teach me some, though. Hope you can get some sleep soon, and glad you feel good otherwise.
Lynne Ladd These first weeks will try one's patience. We all want so badly to feel better and be well. We just ... Read more
Lynne Ladd These first weeks will try one's patience. We all want so badly to feel better and be well. We just have to wait for our bodies to heal themselves and catch up with our vision. You're doing great!! Hope you get some sleep!!
I have been told that I still have a bit of a heart murmur after having my aortic valve replaced. Is this normal?
Tammy Pilcher Yes, I still have a mild murmur too. My cardiologist said it's normal to have one even after replace ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Yes, I still have a mild murmur too. My cardiologist said it's normal to have one even after replacement. It's just alot less of a murmur than before.
Pat Bluemel I was told "You'll always have a murmur, this one is just different than your other one."
Bill Cherry I was told the same. Slight murmur, with aortic valve replacement with bovine tissue valve.
I have been walking .8 km or .5 miles for last two days. Today I walked 2 km or 1.25 miles some of it up hill. I am 9 days past surgery. I feel good. Hope I ...Read more
I have been walking .8 km or .5 miles for last two days. Today I walked 2 km or 1.25 miles some of it up hill. I am 9 days past surgery. I feel good. Hope I can repeat this tomorrow.
Naomi Ivker Good going! Are you short of breath when you walk?
Rodger Dixie No not short of breath but my legs still seem to have lactic acid build up too fast.
Bob M A dedication song for all of us who walk from Jeremy Camp:
"Help me to win my endless fears
You've b ... Read more
Bob M A dedication song for all of us who walk from Jeremy Camp:
"Help me to win my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do
Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me"
God bless and rise up!
Had a terrible night in my bed. Couldn't sleep and I hurt all over. The right side of my neck hurts. I was told it was because a large needle was inserted. ...Read more
Had a terrible night in my bed. Couldn't sleep and I hurt all over. The right side of my neck hurts. I was told it was because a large needle was inserted. My right groin is black and blue and my private area is sore. I have no idea what they did here. Any ideas? Compared to my past surgery I my chest looks like I was beaten with a baseball bat. I am black and blue. Not sure why unless it was from taking blood thinners. Also having some trouble swallowing. Besides a breathing tube what could they have stuck down my throat? The good news is I can breath and walk up stairs without being tired. I guess it is only day five after surgery.
I guess I am having post surgery blues.
Mary K My best guess on the groin is a cardiac cath? And it is not unusual for your throat to hurt after bei ... Read more
Mary K My best guess on the groin is a cardiac cath? And it is not unusual for your throat to hurt after being intubated. I have found that staying ahead of the pain with meds makes all the difference. And the first day home is a huge transition.Sending prayer that you are feeling better soon.
Jeanette Davidson Those first few nights are tough. I would get up and when I that Uncomfortable in bed and it helped ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson Those first few nights are tough. I would get up and when I that Uncomfortable in bed and it helped me to walk around and release some of the stiffness. My neck still bothers me with some muscle soreness. I think it's from them to pushing your neck or back during intubation. A neck roll or heating pad helped me a lot. Try to break your day into little pieces and just get through each day. You will feel stronger and better little by little. My thoughts and prayers are with you💞
Autumn Griffin Sending prayers your way! I hope you start to feel better soon. I can't imagine how much pain your f ... Read more
Autumn Griffin Sending prayers your way! I hope you start to feel better soon. I can't imagine how much pain your feeling with all those areas of bruising and such. When I had my gallbladder out my throat hurt for about 2 weeks. When I had gastric bypass it hurt like one day. I think it depends on who intubates you. I kind of wonder if they let the residents or whoever intubate the unconscious people (us) when it isn't an emergency to get practice. And sometimes you get the good ones or the practiced doctor and sometimes you get the one who isn't as good, laugh out loud. At least that is the theory I came up in my own head.
Gerald Schaffer Sorry you're not feeling well. the blood thinners will cause more bruising. If you have concerns I wo ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Sorry you're not feeling well. the blood thinners will cause more bruising. If you have concerns I would call your care team and find out what they say.
Elaine Cutri It sounds like you're right on track. I am on blood thinners. I was also black and blue around my che ... Read more
Elaine Cutri It sounds like you're right on track. I am on blood thinners. I was also black and blue around my chest and upper arms. It looked like I lost the fight - big time. My throat was sore for a few weeks. Did they do an angiogram or need to access an artery from your groin area? That might explain the brushing and pain. It is so hard to be patient. Best wishes for a good recovery.
Naomi Ivker So sorry to hear. The first couple of nights were awful. As tired as I am the most sleep I've gotten ... Read more
Naomi Ivker So sorry to hear. The first couple of nights were awful. As tired as I am the most sleep I've gotten consistently is 2 hours. But it is better today than yesterday and twice as good as the day before that. My Dr said I'd feel like I got hit by a truck. That's about it! Amazing that you can breathe and walk up stairs. Wow!
Meredith Bray it's nice to be home, isn't it? I took about a week at home before I could stay in bed all night, an ... Read more
Meredith Bray it's nice to be home, isn't it? I took about a week at home before I could stay in bed all night, and another 2 weeks after than before I could sleep 6 hours at a time. It takes a while, and each day is a little better. You're normal...take it easy, sleep when your body tells you.
Lynne Ladd My first days at home were scary for me. No nurse call button!! so much to remember with the new me ... Read more
Lynne Ladd My first days at home were scary for me. No nurse call button!! so much to remember with the new meds. The bruising is shocking at best. But it is an indicator of all that is going on inside as well and explained all the pain. I am grateful for my poor husband who did all he could to help me get comfortable. As Mary K says stay ahead of the pain with meds. And as Meredith says getting 6 hrs of sleep at a time took me awhile too. Listen to your body and rest.
Rodger Dixie I hardly have any chest pain but my neck is really hurting. Just finished my first real walk after va ... Read more
Rodger Dixie I hardly have any chest pain but my neck is really hurting. Just finished my first real walk after valve replacement last Monday. Circled the block which is about a half mile. Felt good.
Lynne Ladd Way to go Rodger! Half mile!! Amazing!!
Elaine Cutri That's a long walk for the first week home. Congratulations!
Just passed the stairs test and walking test. I should be heading home on day 4. Oxygen intake at 97 %, heart rate 60 and blood pressure 96 / 65 so I am functioning ...Read more
Just passed the stairs test and walking test. I should be heading home on day 4. Oxygen intake at 97 %, heart rate 60 and blood pressure 96 / 65 so I am functioning pretty well. I will keep posting updates.
Janice Powell Oh wow you doing great continue in your recovery bless you
Had my aortic valve replaced yesterday by one of the best surgeons in Canada. I am sitting in a chair waiting for all the tubes to be removed. Dr. Hamilton ...Read more
Had my aortic valve replaced yesterday by one of the best surgeons in Canada. I am sitting in a chair waiting for all the tubes to be removed. Dr. Hamilton did my quad bypass seven years ago and now my aortic valve yesterday. Every thing went perfectly. I received a tissue valve from a pig. Not in much pain. Drugs are working fine.Dr. Hamilton I cannot thank you enough as I get a few more years to enjoy my family and friends.
I also want to thank everyone in this forum for your wonderful support.
Naomi Ivker Fantastic to hear you doing so well! Removal of the tubes makes everything so much better!
John Jones Great news Rodger and what an informative post. I had trouble stringing one coherent sentence togethe ... Read more
John Jones Great news Rodger and what an informative post. I had trouble stringing one coherent sentence together my first day post-op!!!
Gerald Schaffer Isn't it amazing how you can go from flat on your back and not even breathing on your own one day and ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Isn't it amazing how you can go from flat on your back and not even breathing on your own one day and sitting up in a chair the next.
Tammy Pilcher Great news, Rodger! So happy for you! God bless!
Final call today , surgery confirmed for tomorrow. Hope I can sleep tonight. Anxiety is high.
Nancy D You have done the hard pre-op work, rest knowing that all is in order and you will be well taken care ... Read more
Nancy D You have done the hard pre-op work, rest knowing that all is in order and you will be well taken care of! The work afterward is progress driven- again you will be great! Praying for you and all waiting and having surgery this week!
Jean Raber Everyone on here is with you in spirit Rodger. Get well!
Russ Ferrara U got this! I'm 2 days post op. Don't rush anything. Listen to the docs and nurses! Here's hoping for ... Read more
Russ Ferrara U got this! I'm 2 days post op. Don't rush anything. Listen to the docs and nurses! Here's hoping for a smooth recovery!
Gerald Schaffer Good luck Rodger. I hope everything goes well and you have a smooth recovery starting right after you ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Good luck Rodger. I hope everything goes well and you have a smooth recovery starting right after you leave the surgery room.
John Jones Praying for you Rodger. It will be over before you know it.
Jeanette Davidson You are in my heart and my prayers! I was asking my family tonight to tell me many things that I co ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson You are in my heart and my prayers! I was asking my family tonight to tell me many things that I couldn't remember from ICU, etc. Let them take care of you and keep you comfortable. 💕surrender!!!!
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes for tomorrow, Rodger! You'll do great and have this stuff behind you soon! ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes for tomorrow, Rodger! You'll do great and have this stuff behind you soon! God bless! Isaiah 41:13.
Janea Christensen Good luck sleeping Roger! I know it's tough! Take a pill and hope for the best.
Cheryl Batzing Roger, praying for a successful surgery and quick healing!
Bob M I pray your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. Tomorrow will be a new day ... Read more
Bob M I pray your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. Tomorrow will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!
John Lyons I am almost 3 weeks post op, time flies. Best wishes and sweet dreams.
Got another call to day with final instructions for surgery on Monday. 99.9% it is a go unless an emergency arises. Final confirmation is Sunday.
Now I am ...Read more
Got another call to day with final instructions for surgery on Monday. 99.9% it is a go unless an emergency arises. Final confirmation is Sunday.
Now I am scared! I want to get it over with because I hope I will feel more energetic and get the healing process underway. However, there is a chance something can go wrong.
The stress is really building up. I guess after having a quad by pass I know what recovery is like. First three days are tough but then it gets better. At three weeks you feel pretty good and at seven weeks I can play golf again.
I really hope I will now be able to climb stairs and not breath hard.
Will keep you updated.
Jeanette Davidson So happy to hear you have a date, Rodger. Sounds like you know the routine. That will help you with ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson So happy to hear you have a date, Rodger. Sounds like you know the routine. That will help you with what to expect. Stay positive and I'll be sending you all good thoughts and prayers !
Sonny Abbasi Don't be scared. I am four weeks after surgery today. I feel so much better. I have one complicati ... Read more
Sonny Abbasi Don't be scared. I am four weeks after surgery today. I feel so much better. I have one complication left. Low grade fever at night due to build up in lungs but it is improving.
My heart rate is down to the 60's and 70's resting. Before surgery resting was mid 90's. I was about to drop dead.
Once your aortic stenosis is bad, you have a 25 percent chance of dropping dead (that is 25 percent a year). The chance of dying in surgery is like 2 percent (lower at centers of excellence). You need to rationalize it this way.
I have increased my walking to 5,000 to 6,300 steps this week at the mall.
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Rodger! God bless!
John Schutte Holding you up in prayer, Rodger. You'll do great!
Rodger Dixie Thanks everyone. Will keep tou posted.
W. Carter Good luck Rodger, I'm sure everything will turn out fine and you will be climbing stairs with little ... Read more
W. Carter Good luck Rodger, I'm sure everything will turn out fine and you will be climbing stairs with little effort.
Gerald Schaffer Hope everything goes well for you and you have a smooth recovery.
Jennifer Depner I can't tell you not to be scared cause I sure was! What I can tell you is how relieved you will feel ... Read more
Jennifer Depner I can't tell you not to be scared cause I sure was! What I can tell you is how relieved you will feel to get your surgery over with and start the healing process. I wish you a swift, smooth recovery!
Mary K All the best, Rodger. Like Sonny, I was moving toward the "drop "dead" point before my aortic valve r ... Read more
Mary K All the best, Rodger. Like Sonny, I was moving toward the "drop "dead" point before my aortic valve replacement. A week after my surgery, I walked up a short flight of stairs and was suddenly crying tears of joy. Praying that all goes smoothly for you in surgery.
Got a call today and my surgery is scheduled for August 17th. Now the nervousness is even more real. But I am happy to get this over with.
Tammy Pilcher Yay Rodger! I'm glad you have your date set and will soon have this behind you! God bless!
Gerald Schaffer Rodger, I hope everything goes well for you. At least you have some time to make sure everything is s ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Rodger, I hope everything goes well for you. At least you have some time to make sure everything is set for your recovery at home.
Rodger Dixie Want to get it over with. From having a former bypass, a quad, I know pretty much how recovery will g ... Read more
Rodger Dixie Want to get it over with. From having a former bypass, a quad, I know pretty much how recovery will go. A lot of support from my wife will be needed for at least three weeks.
I met with the anesthesiologist today and several nurses. Everything is a go. Now I am scared! Apparently I am very healthy except for this geneticly defective ...Read more
I met with the anesthesiologist today and several nurses. Everything is a go. Now I am scared! Apparently I am very healthy except for this geneticly defective two bicuspid valve. Wouldn't it be nice if they could just dissolve the stenosis build up with CLR? HAHAHA.
Four to six weeks to go until surgery.
Sonny Abbasi Rodger just finished surgery and am was very scared myself. Nothing to fear and am hPpy to chat with ... Read more
Sonny Abbasi Rodger just finished surgery and am was very scared myself. Nothing to fear and am hPpy to chat with you.
Jeanette Davidson Rodger , I was petrified! It is so normal. Surrender and allow them to do their thing and take good ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson Rodger , I was petrified! It is so normal. Surrender and allow them to do their thing and take good care of you ! ❤️
Gerald Schaffer Thank God you are healthy so it will make your surgery much safer. You never want to wait for this su ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Thank God you are healthy so it will make your surgery much safer. You never want to wait for this surgery to be an emergency. I'm sure you'll be fine even if you hit a bump or two on your road to recovery.
Tammy Pilcher That would be great, Rodger, if there were something that could just dissolve it. I like that idea! ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher That would be great, Rodger, if there were something that could just dissolve it. I like that idea! :-) But in the mean time, you are going to get a brand new one and be just fine. God bless you!
Bruce Burnett That is good to hear Rodger. Keep a good attitude sounds like you are like me everything is good exce ... Read more
Bruce Burnett That is good to hear Rodger. Keep a good attitude sounds like you are like me everything is good except that aortic valve. Being healthy will really help with the recovery. Even though I had some complications and had 3 surgeries, it is 7 weeks from first surgery and I am doing well.
After a complete and thorough discussion with my surgeon I will be having my aortic valve replaced by the end of August. We discussed the TAVI procedure but ...Read more
After a complete and thorough discussion with my surgeon I will be having my aortic valve replaced by the end of August. We discussed the TAVI procedure but decided against it because my valve opening is poorly shaped. He will be cutting me open and I have decided to go with a tissue valve. My surgeon convinced me this was a good choice as he believes the TAVI procedure will continue to improve. Also tissue valves are lasting longer. He showed me research where 75% of tissue valves are now lasting 15 years plus. That would make me 81 years old and then I could have the TAVI procedure if I needed a replacement. As well the tissue valve would leave a nice symmetrical area to insert the second valve. The big bonus is no wararfin.
My surgeon says the trick will to be not and damage my bypasses because they are drop down mammary arteries.
Hope I have made the right choices.
Tammy Pilcher Sounds great, Rodger! I went with tissue for the same reasons. Prayers and best wishes! God bless! ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Sounds great, Rodger! I went with tissue for the same reasons. Prayers and best wishes! God bless!
Rodger Dixie Do you feel more energetic with the new valve?
Tammy Pilcher Rodger, my energy level is probably about the same, but my biggest difference is that I'm not getting ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Rodger, my energy level is probably about the same, but my biggest difference is that I'm not getting short of breath or chest pains with exertion like before. I noticed the difference very soon after surgery too, because my symptoms were pretty bad before surgery. It was actually pretty amazing to me that I could feel so different!
John Jones My experience is like Tammy's. I didn't know I could feel so much better
Nancy D I too chose tissue valve for my new mitral valve and am quite happy with it. Best of luck for you!!! ... Read more
Nancy D I too chose tissue valve for my new mitral valve and am quite happy with it. Best of luck for you!!!
Rodger Dixie I am down to a 17% opening and I am short of breath. I have no other symptoms.
Tammy Pilcher Rodger, I'm not sure what my valve opening was percentage wise, but my AVA(aortic valve area) was 0.3 ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Rodger, I'm not sure what my valve opening was percentage wise, but my AVA(aortic valve area) was 0.39cm2 which is in the critical stage. So that's probably why I had been having symptoms for a couple of years. I just didn't know they were from a heart problem, because I had been diagnosed with asthma years ago. I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers. God bless!
Bob M I love my December 10, 2014 vintage bovine Trifecta valve. Next round via TAVR.
Rodger Dixie Tammy my valve area is .43cm squared. However, my bicuspid valves have also become stiff from stenosi ... Read more
Rodger Dixie Tammy my valve area is .43cm squared. However, my bicuspid valves have also become stiff from stenosis build up.
Tammy Pilcher Yes, yours sounds very much like mine. My surgeon told my husband right after my surgery that he did ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Yes, yours sounds very much like mine. My surgeon told my husband right after my surgery that he didn't know how I had been walking up the stairs to get into our house. He said my valve was pretty much non functioning. Before surgery, I would get short of breath and chest pain going up stairs, any elevations, or even walking in beach sand. I had also started having to take deep breaths when talking or sometimes even at rest. After surgery, all of that went away. It has been a huge blessing in my quality of life, as well as saving my life! And I'm only 51, I was 50 when I had surgery. I hope you will have the same great results. God bless!
Gerald Schaffer Good luck. I'm doing the same as you, tissue now and if replacement is need TAVR down the road.
Rodger Dixie Did any of you have to take wararfin for three months after getting your tissue valve?
Tammy Pilcher No, I only had to take Metroprolol (sp.?) and a low dose aspirin. I think it was only for three mon ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher No, I only had to take Metroprolol (sp.?) and a low dose aspirin. I think it was only for three months for the Metroprolol and six months for the aspirin.
Rodger Dixie Ok thanks. I have been on Lopressor too since I had my quad bypass and 325 mg of aspirin. Now I am al ... Read more
Rodger Dixie Ok thanks. I have been on Lopressor too since I had my quad bypass and 325 mg of aspirin. Now I am also on Rivaroxaban another blood thinner.
Had an angiogram today to see how my seven year old quadruple bypass was doing. Results were that they are still excellent. Only need heart valve replaced. ...Read more
Had an angiogram today to see how my seven year old quadruple bypass was doing. Results were that they are still excellent. Only need heart valve replaced. Will be meeting with Dr. Andrew Hamilton my surgeon this upcoming Wednesday. He performed my bypass.
Anxiety is increasing. Decision to go tissue or mechanical more difficult then I thought. Hmmmmm.
Clare Auten I have an On-X mechanical valve. It does tick. I am on warfarin. The FDA just approved 1.5 to 2.0 IN ... Read more
Clare Auten I have an On-X mechanical valve. It does tick. I am on warfarin. The FDA just approved 1.5 to 2.0 INR levels for this valve in the US. Other valves require INR levels of 2.0 to 3.0. The office also says in Europe patients with an On-X valve are only required to take a 325 mg aspirin. Hoping that will be approved here.
Tammy Pilcher Great news, Rodger! Prayers and best wishes for you! God bless!
Rodger Dixie Thanks for your continued advice and support.
W. Carter Rodger, I had a Carbomedics Carbo-Seal put in on Dec. 18 last year. My INR is supposed to be between ... Read more
W. Carter Rodger, I had a Carbomedics Carbo-Seal put in on Dec. 18 last year. My INR is supposed to be between 2.5 and 3.5. I have been in ER twice due to the Warfarin. Once for uncontrollable nose bleeds and once for a subdural hematoma (brain bleed). I was in ICU for 10 days on that one and had head surgery to drain blood from my brain. With all that said, I am 58 and if I had it to do all over again I would do it the same way that I did it and go with the Mechanical Valve. I met a man at the VA Hospital last Thurs. that has had a Mechanical Valve since 1994. He like me has had complications, but we don't have to worry about getting re-operated on every 8 - 10 years to replace a tissue valve. God bless you on whatever decision you make!
Rodger Dixie Thanks Mr Carter for the info. I am taking rivaroxaban a blood thinner and have had no side effects. ... Read more
Rodger Dixie Thanks Mr Carter for the info. I am taking rivaroxaban a blood thinner and have had no side effects. I think it is commonly known as xeralto. Not sure how it compares to Coumadin??? I am leaning towards mechanical valve but have been reading a lot about the TAVR procedure. If I thought that would be perfected in ten years I would consider a tissue valve.
W. Carter I will dance in the streets when they can replace Warfarin with another better, less dangerous blood ... Read more
W. Carter I will dance in the streets when they can replace Warfarin with another better, less dangerous blood thinner for people with Mechanical Valves. In the meantime they say that Warfarin is the only option we have at this time. I believe that there are more people that die from Warfarin related complications than valve malfunction. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Had my final stress test and results were that I need my aortic valve replaced. I had shortness of breath and my blood pressure dropped during the test. Sure ...Read more
Had my final stress test and results were that I need my aortic valve replaced. I had shortness of breath and my blood pressure dropped during the test. Sure signs of stenosis. Surgery will occur near the end of August or first week of September.
Now it is decision time. Will I get a tissue or mechanical valve? I am 66 and I am leaning towards the mechanical valve. I am open to any advice you can share.
Will be having angiogram in the next two weeks.
Overall just a little nervous.
Lora Lee Peterson You're not alone in that nervousness! I'm 52 and I keep flip flopping between Mechanical and TIssue. ... Read more
Lora Lee Peterson You're not alone in that nervousness! I'm 52 and I keep flip flopping between Mechanical and TIssue.
Ericka Carlson I am 42 and went tissue for 2 reasons...
1. I didn't want to be on anticoagulants for the rest of my ... Read more
Ericka Carlson I am 42 and went tissue for 2 reasons...
1. I didn't want to be on anticoagulants for the rest of my life, even just taking them now for three months causes me anxiety, I lead a very active and physical lifestyle so it feels risky to me.
2. I'd bet money that by the time they need to replace this one Tavr will be well on its way to commonplace.
Kelly Weisgarber I'm 47 and feel like I change my mind with everything new thing I read... Hopefully by the time my s ... Read more
Kelly Weisgarber I'm 47 and feel like I change my mind with everything new thing I read... Hopefully by the time my surgery is scheduled I have made a decision.
Tammy Pilcher Hi Rodger, I'm 51 (50 at time of surgery) and I chose tissue for the same reasons Ericka stated. I ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Hi Rodger, I'm 51 (50 at time of surgery) and I chose tissue for the same reasons Ericka stated. I have a relative who has a mechanical valve and I've seen everything she's gone through. For instance, testing her blood on a regular basis, being careful about certain foods, having to come off of blood thinner every time she's had other procedures, being careful about getting any kind of cut, the ticking sound, bruising easily and badly, and living with the possibility of internal bleeding. She is a real trooper and doesn't seem to let it bother her, but given the choice I just felt like I'd rather have 15 or so years (what the newer tissue valves are expected to last) as normal as possible. Having said all of this, it really comes down to what you want and whatever you decide will be the right choice for you. Prayers and best wishes on your decision.
Nancy D I am 58 and went with a tissue valve for the same reasons as above. It made more sense for me! Only ... Read more
Nancy D I am 58 and went with a tissue valve for the same reasons as above. It made more sense for me! Only you can decide what is the best for you, or maybe the lesser of two evils. Neither is without its drawbacks, but for me personally it was tissue. No right or wrong here, it is what fits best for you and your lifestyle, health etc.
Suzanne Hunter I went with mechanical aged 58 at time of op. Now 59 bad heading to my one year anniversary. I take a ... Read more
Suzanne Hunter I went with mechanical aged 58 at time of op. Now 59 bad heading to my one year anniversary. I take aspirin,warfarin and bisoprolol. I eat pretty much as I did before. Just be consistent with what you eat and don't binge on any one thing. I drink red wine daily a glass or two. I exercise and have just finished painting roof of our house. I have monthly blood tests now and go to my doc for that. At the end of the day only you will know what is best for you. Main thing was for I didn't want another op too soon after first one. They told me that although advances have been made with TAVR for some people who have had open heart surgery I the past this option would not be suitable. But who knows it really is a guessing game and we all do the best for ourselves to continue to live a long happy and thankful life. Best of luck with your choice. PS I love the sound of my ticker it tells me to smile and be thankful.
June 18, 2015 having final stress test. Will probably have aortic valve replaced soon. Stenosis has caused the opening to shrink to 17%. I am tired all the ...Read more
June 18, 2015 having final stress test. Will probably have aortic valve replaced soon. Stenosis has caused the opening to shrink to 17%. I am tired all the time but no fainting or chest pains. I have some shortness of breath. The big decision is tissue or mechanical valve. I have already been cut open once and had a quadruple bypass. I am only 66 so I think I am going with mechanical valve. I am open to advice.
Jim Kelly-Evans there's no right or wrong valve choice but i would recommend tissue. it's great not to have to manage ... Read more
Jim Kelly-Evans there's no right or wrong valve choice but i would recommend tissue. it's great not to have to manage anti-coagulation, plus today's tissue valves have a long potential life span in a patient our age (I got mine in February at age 66.) Finally my surgeon is convinced that any future re-do will be done via TAVR. He convinced me anyway. good luck.
Lynn understock I am 63 and just had a mechanical valve because I did not want to have to have surgery again in the f ... Read more
Lynn understock I am 63 and just had a mechanical valve because I did not want to have to have surgery again in the future. Doctor said non-mechanical valves may wear out. Have to use warfarin but no side effects and doesn't seem to be a problem. But a hard choice to make.
Rodger Dixie Thanks for your advice. My cardiologist told me that because I am so active I will probably wear out ... Read more
Rodger Dixie Thanks for your advice. My cardiologist told me that because I am so active I will probably wear out a tissue valve in seven years. What do you think?
Congrats on how well you're doing.