My husband needs to have his aortic valve replaced. The doctor that diagnosed him, said "no TAVR"! I was watching several videos on this and was impressed. ...Read more
My husband needs to have his aortic valve replaced. The doctor that diagnosed him, said "no TAVR"! I was watching several videos on this and was impressed. He is a diabetic, so the least amount of stress he puts his body under, the better. Why would that doctor say "no TAVR". He acted like it was something terrible! I want the best for him and the least amount of pain, quicker recovery, etc. He is still working and 64. He is hoping to retire next June. I bought your book; haven't finished it yet. I can only read for so long; get very depressed. Anyway, just found your website and blog. Thank you for all of your help, Adam!
Clare Auten Welcome to the website. I don't know much about TAVR. I was not a candidate, too young and had an ... Read more
Clare Auten Welcome to the website. I don't know much about TAVR. I was not a candidate, too young and had an aneurysm. I can say that being almost 2 years post sternotomy, I feel great and don't even think about it anymore....until I see the scar.
From my little knowledge TAVR is for patients whom, in the past, may not have been well enough for valve surgery and are usually rather elderly. It does leaves the old valve in place. Your husband doesn't sound like the usual candidate.
If makes it any better, here is the UK, your husband would be a 'spring chicken' at 64 and I expect diabetes is a common issue that they deal with.
Regardless, you need to be satisfied with the reasons why/why not. Was this a cardiologist or GP? Are you able to get a second option? Medically, it's really the surgeon whom will decide what's best for your husband with your input.
I was expecting to be repaired through minimal invasive procedure (no reason really). My surgeon said that due to my age he wanted to do it open... Said 90% success keyhole, 99.9% open! As I don't want to see him in theatre again and this valve has to outlast me so open it was. Recovery has not been at all as painful as expected and, although some up/downs, I'm so glad I've had this.
There will be others on this wonderful site whom can give you more insight into your situation and advice on hospitals and surgeons. Please complete your story and location details.
Mary K TAVR is presently only approved for very high risk non-surgical candidates, because it is so new. The ... Read more
Mary K TAVR is presently only approved for very high risk non-surgical candidates, because it is so new. The success rate is no where near that of regular open heart surgery, in part probably because the patients are in such desperate condition. My AVR was keyhole by Dr. Svensson at Cleveland Clinic his success rate is over 99%.
All the best to you both.
Billy G Hi Suzanne, as Mary noted, the current success rate for TAVR is nowhere near as good as the success r ... Read more
Billy G Hi Suzanne, as Mary noted, the current success rate for TAVR is nowhere near as good as the success rates for more traditional surgeries.
I am much younger (34) and do not face other health challenges such as diabetes, but after researching everything for a few months, I actually became most comfortable with a full sternotomy because it gives the surgeon the best view of the problem and most room to fix the problem right. There are some highly skilled surgeons that use "minimally invasive" techniques, including my surgeon for some valve issues. In my particular case, however, my surgeon said, "This will be a difficult repair, so I'd rather open you completely up and make sure we fix this right."
W. Carter When it comes to heart surgery you can't get any answers on the internet or forums that will be bette ... Read more
W. Carter When it comes to heart surgery you can't get any answers on the internet or forums that will be better than what the doctors know that are privy to your husbands files. Listen to the cardiologist's and surgeons that know your husbands case first hand. They train for 10-15 years and they know what is best.
Take everything you read or see on the internet with a grain of salt. Forums are great for support and prayers but what works for one person might not work for the other.
Enrique K Hello Suzanne, I agree with Carter this forum is great to get people's perspective on what they endur ... Read more
Enrique K Hello Suzanne, I agree with Carter this forum is great to get people's perspective on what they endured during heart valve surgery BUT no one in this forum is an expert in this field. Heart Valve Surgery is a major operation and should not be taken lightly. This is why you have your cardiologist and surgeons. So ask any questions that you want in this forum just knowing we are not experts. We just provide words of encouragement, good vibes, prayers, personal experience, and well wishes that is all we can do. Wish you the best.
From my little knowledge TAVR is for patients whom, in the past ... Read more
From my little knowledge TAVR is for patients whom, in the past, may not have been well enough for valve surgery and are usually rather elderly. It does leaves the old valve in place. Your husband doesn't sound like the usual candidate.
If makes it any better, here is the UK, your husband would be a 'spring chicken' at 64 and I expect diabetes is a common issue that they deal with.
Regardless, you need to be satisfied with the reasons why/why not. Was this a cardiologist or GP? Are you able to get a second option? Medically, it's really the surgeon whom will decide what's best for your husband with your input.
I was expecting to be repaired through minimal invasive procedure (no reason really). My surgeon said that due to my age he wanted to do it open... Said 90% success keyhole, 99.9% open! As I don't want to see him in theatre again and this valve has to outlast me so open it was. Recovery has not been at all as painful as expected and, although some up/downs, I'm so glad I've had this.
There will be others on this wonderful site whom can give you more insight into your situation and advice on hospitals and surgeons. Please complete your story and location details.
All the best to you both.
I am much younger (34) and do not face other health challenges such as diabetes, but after researching everything for a few months, I actually became most comfortable with a full sternotomy because it gives the surgeon the best view of the problem and most room to fix the problem right. There are some highly skilled surgeons that use "minimally invasive" techniques, including my surgeon for some valve issues. In my particular case, however, my surgeon said, "This will be a difficult repair, so I'd rather open you completely up and make sure we fix this right."
Take everything you read or see on the internet with a grain of salt. Forums are great for support and prayers but what works for one person might not work for the other.