I am 39 and have endocarditis so I am scheduled to have heart valve surgery. My biggest hang up is to get the metal or PIG valve. Can any of you who have ...Read more
I am 39 and have endocarditis so I am scheduled to have heart valve surgery. My biggest hang up is to get the metal or PIG valve. Can any of you who have had either let me know your pros/cons of each after having time to see the side effects?
Nancy D it is a big decision for sure. The truth is, it varies from individual to individual. Do your resear ... Read more
Nancy D it is a big decision for sure. The truth is, it varies from individual to individual. Do your research and talk with your doctors and choose what sits right with you. What did the surgeon and your cardiologist recommend? Also ask your primary care doctor. There are pros and cons to each as you are aware- but which bothers you less? Which sounds like a fit for you based on your age, activity level and ability to handle the cons that each might bring.
My decision at age 57 may be different than yours, my journal and posts reveal that I went with a tissue valve. My surgeon prefers cow/bovine tissue valves for those that choose that. I do not know what make/model of mechanical valve he would have used had I chose that. For what it is worth - due to my 'youth' both the surgeon and cardiologist recommended a mechanical one for me. I do not regret the decision I have made one minute. But it took me a while to read, ask questions and then make a final decision.
Good luck to you in deciding, and in your upcoming surgery and recovery. If I left you with more questions than answers don't hesitate to ask, its just such a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong way to go. It is as individual as you are. I wish you all the best!
Jim Hernandez Like nancy said, it is a personal choice after discussing with family and doctors. I am 41 and if nec ... Read more
Jim Hernandez Like nancy said, it is a personal choice after discussing with family and doctors. I am 41 and if necessary,will be going with the bovine valve only because i do not want to be on blood thinners everyday of my life that may complicate any future
Surgeries. I also work a physical job and any issue with bruising or bleeding would be a issue. Also, previous discussions with surgeons say that in 10 to 15 years when bovine valves need replacing, the option of trans catheter could be available and avoid need to open you back up...
Just really a personal feeling for ya
Kimberly Biddick Tim, I believe it's a tougher decision when you are young. My cardiologist said my only option would ... Read more
Kimberly Biddick Tim, I believe it's a tougher decision when you are young. My cardiologist said my only option would be mechanical (I am 33) but I have read enough to know that it is my own choice. I am near confident that I will be going with a tissue valve, for reasons that both Jim and Nancy already stated. But as they also said as well, it really is a personal choice and you have to weigh the pros and cons of each.
Nancy D just a note about the other side--I personally know a super lady in her 30's who has had a mechanical ... Read more
Nancy D just a note about the other side--I personally know a super lady in her 30's who has had a mechanical valve since high school, and has no problem managing her blood thinners, or managing her very busy life! She doesn't even mind the clicking noise as she is so used to it she rarely notices it!!
Janea Christensen Hi Tim
Iam 40 years old. My first OHS was when I was 31. I Had a pig valve put in to replace a sever ... Read more
Janea Christensen Hi Tim
Iam 40 years old. My first OHS was when I was 31. I Had a pig valve put in to replace a severely leaking mitral valve. Its been great not having to be on coumadin. I was able to have another baby with my tissue valve so it was totally worth it. Its been 9 years and my tissue valve is starting to fail. Im super dissapointed it didn't last longer. Im heavily considering a mechAnicle valve cuz I don't want a 3RD surgery. Best wishes to you!
My decision at age 57 may be different than yours, my journal and posts reveal that I went with a tissue valve. My surgeon prefers cow/bovine tissue valves for those that choose that. I do not know what make/model of mechanical valve he would have used had I chose that. For what it is worth - due to my 'youth' both the surgeon and cardiologist recommended a mechanical one for me. I do not regret the decision I have made one minute. But it took me a while to read, ask questions and then make a final decision.
Good luck to you in deciding, and in your upcoming surgery and recovery. If I left you with more questions than answers don't hesitate to ask, its just such a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong way to go. It is as individual as you are. I wish you all the best!
Surgeries. I also work a physical job and any issue with bruising or bleeding would be a issue. Also, previous discussions with surgeons say that in 10 to 15 years when bovine valves need replacing, the option of trans catheter could be available and avoid need to open you back up...
Just really a personal feeling for ya
Iam 40 years old. My first OHS was when I was 31. I Had a pig valve put in to replace a sever ... Read more
Iam 40 years old. My first OHS was when I was 31. I Had a pig valve put in to replace a severely leaking mitral valve. Its been great not having to be on coumadin. I was able to have another baby with my tissue valve so it was totally worth it. Its been 9 years and my tissue valve is starting to fail. Im super dissapointed it didn't last longer. Im heavily considering a mechAnicle valve cuz I don't want a 3RD surgery. Best wishes to you!