Wayne's Posts

Rita. Agreed don't stress over it too much I still have time. thanks Thinking about at least a second surgery 15 years down the road is making me consider the mechanical valve. I really don't want to be on blood thinners forever. But is it worth it to avoid future surgery. Even though the next will be TAVR.

Wayne, I had a bicuspid aortic of valve which was further damaged from a bout of rheumatic fever at age 7. In 2017 at age 59, I had it replaced with a tissue valve and also had an aneurysm and root repair. I didn't think I was symptomatic and attributed my symptoms as just getting older. When my cardiologist retired and I switched to a new one after 2nd opinion, I was told now is the time and don't put it off at all. I was planning to retire in June and this was in April. So I retired early and had the surgery. So it you are experiencing some symptoms, the time may be getting closer. The echo will help determine this. I'm sorry if I was too wordy. God bless you on this journey and please keep us updated. Ask any questions and we'll be happy to help. 👍

Wayne, I also had a bicuspid aortic valve that was recently replaced at age 46 with a Ross Procedure. I had no physical symptoms prior to surgery, but the valve regurgitation had been severe for 3-4 years, and my left ventricle was enlarged past the point of recommending surgery. I'm glad that I got the procedure done before I developed symptoms, and while I'm still pretty young. My recovery has been pretty quick and easy because of this. Obviously your upcoming ECG will show what shape your heart is in right now, but if it gets to a point where the cardiologist is recommending you see a surgeon, delaying it won't do you any favors. You'll never be as young as you are right now, and postponing a few more years can make your recovery more difficult, and may make it so that even after your heart gets repaired it's too late for it to make a full 100% recovery.

Wayne, I lived with a BAV 27 years. I slowly progress from mild stenosis to moderate over 25 years and then jumped to severe in the final 2. I had no symptoms but failed a stress test. At 63 I have a bovine valve inserted in March with no issues. In the before the surgery I really did not think much about it as I could not control it. Yearly I saw my doc and he always made a joke about the day he could put a pig valve in me. I always felt if I continued to monitor it nothing would get bad. Keep doing what you are doing and it will be alright.

It’s time! surgery scheduled for September 14th. Last echo shows I’m in the severe range now and I’m starting to notice some additional symptoms. The waiting for the surgery date is terrible. Too much time to think about it but the for my situation it made sense to wait until now. Super encouraged by all the stories I’ve read on here. It has taken a lot of the stress and unknowns about BAV and OHS and made them manageable. Have a great weekend!