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Sorry to hear of the losses these members have experienced. Sending you positive thoughts....

Outstanding! Gives me hope.

Wishing you an uneventful surgery and quick recovery!

I am a little over 3 years post surgery with a mechanical valve. All has generally been great. However, I have been working a ridiculous amount of hours lately and barely sleeping. Yesterday, I had a migraine with aura and last night after drive home 4 hours from a business trip I think I had...

I took 8 weeks and then worked from home for a few weeks. At 8 weeks, I still tired from heavy mental concentration so it was helpful to be home. I think it helped my long-term recovery.

Same thing happened to me re: the walking. I went out for a walk, felt great, and then had to sit on the curb and wait because I just couldn't walk back! I couldn't even open a door or wipe my counters. You will get stronger every day. Just take it very easy. At first, just walking around my...

I had my aortic valve replaced and aneurysm removed (St Jude valve conduit - Dacron graft) three years ago this week. As the above poster said, it is of course scary for us but routine for these surgeons. Happy to answer any questions. I was 41 at the time and went back to work 8 weeks later. I...

Tomorrow is my three year anniversary. St Jude mechanical valve conduit. I check in here frequently - this site was a great source of support for me. I am only 44 now so expect to continue reading this site to both provide and seek support as I eventually face the challenges of growing old on...

I started getting migraine with aura too. However, if I take a Tylenol within 5 minutes of seeing floaty sparkles I don’t get a headache.

I only stayed on it a few weeks. I think 5 weeks. It was making my hands turn to leather and peel- and at times my blood pressure was down to 70 or 80 over 50. You have to decrease gradually - can’t stop cold turkey. Others stay on it for longer I think.

I searched high and low to buy a meter and strips after my surgery. I found that, in the US, it is basically impossible to buy them new unless you use Amazon or eBay. My doctor (for whatever reason) didn't want that so I use coaguchek patient services. They are terrific but I pay 100 per month...

I use coaguchek patient services. I initially signed up with Alere but canceled after the sign-up process was botched. I am very happy with coaguchek. I pay 100 per month (4 tests).

I had genetic testing done at Yale Aortic Institute. The good news is my children don't have the genes.

I had genetic testing done at Yale Aoric Institute. The good news is my children don't have the genes.

Yes, that is my surgeon! He is amazing. He has authored other articles referencing body size and aorta size which emphasize that the 5.5 cm standard is not appropriate for everyone. I think having that gene may predispose you to needing surgery at smaller diameter, particularly with your family...

For both you and your sons, consider Uber (if they don't drive). This might be time to be bold and ask for help. Perhaps the parents of your sons' friends can set up a meal train through Lotsa Helping Hands or similar service? That was a huge help to us. Arrange a cleaning person. I ended up...

Hi! I was 42 at the time of my surgery almost three years ago. First, try to relax. Sounds like you are being monitored. I had ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic root aneurysm. I still run now and do everything I want - and have two young children. It is possible that it may continue to grow...

This is my surgeon! Dr Elefteriades is amazing. I was 42 at the time of surgery - St Jude valve conduit. He advised that I should most likely have a normal life expectancy.

I have St Jude, too (Valve conduit). So far, so good. Range is 2.3-2.7 (surgeon wanted 1.8-2.2 but cardio prefers higher). I also take aspirin.

I only have an aortic mechanical valve (valve conduit), not both aortic and mitral - but I run. My surgeon said no restrictions. I was 42 at time of surgery, and am 44 now.