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I think that each of the other comments is spot on. There is also the fact that only in the last 10 years has the wide use of tissue valves increased. Only in the last five years have some major facilities such as Cleveland Clinic began using large numbers of tissue valves. It is well to...

Brian, although it is not well understood, depression following heart surgery is common. If you would like more information, a good book is: Depression: A Family's Guide to the Medical, Emotional and Practical Issues...

Larry, I just saw your note. If you have not already, do have a doctor check you. Sudden onset of pain could indicate a problem that needs to be dealt with at once. As the others have mentioned, fluid around the heart or lungs or fluid in one or both lungs can cause the kind of pain you...

Hi, I have a "bump" also about 3/8" wide. My doctor says it is just scar tissue and should never be a problem. It is unlikely that a bump in the skin has anything to do with the sternum which is almost an inch below the skin. We have a sense that the sternum is just below the skin but for...

I was 59 at the time of my AVR. As is prudent, I made a number of preparations such as moving things to lower shelves and stocking up on easy to prepare meals. As it turned out, my best friend was able to come visit for a few days after I got home just in case I needed the support. I was...

The bottom line is that when a valve begins to degenerate more rapidly it needs to be watched much more closely. It is to your benefit to push for surgery sooner rather than later. Recovery from surgery when you are still healthy should go much better than waiting until your heart is more...

I had a discussion about this with my family doctor who I have come to trust, well....., with my life. She thinks that this may be a problem for a surprising number of people after such a major surgery. To help deal with it, she is certain that attending Cardiac Rehab is essential because it...

Our experiences vary a lot. Steve had a good experience with sternal wires and many others have as well. My sternum was closed with Sternal Talons - clamps that hold the two halves of the sternum together. With them, I never had a problem with my chest hurting including coughing and sneezing...

Healing milestones Healing milestones Impatience is not your friend. Recovery starts out rapidly and slows over time but it continues not for weeks but for several years after surgery. Consider that you went from having a terminal condition to now being impatient with healing; pretty fine...

There may be a couple of forces at work. On the one hand, we all agree that anxiety causes one to focus on everything that might be a symptom. One must not discount, however, that as the problems with the heart valve become severe, symptoms can develop much more rapidly. In six weeks my...

Sarah, thanks for the update. It is good to hear he is doing so well. Larry

Patrick, as you know by now, this is probably the most frequently discusses issue for people joining our community. Both types of valves have their issues but either will be tremendously better than your failing valve. By the way, an adult male should have an area close to 2.5 cm2. An area of...

Tammy, thank you for letting us know how things are going. It is good to hear that Larry is doing well. After the first two days he should become more alert which is a nice thing to see. Best Wishes Larry

Ok, last minute suggestions. By this time, I had packed way to much stuff. I mentioned the MP3 player. I also found that taking my own soft comfortable clothes was great advice. As soon as I could take a shower, I changed into my own things and felt so much more normal. Do you best to get...

After surgery, I wondered if I would ever look in the mirror and not think of heart surgery or go through the day without it comming to mind. I also wondered if my own post surgical issues would really improve. Rather to my surprise, I no longer see my scar unless I consciously look at it and...

Tuesday is a good day. After a Tuesday surgery, you are likely to be home by Saturday or Sunday. My first thought when I was told I could go home on Saturday was "Its way too soon!" Then I looked around and realized that they were doing nothing for me other than annoying me with all the...

I have to say that my first breakfast two days after surgery tasted very good. Now things get better. Larry

Hi, Geddy, I would suggest that the time other people waited is, perhaps, not a good measure for yourself. Your surgeon will give you his/her opinion based upon your condition. I was a little surprised (no, I was shocked) when my surgeon suggested 6 days. If your condition does not require...

Heart surgery is a big event in our lives, especially, if, like me, you've never before had a major health problem. Still, its necessary to take a deep breath and recall that for your surgeon this is a routine part of his work day and that your chances of not surviving are very low. The...

Hi, Marc, just for yourself, if you have not registered your heart valve, you might consider doing that before the paper trail is cold because, if you didn't receive a card from the manufacturer, your surgeon's office may not have registered the valve. That said, when I have flown, my heart...