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TAVR is definitely better than it was a few years ago but still has some risks unlike a valve replacement. Dick0236 is correct by saying it's generally for older patients. Your surgeon should be aware of this. Choose wisely. You should get a 2nd opinion if you have ANY doubts. Make sure you have...

Wow. I just imagine what you're going through. So many things running through my mind, Your health plan (if you're covered by a traditional plan) should have an interactive website that you've registered with. Test results should be available there. Look on the back your ID card and look for...

I'm freshly re-valved, (AVR) and returned home from the hospital on Friday. During all of my testing leading up to the valve, the results kept including mentions of Mitral valve regurgitation and calcification. I repeatedly asked the Drs why they weren't addressing this and was told, the AVR...

Same as last time. I was kinda shocked. It all fell into place after Wed. A few of the doctors couldn't agree on the release date. But at the end, they ALL said....go home. Now...let's hope this one lasts longer than 5.5 years

Happy Friday night everyone. I'm happy to report I'm home. I'll post more later but this was a bigger surgery than before. Full sternum crack. On Wed, I really didn't think I'm be home by Fri. But...things went up hill quickly once the chest tubes were pulled on Wed. Anyway - need to rest...

Thanks everyone for your messages. I'm totally ready for this. Breathing is difficult so....time to get the pig. Messages when I can.

I like being a card carrying pig so....going pig again.

So here are...the cusp of the weekend before. I'd like party hearty and go on a bender. But my breathing is heavier, I get more tired easily. So..the signs are there. It's time to do this and I'm MORE than ready. Originally thought I could force this out to Jan but realize there's no way that...

Oh my heavens.....I haven't been on in a few days and see what i miss? My first surgery was pretty easy. Hoping yours is just as well. That darned breathing tube was not fun. But..it was out shortly after I woke up. I'm scheduled for 10/30 and expecting the same experience. Take things slow, use...

I just didn't want to have to deal with the warfarin and all the testing/blood sticks that goes with it. Yes, I know it's fine once you've gotten it in order. But it's another damned pill. And I'm taking so many pills right now I just didn't want to add more. I've talked with friends that have...

As I'm sitting here sucking on my 1st cup of coffee, this chat string caught my eye. I'm scheduled for aortic valve replacement on 10/30 (the latest I was allowed to schedule it). My porcine valve place 5.5 years ago is failing. Actually, one of the leaflets has torn. I'm mulling choices of...

So surgery is set for Mon 10/30. It's the latest they'd allow me to schedule. Wasn't able to see the surgeon as he was needed in ICU for a patient that coded. I'll cut him some slack on this. Probably going with another pig.

Yep. The pig lasted 5.5 yrs. Bad pig!

So I had the TEE yesterday and the results aren't great. Apparently one of the flaps on the valve has torn and is the cause of the regurgitation. End result....surgery date will be within the month. The surgeon and I had a long chat and i believe that I'm going with another porcine valve. He...

SF Bay Area here. I had been diagnosed with Aortic valve stenosis 8 years ago. It was only after quarterly stress tests and echos that my cardiologist finally said it was time to have the replacement. Have you had enough testing to be sure it's the time? If you're concerned, get a 2nd opinion...

Best of luck. Let us know how it went.

My porcine valve is failing after 5.5 years and is coming out in weeks not months. I was 57 when it went in and now...well...you do the math. hehe. At 62, I really don't want to take a chance and have it last another 5. Looks like mechanical for me. But those decisions are coming in a few weeks.

so I'm happy to report that I'm on water pills and, well, there's a LOT of water flowing. I can breathe again not winded. Still working out and doing great. Yes, I realize this is a matter of time. But a little relief is most welcome. I have a f/u visit at the end of the month and will be...

The cath yesterday didn't provide good results. The valve is shot and needs to be replaced within weeks, not months. I'm still in a little bit of shell shock. It's not that I didn't expect it, but was hoping for a little more time. Next steps are more appointments and a meeting with the surgeon...

I was pretty active on this site about 5-6 years ago. Everyone provided a lot of insight, advice and hand holding as I prepared for my aortic valve replacement. Surgery was easy-peasy and I was the proud owner of a pig valve. Well...the latest echo shows the pig is dying. The heart cath is...