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Yes, aortic root graft this time. In an effort to discover why my valve calcified so early, I just had a blood test for Lipoprotein (a), or Lp (a). My result was 238 or very high. Values greater than 75 carry increased risk for heart disease. It is an inherited gene, and is immune to diet &...

Unfortunately, no. Very small bone frame, so only a 21mm would fit last time. Hoping to enlarge the root and put in a larger valve this time, anticipating TAVR down the road. I am definitely hoping this is my last OHS> .

Edwards bovine lasted 7 years (at age 57), and #2 is scheduled for Feb. 12th. Likely Medtronic Freestyle porcine.

What will be, will be. Regardless, glad you have this milestone!

Congratulations. After just 7 years, my Edwards bovine is showing severe stenosis. I have no idea why such a short time.

Indeed it does. I was almost 58, and now 65 shortly. I would say my scale is tipping towards the mechanical also.

Thank you. The heart cath was conclusive, so I am not in need of a second opinion. I think I simply feel stunned, and need to wrap my head around the reality (again). I feel the mental piece is sometimes as hard as the physical.

What type of valve is #2?

I appreciate all of the positive thoughts. I felt very comfortable with my decision 7 years ago for a bovine valve. I am far less decisive now, with the prospect of doing OHS multiple times with a short valve lifespan.

Some exercise exertion problems led to a stress test where my BP dropped, so the test was curtailed. I had a heart cath 2 days ago that shows my 2012 Edwards bovine 21mm valve is now showing severe stenosis. I follow the "rules" and exercise 6 days, eat well, etc., and this news is distressing...

PVC's PVC's I am also over 1.5 years post bovine aortic replacement. Last several months I have had the "thumping" heartbeats, too. Most noticeable at night when trying to sleep. At my regular 6-month cardio visit, he put me on a 24 hour Holter monitor and had an echo done. Holter showed...

I will just "ditto" all replies posted. I am 1.5 years post surgery, and I recall all the same fears. It can be overwhelming! In a nutshell: prepare for the worst, but TRULY expect the best! We can't change the cards we're dealt; all we can change is our attitude. It is a lifesaving...

Congrats to another "Morris"! Congrats to another "Morris"! My own one year anniversary was Oct. 11! It IS a milestone, and one I don't take lightly. Best wishes for many more!

I also had a bicuspid valve and replacement surgery in October, 2012. My siblings were tested, and all were clear. Two daughters are clear, too. Unfortunately, my 27-year-old son also has a bicuspid valve. No negatives yet, but will of course now monitor annually. Yes, I feel "guilty", too...

Amen to no more OHS. It's the biggest factor, in my opinion. I am hopeful my future replacement procedure will be trans-catheter. My surgeon thinks this is extremely likely. No guarantee of course; just wishful thinking. Another spin of life's roulette wheel!

As others have said, seems to matter the most to our surgeons. I went with bovine since my surgeon has had great success with their longevity. He is the expert, so here's hoping he is right! Best of luck!

I also had Dr. Bavaria, for an aortic valve replacement. Small world! My surgery was last October, and I'm doing well. I wish you continued recovery!

I am 5 weeks post surgery (at age 57, almost 58), and experienced a lot of back pain myself. I had a modified sternotomy. Fatigue was HUGE initially, but each week it lifted. Keep a positive outlook---how great your condition was caught now and you have a great hospital, too. I'd hazard a guess...

I am just over 4 weeks post surgery, and don't feel anything near "normal", but do feel better each day. My pain is just discomfort, unless I do something stupid like lift something. Just until last week, I have been sleeping in a recliner, so you are not alone. I still prop myself up in bed...

Please add my prayers and well wishes for your son's successful surgery and recuperation. Carol (Just 3 weeks post AVR today and feeling better each day!)