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Eva has it right. Number 1, Concentrate on how good you will feel. Plan on things you will be able to do you haven't been able to do before. Number 2 talk to your loved ones, say what you need to say, and have all your finances and wills in place. Number 3, get back to thinking about how the...

IMO, you can go to 12 different courts and get 12 different verdicts. I have a tissue valve and it is hard to find someone with a very long lasting valve like you see here with people with mechanical valves. Maybe they don't last as long or maybe people go on living their lives. Also there is no...

Going on 4 years for me.

The good thing is they caught it and it sounds like they are going to keep an eye on you.I know it is easier said than done, but you have to try not to let it worry you. Live life and just be aware of any symptoms and anything your body may be trying to tell you.

I think you are doing the right thing, evaluating in your own mind and weighting the options. What you can and can't live with. Good luck.

Congrats Neil! I know mechanical valves have some longevity but it is always good to hear from the tissue valve people like myself. Thanks for sharing!

Well the 5th is a lucky day for me, I will be 59 years old. I will pray for you. Everything will turn out great and I suggest you start making plans for a great summer. You will be able to do things you couldn't before. Good luck to you and let us know how you made out!!

It made me feel a lot better doing my will and wishes in the event. Gave me peace going into it. You will be fine and will be telling us of you experience. Good luck.

I agree with pellicle"s comments. It seems you have done your research and are well prepared for this. I bet it will turn out that you start the new year feeling much better than you realize. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Yes, I was one of the fortunate ones that had no blockages and no other issues. Small horizontal incision about 6 inches over my right pectoral muscle. Drainage tubes were below the muscle, same side. Thankfully recovery went pretty quick.

I had a cardiac cath. They had to be sure about the valve needing replacement and since it did, if there were any major blockages, it would determine how they opened me up. If there were blockages, I would have had some by-pass stuff done too. If I didn't need a valve replacement and there were...

Everyone really is different and I am a little older than you but although I was back on my feet pretty quickly, and I gave myself a full 12 weeks off from work. But at the end of those 12 weeks I was jogging on a trrad mill. All that being said, I was really feeling like my old self after about...

It will be 3 years tomorrow that I had my valve replaced. So far so good. Due for checkups later this month. Still running and lifting and doing anything that makes me happy! It is always good to stop in here and see everyone doing well and giving others good advice. You all are some of the best...

Before my surgery, I asked my surgeon if he does anything to help facilitate another surgery in the case if I have to most likely have my tissue valve replaced at some point down the road. He told me he sows up what I believe to be what you are talking about, the pericardial sac. I don't...

You may have lost weight from being on Lasix, or may still be on it at this point. That did it for me. I lost about 15 pounds on it.

Know that it is normal to have some depression after surgery. And also know that you will continue to get better. It is overwhelming at times and you did go through one heck of a surgery. But you made it and there are more things for you in life to look forward to now.

I would suggest you call every few days to see if there was a cancellation so you can be seen earlier. And the bad news is you will probably have to wait to get in for surgery too. I know it is easier said than done, but try to stay calm, just knowing you have to have surgery is very stressful...

I am also in the crowd. Subsequent checkups, valve is seated, no leaks, everything is good. I am able to run a lot easier and further than I ever have. I don't lift as heavy as I used to but I consider myself in excellent shape. Time will only tell if I made the right decision, but in the mean...

I took the entire 12 weeks out from work and did my rehab. Rehab about 3 days a week. By the end of the 12 weeks I was jogging on a treadmill. I ran a 5k shortly after that. But two weeks after surgery I did a break job on my sons car. I could have went back to work after a couple weeks. I did...

I had the mini AVR. They went in between my ribs in my upper right chest. About a 5 inch scar. Recovery for me was fast, but I would still recommend taking your time to heal and recover.