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Hi Joe: Had AVR 20APR11, went back to work 6 weeks later (part time) and back full time 12 weeks post-op. I searched for a good surgeon who could implant the On-X and ended up in Philadelpia with Dr. Pochettino. I too had BAV and now am almost at my 1 year followup to ensure no aneurysm etc...

Hard to believe it has already been 5 months. Back to work full time first week in July; day after I got ok from surgeon, I was on a business trip to San Diego. Completed 12 weeks of cardiac rehab and education classes. Sleeping well and getting on as well as before surgery. INR has been in...

Well I guess it had to happen...last week I noticed a few extra heartbeats...nothing big, no runs, no AFIB but it hasnt stopped. The folks at rehab called my doc - out of town, my cardio - on vacation and the covering physicians had no idea what my status was so...they sent me to the ER...

Hi Amy: Sounds like you are in the same spot I am - fine during the day when moving around but real "achy" during the night. I can sleep on my sides but prefer my back and when I turn it feels like the day after a good workout. I am sure it gets better, just takes time. Larry

It's been a while since I posted...meant to do it at 6 wk and then at 10 wks and now here I am at 11 wks. It's the new normal now.... Visited surgeon at 6 weeks and told to have CT/US done every year to follow aorta and valve for issues post surgery. He gave the ok to go back to work 1/2...

Well this week started off with a swollen left leg - but not the right...and a trip to the INR clinic. My primary looked at the leg and said, "geez, I don't know, but it is definitely only the left (where they took the jumpers from); he put me on keflex antibiotic as a precaution and...

Hi Amy: I really wish I had a chance to talk more than we did in the hospital. It is good to hear that you are home and getting back to the business of living. Bumps are expected and I have every confidence you will do great. Best wishes for a smooth recovery and keep me posted. Best regards,

Well, I am back and to quote a phrase “what a long strange trip its been”. I last checked in over in the “Pre-Surgery” area after getting a 5:15p.m. time for surgery. It’s been 10 days now and I think I have a handle on what went on to write it up. Still get a bit foggy so some details...

Well this is it. Hospital called last night and surgery is scheduled today. Odd though, my arrival time is scheduled for 5:15 pm. Called to see if it was a mistake, but no. They said they often do evening procedures and yes, I still have to fast. All day, no food, no water

Hi Amy: Looks like we’re both scheduled for valve replacement on the 18th. I am also getting an On-X valve at HUP; I am seeing Dr. Pochettino. I like the idea of no more OHS (hopefully) and can deal with anticoagulation better than another op. My story is not too unlike yours – saw my...

I've had a murmur since I was a kid but was always told it was "innocent". Went to get my meds renewed in January and my new primary listened to my heart and said that he wanted to do an echo and echo stress. The echo was on a Tuesday and the echo stress was scheduled for a Wednesday. They...

Hi Steve: He didnt mention the LIMA or RIMA(?), just that arteries do better than veins long term. Guess I will have to ask why the preference for the arm vs internal arteries.

Hi Lyn: We ended up in Reading basically because I'm cheap and I just couldnt see spending $500 for 2 nights in the city. Reading is about an hour out, not too bad and for a day trip I can put up with the hassle. I am much happier with Dr. Pochettino and the HUP experience. Not that our...

I just got back from my surgical consult and I am having the On-X valve. According to my surgeon one reason that the On-X isnt as widely used is that it sits "taller" in the annulus and is more difficult to install properly without a lot of experience. He also said that if your annulus is...

Just got back from the HUP and surgical consult with Dr. Pochettino. We drove from home to Philly on Wednesday - normally a 4.5 hour ride on a good day. Wednesday wasnt a good day... we started with about a foot of snow overnight and so the roads here were a mess. Further south in PA it was...

Reading all the posts about meds post surgery and had a question about what most folks are on? I am currently on 100mg metoprolol, 20mg lisinopril, 80mg Lipitor and 75mg Plavix. I know that there will be added ACT for the mechanical valve but what other changes should I expect? More meds...

Well I did it...spoke with folks at Penn Medecine...they believe that it is likely time based on what I've been told (tho I havent yet seen a SINGLE report )...they think the On-X is a fine valve among many. I will see Dr. Pochettino next week and need to get the CD of the cath and studies...

Well today was the new appointment for the cath that was cancelled last week. Arrived spot on at 7 am and was in the cath lab by 8:30. Cath itself was pretty uneventful aside from having to wait for ACT level to reduce after cath before they could remove the sheath. After the cath the...

Well, the cath was supposed to be Monday morning at 7 at Robert Packer Hospital; about a 40 min. ride on a good day. Sunday dawned already snowing and by the time it was done we had 18" of snow. Watched the 11pm news but no cancellations so planned for a very early departure to be sure to get...

I absolutely agree. It was 4 weeks from the TEE to get results and I was practically out of my mind. DW thought I went of the deep end with internet searches and reading. Noticed you're from MA; I am a native Bay Stater - born in Webster and living in MA for a good part of my adult life.