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[Mary]

Jason,
If you go with the minimally invasive incision, please let us know how your recovery progresses.
Regarding bike riding at 6 weeks, please make sure and get your surgeon's ok before you start. I'm sure that physically you'll be up to it, but I would worry about the possibility of any type of fall hurting your sternum. I believe they say it takes a full 3 months before it heals completely.
Good luck and keep us informed on how you're doing while you await surgery.
Mary

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The Bovine Pericardial is a favorite at the Cleveland Clinic, with 90% durability approaching 20 years in OLDER patients. When placed in younger patients, ALL tissue valves deteriorate at a faster rate. Given your passion for biking, that is a good choice. You realize you will need a second replacement, probably 10 to 20 years 'down the road'.

FWIW, the Bovine Pericardial Valve was my First Choice but inappropriate in my case due to extensive scarring from Radiation Treatments for another problem.

Regarding the Minimally Invasive Surgery, it is my understanding that the sternum may actually be more painful that the 'full cut' due to pressure focusing at the end of the cut. That's another good question to ask about.

I never felt much more than various levels of 'discomfort' following my (two) full-cut surgeries, but I did have INTENSE Back Muscle pain from the second operation due to the way my body was stretched / positioned. MASSAGE proved to be FASTER and BETTER than pain pills for relieving such muscle pains.

Regarding recovery, it is my understanding that the sternum is only healed to around 80-85% of it's full strength at 6 weeks. Full sternum recovery takes 12 weeks.

'AL Capshaw'