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[elphie]

I just met with a surgeon and set a date to have my aortic valve replaced on Dec. 11th. He strongly recommended a stentless porcine valve for me with an estimated lifetime of 10-20yrs. I went in thinking that he was going to tell me to go with the mechanical for sure because I'm only 37, so I had all kinds of blood thinner questions prepared, but instead he said he would by far recommend the tissue because blood thinner complications can be just as risky as another surgery. Even though I don't look forward to another surgery, I think I realized what my decision had to be when I realized how relieved I felt at the thought of not having to deal with the blood thinners. I've decided to go with the philosophy of living for the present and not worrying about the future. I hope I've made the right decision and that this valve lasts as long as the energizer bunny. Wish me luck on the 11th.

 

[Ross]

As long as your young and don't have other health issues, you should be alright. Personally, I think he should have opted for mechanical only because I hate to see anyone have to go through this surgery more then once.

I put you on the calendar and now you can retire to the waiting room. Hopefully they cleaned up the refrigerator some by now.

 

[Tony]

Congratulations Elphie!

It will be good to get this behind you for the Holidays!

You are fortunate to have a surgeon who is aware of the problems with Coumadin.

My surgery was "a piece of cake". I hope yours is also.

All the best!

Tony

 

[Kenny F]

Way to Go, Elphie!

The important thing is the date is set and your surgeon is comfortable with the valve choice (as long as you are).

I went in firmly mechanical, but listening to his reasoning turned me to a tissue, which ended up being a homograft because my root was so bad.

Surgery is tough, but I can already see the hard parts fading, and like you, I felt 10-20 years without having to give it much thought was a good trade off.

Just move toward the date now and it will all be behind you in a couple of weeks.