Hello and thanks

[Gerry Dorrian]

I've been reading posts on this site for about two weeks. That is ever since I found out that valve replacement was in my immediate future. The discussions here have been a big help to me.
I've made the decision I needed to make. (Stentless porcine valve to replace my bicuspid aortic valve) And I've screwed up enough courage to schedule surgery for June 9th.
The decision wasn't really too difficult in spite of the fact that I am 49. The surgeon presented it as a lifestyle choice between mechanical and Coumadin or tissue and a probable second surgery. He also told me that he would not put a mechanical in a carpenter. I don't make my living as a carpenter but still love to work with my hands and don't want to give this up.

Anyway, I just want to thank everyone here. This is a great resource and the people here are what make it work.

Gerry

 

[Ross]

Hi Gerry and welcome to the nonlurkers part of VR!

Glad to have you aboard. I've never heard of a surgeon saying no to mechanical because of being a carpenter, but I guess he has his reasons. Maybe he's afraid you'll fall off of a roof or something? Your hands would function just fine no matter what valve you have.

I would think if you had further questions, you'd be asking them. If you do, ask away. That's what were here for. I put you on the calendar for June 9th, so if anything changes let me know and I'll change the calendar.

I look forward to seeing you post more frequently as time goes along. Again, welcome to VR.

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Hi Gerry

I can see the concern about carpenters and Coumadin...lots of powerful saws, nail guns, drills, etc. I have an aquaintance who IS a carpenter, and he's minus a finger. I'm really glad you have come to a valve choice that you are comfortable with. It' s your life, and no one choice works for every one.

Welcome aboard.

 

[Bill Hall]

Gerry - Welcome to the web site. Ask questions and you will get answers. So, where is the surgery taking place, which hospital? Good luck and I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Gerry-

Welcome. This is a terrific place isn't it? There is so much information here and everyone is so nice. The forums are fast paced and you will get swift answers to your posts.

You have made a big decision choosing your valve. So you have the ring, now you need the date, and we'll put your "wedding" on the calendar.

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi gerry!
welcome to this wonderful site. as you can already see, everyone here is wonderful, supportive and so helpful.
half the battle is selecting your valve and it seems you've already done that. plus, you have your date...
now you just have to try and keep yourself busy until then. please come back and visit and we'll keep you company while you wait.
be well, sylvia

 

[epstns]

Hi Gerry,

As one of the custodians of The Waiting Room, I would like to welcome you and remind you that one of the rules here is that it os OK to ask all the questions. Folks here are a wonderful source of knowledge from both the technical and personal perspectives.

My own surgery is still out there in the unknown future somewhere, so I am continually interested in how othere choose their new valves. I also am very active and work on things that often fight back (cars, houses, etc.) so I can sympathize with your difficulty choosing. At first I was committed to a mechanical due to not wanting another surgery, but with the info coming out about some of the porcine tissue valves that last longer, I may change my mind. Please keep us posted as to how the choices go.

Later.

 

[Gerry Dorrian]

I have the date: June 9th. Dr. Bavaria at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital will be performing the surgery. Everyone I've spoken to seems to agree that I am in good hands.
In addition to the valve I need to have the aortic root replaced. Aortic and valve surgery are Dr. Bavaria's specialties, so as patient and surgeon we are a good match.
Of course, the stentless porcine valve won't last as long as a mechanical. I can expect another surgery in my lifetime but at 49 Dr. Bavaria said the I shouldn't expect more than one. This was an important consideration. I understand that the risk factors involved in a third valve replacement change considerably.

I initially was leaning to a mechanical valve. I had calculated the risk of a bleeding incident with Coumadine as about 40% over my life expectancy. (I have seen the similar type numbers from others on this site although there seems to a disagreement about the math.) This initially seemed preferable to the certainty of another surgery over the same period.

But it came done to personal factors. The ability to do all of the things that I enjoy without worrying about banging my head, cutting myself etc. won out. I know that I am taking a near term view here. (Something that I have not typically done in my life.) My life will be simpler in the short run but it comes with a price. I know that this would not be the best choice for everyone but I am fairly comfortable with the decision.

Thanks again to everyone who has shared their own experiences on this site. You have helped me reach my decision and more importantly provided proof that post surgery life will be full of caring, supportive people.

Gerry

 

[Ross]

Gerry don't get lost now. We can use you here pre and post op. Besides, once you sign up here, you become family and your part of the family now.

 

[carbomedic]

Hello Gerry,
June 9, okedoke.
One thing about this site is that you can accept the info as factual. The internet is full of info, but you need to be careful on what to believe. Not so here. These are real life people that have had real life experiances that they share freely.
It was said before, ask and you will get an answer.
Good luck!

carbo

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Gerry

Hi Gerry

Welcome to our family. I had my valve replaced at age 62..A little over a year ago...Doing great with a Mech. Valve and coumadin......Please read all the Pre and post surgery threads that you can do between now and your surgery....Start thinking about your recovery at home..(You will find some good hints on the post- surgery threads..)Don't be shy..ask questions.. We also have a Sunday live chat..Come on board tomorrow at 5 p.m. Just click CHAT and sign in at the top.. June will be a good month for surgery. You will be able to get outside about a week after you come home and WALK..VERY important..Do remember.. it takes a long time to really feel like your old self.. 8-10 weeks..No driving for at least 4 weeks, ect..Good to make arrangements early Take care..Bonnie

 

[lcwhitney]

Hi Gerry,

I'm Lettitia, these guys are great aren't they. I spend most of my days in a classroom with 20-30 students that range from 11 yrs old to 18 yrs. it is nice to be able to come home and actually have a discussion with adults who have been through the same things that I have. You will always find experienced advice here.

Lettitia

 

[David by Philly]

Ships that pass In the CCU

Ships that pass In the CCU

Hi Gerry,

My AVR is scheduled with Dr. Bavaria on Wed, June 11. (could of had it the same day has you, but wanted to get the few extra days to get everything together before surgery.

I am also going with a stentless porcine. I would prefer going with addtional surgeries, rather than starting on coumadin at age 41.

I'll see you sometime next week!!!

David

 

[Gerry Dorrian]

Bilinx

Bilinx

David,
Will your porcine valve have the Bilinx treatment? I'm still trying to gather information about this. I understand that there is a hope that this will extend the life of the valve but I'm concerned about the use of an aluminum compound.

Has anyone else heard anything about this?

Gerry

 

[David by Philly]

Bilinx treatment

Bilinx treatment

Gerry,

I never heard of the Bilinx treatment, or is there any info on the St. Jude site. I only found two or 3 references anywhere on the internet. I am a little wary of too new technology. Look at what happened with the silzone(sp?) treatment of the valves over two years ago.

I have my preadmissions workup tomorrow, and I'll ask about it.

(and I'll mention you to Lillian)

David

 

[fcarter]

good luck

good luck

Hi Gerry
Good luck on your upcoming surgery. I sure things will be okay for you. You will find a lot of support and information from a lot of these wonderful people who have been through what you are going to be going through. I know this because I'm one of them. And one thing I can say is if you're not sure about something ask here and someone will come up with a answer or suggestion. Again good luck and God Bless.
Faye

 

[Gerry Dorrian]

Bilinx

Bilinx

David,
Bilinx is the treatment that St Jude is introducing for the SPV porcine valve. It is designed to prevent calcification of the valve. The surgeon's office faxed me some information on the treatment and initial studies have not uncovered any problems whatsoever but I am having problems finding out the specifics involved in the treatment. Perhaps they are proprietary. There is very little information available on the web. I don't think that there is any cause for alarm. I'm just trying to get all the information.

Gerry

 

[David by Philly]

Bilinx and such

Bilinx and such

Hi Gerry,

I had my pre-op workup today. Met with Bill Moser for quite a while. Extremely helpfull and patient with all my questions. he told me he faxed over the bilinx info to you.

He also gave me reasons which I understood why the toronto full root is under clinical trials. This is my first choice. (also have an enarged aortic root) If the pulmonary valve needs to be replaced, I cannot be used in the study and will have to go with the freestyle (still not a bad choice).
Only if my valvle size (which bill feels is unlikely) is too large will they need to go with mechanical. Hey, I figure Dr. Bavaria will do what is in my best interest once they got me all opened up.

Bill said I should be up on the 10th floor by late Thursday. Look me up as you become ambulatory.

 

[Gisele]

Gerry & David

Gerry & David

Good luck to the both of you. You will probably find yourself coming to these boards post-op for questions and encouragement. Everyone here is very friendly and you will both receive a tremedous amount of support.

My surgery will be 21 years on June 5th (before the days of the internet support boards). You are fortunate you can pick and choose which valve you prefer. Back then, it was up to the surgeon and I didn't know until after the surgery that I was given a mechanical valve and I knew absolutely nothing about Coumadin, nor was I told much about it either. Times certainly have changed--for the best!

Good luck!!

Gisele

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Gerry,

I was intrigued by your comment on the 40% chance of a bleeding event in your lifetime if you went on Coumadin. Where did you find the information and / or equation to make that calculation?

Also, I'm wondering if your surgeon compared the Bovine Pericardial with the Stentless Porcine Valve. What advantages do you (or he) see over the Bovine Valve?

'AL'