I'm a little confused, are you saying that aneurysm was the driver for the replacement or was there some functional impairment to the valve from "scar tissue" ... was this pannus?I chose the Medtronic hall mechanical valve for my aortic replacement in 1998. I was 46 years old at that time and did not want to go through another surgery later in life.
I just had the Mechanical removed and the Edwards Model 11500A implanted as a replacement two months ago yesterday. The mechanical valve was being monitored by my cardiologist with echocardiograms every six months. I should also say I also had an aneurysm at the ascending aorta that also demanded monitoring with regular CTs. Finally were at a point where a was sent to a teaching hospital who had a surgeon that specialized in re-do's. The issue with the valve was scar tissue related.
Yes it was the aneurysm that did ultimately triggered all. For 5 years I had been warned by my regular cardiologist that I would most likely need to go under the knife again at some point. My regular cardiologist told me either the aneurysm dimensions or level of regurgitation at the valve would trigger resolution for both. Eventually I had crossed the line between acceptable and not on the aneurysm. My valve at the time was graded as high moderate but close to the severe threshold. My regular cardiologist did perform an angiogram at a local hospital prior to referring me to the surgical specialist in the big city and said that end looked good with no blockages. When I met with the surgeon (who also repeated tests my cardiologist had done just weeks earlier echo and CT) said he reviewed the angiogram films and said that he would be doing a single bypass along with everything else. I went under thinking they would be doing the bypass along with the valve and aneurysm. When I came out of it after surgery the doctor said he "felt the vein" during surgery and decided to let it be....so much for high tech testing.Hi (and welcome)
I'm a little confused, are you saying that aneurysm was the driver for the replacement or was there some functional impairment to the valve from "scar tissue" ... was this pannus?
Best Wishes
The thing to remember when on Coumadin(warafarin) is consistency, not the side affects. And there are people are that are on the Coumadin(warfarin) for life. When you eat, consistency is very important, more than worrying about side affects like liver damage, or other side affects that has to be monitored.Well, congratulations on results so far. Yes it is also great to be off coumadin One of the worst side effects of coumadin is the interaction with vit K which is essential for the good functioning of many systems in your body. (check out the Weston A Price foundation in this regard, short answer, take vit K *with* vit D or cod liver oil regularly, among some essentials)
Sending you best wishes. Sounds like you’ve been through it.I agree, sometimes things go wrong. You can only hope for the best.
I chose the Medtronic hall mechanical valve for my aortic replacement in 1998. I was 46 years old at that time and did not want to go through another surgery later in life.
I just had the Mechanical removed and the Edwards Model 11500A implanted as a replacement two months ago yesterday. The mechanical valve was being monitored by my cardiologist with echocardiograms every six months. I should also say I also had an aneurysm at the ascending aorta that also demanded monitoring with regular CTs. Finally were at a point where a was sent to a teaching hospital who had a surgeon that specialized in re-do's. The issue with the valve was scar tissue related. They reconstructed the root at the same time they replaced the mech valve with the bioprosthetic valve, also repaired the ascending aorta with a dacron graft
I was told this would be the last time my chest would have to be cracked. If this bovine valve needs to be replaced when I am 80 they can resolve with TAVR. Also another upside is coumadin for a couple more months. After twenty years of coumadin it is really hard to imagine
Again we can only hope for the best and that best being a few more years to walk the earth and enjoy your children and grandchildren
Hi Steve. It looks like your last post was 4 years ago. Perhaps you no longer read this forum. In the event you do, you are about the only person I have yet read, who had a mechanical valve for your first OHS and a bioprosthetic (Insipiris Reslia) for your second OHS. Forgive my nosiness, but what has your experience been with this recent valve thus far?I agree, sometimes things go wrong. You can only hope for the best.
I chose the Medtronic hall mechanical valve for my aortic replacement in 1998. I was 46 years old at that time and did not want to go through another surgery later in life.
I just had the Mechanical removed and the Edwards Model 11500A implanted as a replacement two months ago yesterday. The mechanical valve was being monitored by my cardiologist with echocardiograms every six months. I should also say I also had an aneurysm at the ascending aorta that also demanded monitoring with regular CTs. Finally were at a point where a was sent to a teaching hospital who had a surgeon that specialized in re-do's. The issue with the valve was scar tissue related. They reconstructed the root at the same time they replaced the mech valve with the bioprosthetic valve, also repaired the ascending aorta with a dacron graft
I was told this would be the last time my chest would have to be cracked. If this bovine valve needs to be replaced when I am 80 they can resolve with TAVR. Also another upside is coumadin for a couple more months. After twenty years of coumadin it is really hard to imagine
Again we can only hope for the best and that best being a few more years to walk the earth and enjoy your children and grandchildren
Assuming we have kids grandkids or a partner ! Some don'tI agree, sometimes things go wrong. You can only hope for the best.
I chose the Medtronic hall mechanical valve for my aortic replacement in 1998. I was 46 years old at that time and did not want to go through another surgery later in life.
I just had the Mechanical removed and the Edwards Model 11500A implanted as a replacement two months ago yesterday. The mechanical valve was being monitored by my cardiologist with echocardiograms every six months. I should also say I also had an aneurysm at the ascending aorta that also demanded monitoring with regular CTs. Finally were at a point where a was sent to a teaching hospital who had a surgeon that specialized in re-do's. The issue with the valve was scar tissue related. They reconstructed the root at the same time they replaced the mech valve with the bioprosthetic valve, also repaired the ascending aorta with a dacron graft
I was told this would be the last time my chest would have to be cracked. If this bovine valve needs to be replaced when I am 80 they can resolve with TAVR. Also another upside is coumadin for a couple more months. After twenty years of coumadin it is really hard to imagine
Again we can only hope for the best and that best being a few more years to walk the earth and enjoy your children and grandchildren
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