It is my first AVR anniversary (Again)

[Jack]

My AVR was done on November 30, 2000 and I just received my echocardiogram report and yearly checkup.

All is working fine, the report indicates ?Normally functioning aortic bioprosthesis?, and I hope that it will last for many years.

This is my second AVR, the first one was done in 1983 using porcine valve, it work perfectly for 17 years and finely worn out and started leaking. My new valve is also a porcine valve and I will be very happy if it lasts as long as the previous one.

 

[RobThatsMe]

Hi Jack,

Congradulations on your 1 year Anniversayand wishing you many more.

You must have felt wonderfully releived to get such a good report. I know that I was concerned about my first anniv checkup, but after I got a good report I felt like "OK, let's get on with living!"

Welcome to the board by the way. Looking forward to your input on the site topics..

Rob

 

[hensylee]

Welcome, Jack and congratulations on a successful year. Know that you will continue doing well. Stick around and give us your thoughts and information. God bless

 

[Zazzy]

Wow Jack! Welcome to the group and thanks for posting your encouraging news!

Take care,
Zazzy

 

[McCln]

I hope to be able to say the same thing next year when my 1 year is 09-13. Till then, I will keep trying to do as the doctor tells me. You are doing great and hope you will keep coming in here. You are an inspiration. Thanks and many more years to come for you.

Caroline
Aortic valve replacement
09-13-01
St Jude's valve

 

[Lorraine]

Hi Jack,

Welcome aboard! Congratulations on your second first anniversary. I hope my first anniversary will have just as good of news. Your news sounds encouraging. I have learned in the past almost nine months that we do learn to adjust to the medical changes done to our body. When you have a good check up it almost immediately makes you feel a 100% better. Take care!

 

[alpage]

17 years is quite extraordinary, particularly considering your age at the time of the original surgery. I have been told that 8-10 years is typical for a porcine valve in a younger person.

Please share your secrets for longer valve live!

Alan

 

[Jack]

Just live a normal life without medication, work hard and try to lose some weight without any luck.

I had regular visits to my cardiologist throughout the 17 years, 6 months visits with echo ones a year, so I detected the valve failure before being symptomatic and had it replaced pronto. Because of that my AVR was very easy and the recovery was quick, home after 72 hours and back to work after 3 weeks (with my wife driving).