I had gallbladder removed in 2009 and that recovery was more annoying. But in the end every surgery has risk, as does taking warfarin. One has to weigh the risks associated with each. To me mechanical valves had a long well documented history with the risks. Tissue is still and evolving and improving path. Who knows how long the tissue valve will last, some have them degrade quickly, other last 15+ years. To me the thought of any addiotnal surgery at 70+ yeas old increases risk, even TAVR. I have nothing against anyone that went tissue, but can say mechanical has had zero impact on my life other than bridging warfarin at times and that is not a big deal. My advice to anyone regardless of which valve is stay in shape, eat well, exercise, etc.
Mechanical vs Tissue - need help deciding
- Thread starter Holley650
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I had gallbladder removed in 2009 and that recovery was more annoying. But in the end every surgery has risk, as does taking warfarin. One has to weigh the risks associated with each. To me mechanical valves had a long well documented history with the risks. Tissue is still and evolving and improving path. Who knows how long the tissue valve will last, some have them degrade quickly, other last 15+ years. To me the thought of any addiotnal surgery at 70+ yeas old increases risk, even TAVR. I have nothing against anyone that went tissue, but can say mechanical has had zero impact on my life other than bridging warfarin at times and that is not a big deal. My advice to anyone regardless of which valve is stay in shape, eat well, exercise, etc.
Superman
Well-known member
I had my gallbladder removed in 2014. I told them to take out my appendix during it due to family history (sister, father, and two of my sons all had theirs go bad). I’d say from a pain perspective, gallbladder was far easier. Laparoscopic. However there were definitely some lingering affects. I passed out at work once. Other random times, I would have to lie down. And it could be anywhere. Had it sit down on the floor in a corner of a gift shop on vacation once. Just felt it coming. It was the unpredictability that I found frustrating.
The issue with gallbladder or appendix is they usually go through muscle even laparoscopic so standing, sitting or twisting, getting in or out of bed I had pain. Granted is was for like 4-5 days, but it was still there. OHS as long as you don't put pressure on the chest I found it easier.
pellicle
Professional Dingbat, Guru and Merkintologist
speak for yourself.
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Well, it is a discussion board. It seems one should not be surprised to have different opinions presented and discussion back and forth- kind of the point. And the subject of the thread is mechanical vs tissue. I suppose we could all just come here and tell jokes and post memes.
A man walks into a pub, orders a pint and spots a piano in the corner. He asks the landlord if he would like a bit of music.
Landlord agrees. So our man reaches into his overcoat pocket and pulls out a very small man dressed formally in a dinner jacket. The small man then regales the entire pub with music for the rest of the evening.
As he is leaving the landlord asks him where on earth did he get such a thing? Man replies that it was from his fairy godmother, but she must have been a bit hard of hearing, because he certainly didn’t ask for a ten inch pianist.
Landlord agrees. So our man reaches into his overcoat pocket and pulls out a very small man dressed formally in a dinner jacket. The small man then regales the entire pub with music for the rest of the evening.
As he is leaving the landlord asks him where on earth did he get such a thing? Man replies that it was from his fairy godmother, but she must have been a bit hard of hearing, because he certainly didn’t ask for a ten inch pianist.
Warrick
Well-known member
Mechanical vs tissue is the name of this thread....
Personal choice is whats its all about isnt it?
So that puts prejudice out the window imo
How can people state why they made their own choice without being accused of being prejudice?
Some of the posters in this thread have had both so which way are they prejudiced?
I have a mechanical, my dad had a mechanical for 36 years before he passed (unrelated to his valve) so am I prejudiced?
I’d sooner have had no need for either valve but that wasn’t a choice afforded to me.
Personal choice is whats its all about isnt it?
So that puts prejudice out the window imo
How can people state why they made their own choice without being accused of being prejudice?
Some of the posters in this thread have had both so which way are they prejudiced?
I have a mechanical, my dad had a mechanical for 36 years before he passed (unrelated to his valve) so am I prejudiced?
I’d sooner have had no need for either valve but that wasn’t a choice afforded to me.
Actually I think we are quite capable of leaving that debate off the table and still have decent discourse.
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So, have discourse but only about things that everyone agrees about? I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. It's a discussion board. There will be different views presented and the different perspectives bring value to the individuals facing difficult choices.
After all, we are not communists.
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It is not prejudiced to state......
*mechanical valves typically last far longer, maybe a lifetime, than other types of valves.
*warfarin is not a bogeyman......ask almost all who have been on it for years.
I have been on this board for about 15 years and the topic of "mechanical vs tissue.....and now TAVR valves is the most discussed topic.......as it should be. IMHO:
..if you are younger get a mechanical valve to minimize future surgeries.
..if you are older get a tissue valve that may last your lifetime.
..if you are "senior" and can't withstand OHS get a TAVR.
..........but what do I know? At my age, I have known folks in each category. Some have made good choices, some have made poor choices......."youse has your druthers and youse takes your pic". The more practical info you have, the better chance you have of making an "informed" decision.
pellicle
Professional Dingbat, Guru and Merkintologist
I might be ...
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"Communist" has negative connotations. Do you think "Socialist" is a more appropriate term to describe yourself?
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"Communist" has negative connotations. Do you think "Socialist" is a more appropriate term to describe yourself?
Either way, we’ll assume he’s guilty until proven innocent and lock him up in the VR holding cell until he repents.
Yes. 4 weeks this Thursday. What a joy to be able to do things that prior to surgery would have been impossible.
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Very glad to hear that!
pellicle
Professional Dingbat, Guru and Merkintologist
I shall never repent!Either way, we’ll assume he’s guilty until proven innocent and lock him up in the VR holding cell until he repents.
You can oppress my body, but not my spirit
pellicle
Professional Dingbat, Guru and Merkintologist
I'm ok with whatever label you prefer ... :-D"Communist" has negative connotations. Do you think "Socialist" is a more appropriate term to describe yourself?
