My Choice My Regret

[EclipseDS]

Topmommy, glad you're getting use to it and I hope it stops bothering you completely. I'm very interested in this topic as I decided to go mechanical, just not decided which one to get yet. When my turn to get one comes, and if I'd be bothered by it, I'll come back to this thread to remind myself that it does get better.

 

[hannahsmom]

Hello Topmommy,

My daughter had AVR in Sept 2011 with a mechanical valve. This was plan B to the Ross Procedure. Her surgeon did not feel her pulmonary valve would have held up very long as an aortic valve. I was devastated as I did not want my young child to be faced with taking blood thinners for the remainder of her life. I had also done research and knew there was a ticking sound that came with the mechanical valves. My husband and I had an agreement that we would not make this out to be a bad thing. We would always stay very positive for her sake. We were sure how she would handle the sound, so my mom and dad came to our house when we were still in hospital and set up a small aquarium with a filter. This not only drowns out the sound of her valve, but also is soothing to anyone trying to fall asleep

Luckily my daughter has amazing strength....she thinks her "superhero" valve is cool, she lets her friends hear it! She has not had any issues with the Coumadin. After 4 short months we had it her INR stabilized and are now on monthly checks - She also became fast friends with the ladies at the blood lab we use! She has returned to her Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tumbling classes. Regulating the diet was also not a big deal. Her cardiologist is so optimistic and truly feels this was best decision for her! Luckikly her wonderful surgeon, Dr. Bove of U of M, was able to give her an adult size valve, so we can hopefully avoid surgery in future, but only time will tell.

My husband was also born with BAV and has been told that he will also require AVR in years to come. He has basically already made up his mind, that he will choose a mechanical valve as well.

It truly was a blessing in disguise. The Ross Procedure - Would have kept her off of blood thinners, but would have made her a double valve patient. I know none of these options seem ideal, but we feel blessed that our little girl can live a normal active life and the ticking is just a reminder of how blessed we are!

 

[dick0236]

Hi Hannahsmom. Your screen name caught my attention 'cause my youngest grandaughter, age 10, is also a "Hannah". Your upbeat attitude will help your daughter keep this surgery in its proper perspective. This forum can offer your family a lot of support and "moms" like you can help other young mothers that are in situations similar to yours. BTW, we have another Ohio member, RCB, who had this surgery as an 11 year old child( I think )........in 1961.:thumbup:

 

[hannahsmom]

Thank you dick0236!

I ended up on this website while googling different things pertaining to valve replacement and your posts were honestly the reason I just recently joined as a member! To see how well you have done for the past 40 years brought tears (of joy) to my eyes! It's success stories like yours that help keep me optimistic! I shared your story with Hannah - She thought it was really cool too!!! I have only scratched the surface on reading the different forums here, but am already feel like part of a family! It's so comforting!

Thank you so much for your kind words and for being a shoulder for us who are very new at this!

With Love,

Hannahsmom

 

[Kvntoday]

Hi All,
I have got a ATS Aorta valve and it is not too bad as far as noise goes, I can hear it at night while lying in bed.
The biggest problem I am facing is depression , it has been on and off now for 6 years since my Valve replacement and my Failed Maze Procedure, I am now in Perm A/Fib and while it is mainly mild there are times when it drives me nuts and I dont have the energy that I used to have. I am on Warfarin / Lipitor / Betaloc 47.5 x2 daily , I can tell you it does absolutely nothing for my Sex life ! that is now completely non existant. I tried Cialis but it upset me so much I swear I will never try anything like that again .
Thumping headaches, in fact it frightened me ! These Doctors just dont know what they are prescribing I am sure , they dont go into a patients other problems I am sure.

Kevin