new to the site

[twotone82flh]

Hey everyone! i'm going to join this special club called heart surgery on sept 14 and like most i have a thousand questions. I'm having my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical,I'm 53 and was advised to go with the mechanical.First time on this site and as most I'm nervous about this surgery but have found great comfort from all who have had this and talk about their recovery...:eek2:

 

[escargome]

Welcome, I myself am a tissue valver, so I can't give suggestions on the mechanical valve, but I'm very sure that others will chime in soon. Just take time to educate yourself on your replacement and the positive gains you will have once the surgery is complete. Come here often and ask questions, both of fellow valvers and your doctor's. Remain positive and know that support from us is just a key-stroke away.

 

[Julian]

Oh boy, I had my surgery 4 weeks ago. I got a mechanical valve, aorta repair, and to my surprise pacemaker. I guess you were recommended a mechanical over a tissue to minimize the chances of a second surgery. This forum is a great place and a great way to get started is to start asking questions. This forum has helped me keep my sanity before and after surgery.

 

[Bina]

Howdy and welcome 82 flh, are you still riding that Harley?

 

[dick0236]

Welcome twotones82flh. It has long been known that "knowledge is power". This is major surgery.....but for most, if done before major damage occurs, it is only a "hickup". This forum is, without question, the best on the internet for support and information from a lot of folks who "have been there, done that".

 

[Cooker]

Welcome twotone! ... glad you found us and just in time for surgery! ... This site and these people meant the world to me and still do .... you will be surprised that it's really not as bad as you are imagining ... we are not doctors but we will share our experience, strength and hope with you ... welcome aboard!!!!

 

[Mentu]

Sorry about the duplication. I don't know how it happened.

 

[Mentu]

Just a word of encouragement. It is only normal for us to be apprehensive before surgery. No matter how it may seem to our surgeons, for many of us this is our first venture into the world of major surgery. This is a surgery, however, that has become routine for our doctors and their teams. The perform so many of them because the results are so wonderful. With the improvement in materials and techniques and all of that practice, the risk to us has been greatly reduced from what it was even a few years ago. There has never been a better time for valve replacement.

Let us know if you have questions for which you do not find answers here in the VR community. Someone somewhere has experience with almost every thing one might encounter and we don't mind answering the same questions again. Welcome to VR.

Larry

 

[neil]

agree with larry, well put mate

 

[epstns]

Well, lots of others beat me to it! I used to be the official greeter in our Waiting Room - the virtual room where many of us await our own turns at valve surgery. Then I had my own surgery and I'm becoming so involved with life that it takes me a while to see the new folks. We're glad you found us. This group is (my opinion) the best resource on the web for first person experience involving heart valves and valve surgery. Ask all the questions you want. People here are very open and willing to share their own experiences.

Most of all, as Larry said, try to keep things in perspective and don't get too worked up over it all. Your odds of survival are up in the 98% plus range at most major heart centers, so you're going to get through it. It may not be all that much fun, but life is usually way better after surgery.

 

[misaacka]

Hi, two tone! I'm eight days out from surgery (it was Wednesday the 17th), and I can assure you that this is very do-able. I'm also 53, and, like you, was advised by default to get a mechanical valve. I said, thanks very much, but a) I'm not interested in being on blood thinners for the rest of my life, and b) I'm confident that percutaneous (catheter) approaches will be mainstream by the time I need a re-replacement, obviating the need for a second OHS. I received an Edwards bovine tissue valve and couldn't be happier. My surgeon even took the time to fit me with a larger valve size to ensure that percutaneous replacement would work well. It took an extra TEE in the OR to get everything just right, but IHO was well worth it.

It's ultimately your decision, but I just wanted to be sure that you know that doctors are often very receptive to hearing your thoughts and preferences. Unless mechanical is what YOU want, don't feel that you have to get one just because a doctor said so.

Keep a positive attitude, hang out here lots, and you'll do great!

All the best,

Jane

 

[Greg a]

Hey everyone! i'm going to join this special club called heart surgery on sept 14 and like most i have a thousand questions. I'm having my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical,I'm 53 and was advised to go with the mechanical.First time on this site and as most I'm nervous about this surgery but have found great comfort from all who have had this and talk about their recovery...:eek2:

added to family calendar WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

 

[enkaynj]

twotones82flh
I second Jane's reply to you. Don't just go with what the doctor says without educating yourself about the pros and cons and what is personally best for your lifestyle. I was 50 when I had my AVR and went with a tissue valve and could not be happier. I am pretty sloppy taking drugs in a timely manner and mechanical was theerfore not for me as your blood has to be thin just the right amount from what I hear and you may need monthly visits to the cardio (someone correct me if I am wrong) to ensure that the INR levels are within range.
'That was not for me. Then again, you may be OK with that. I don't mind getting another OHS even if percutaneous is not available in 10 to 15 years. One side benefit of OHS, I lost 12 pounds that I badly needed to
Good luck in making an educated choice that is right for you.

 

[Bina]

twotone82,
Just in case you don't realize.....With a mech valve and taking Coumadin your blood won't be "thin", but you will need to
take one pill daily to keep your blood in a slightly higher range of coagulation as compared to a non valve patient.
This is no big deal for the majority of us.
There are many clinics and doctors successfully testing patient's blood and
adjusting their med dose if needed.
And then there are those of us who choose to have a home monitor and test
our own blood with a small needle stick to our finger tip.

This is just some info meant to calm your fears regarding the decision you have made.
Soon enough you will be on the other side of this mountain and starting a new chapter in your life.
Best wishes.

 

[Eva]

Welcome aboard and good luck with your choice and surgery.