Newbie to the board

[ALCapshaw2]

Matt,
I also was born with a 'leaky' bicuspid aortic valve, and lucky for me, I was 49 before replacement was necessary. However, I was very surprised to learn that I had an aneurysm on my ascending aorta that also needed to be resected. Many with 'leaky' bicuspid aortic valves also have dilated or aneurysmal ascending aortas or later develop aortic aneurysms even after valve replacement. I'm sure you've read about this, but in case you haven't already found a great source of information on this subject, please see the link below to learn more.

www.bicuspidfoundation.com

Also, be sure to ask for a CT scan well ahead of your surgery to determine the current size of your ascending aorta. If above 4cm, replacement of your ascending aorta at the same time as AVR is highly recommended to avoid a second surgery later in life. If this is the case, you may want to find an aortic specialist for your surgeon.

With respect to your ticking question, the tick is annoying for awhile but soon becomes a source of comfort, knowing the heart is functioning.

All my best,
MrP

Mr. P raises a good point, that BAV is often accompanied by Connective Tissue Disorder effects which can lead to future (or present) anneurisms in the Aorta.

The usual tests for this involve a full chest CT or MRI since Echo's and even TEE's do not provide images of the full aorta.

IF you have a connective tissue disorder you would be best served by an Aortic Specialist who could address the Aorta Issues (repair / replace) at the same time as your valve surgery. (See the threads by "Harleygirl" involving her quest for an Aortic Specialist. There was another good one from a couple in California where the husband need extensive Aorta Repair which he received from the 3rd surgeon they interviewed at Stanford University).

One common theme I see on VR.com is the need to find a surgeon with considerable Experience with the Procedure YOU will need, especially for more complex cases (which includes Connective Tissue Disorders and Anneurisms).

I don't know who the Aortic Specialists might be in Alabama. I am impressed with Dr. McGiffin at UAB but never discussed those issues with him.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[harleygirl528]

HI Matt,

Welcome and I am so glad that you found us. This is a wonderful place to final all kinds of support, encouragement and information both before and after surgery.
I am about 5 1/2 weeks post op from aortic valve repair and ascending aortic aneurysm resection. I too have a bicuspid valve and connective tissue disorder. My aneurysm was the primary cause for surgery and the valve was repaired as well, since they were "already in there", so to speak.

You have gotten some really good advice in terms of the correlation between Bicuspid aortic valves and aortic aneurysms. Some estimate a 40-50% chance of those of us with biscuspid valves developing aneurysms as well. Therefore, please be sure and follow the advice of Mr. P and Al Capshaw and get your aorta checked out as well....before surgery!

I searched throughout the country for an aortic specialist and travelled over 1000 miles for my surgery...and I am so thankful that I did. My aneurysm was repaired by a true expert in the field and the procedure that he used removed all of the ascending aorta (even part of the arch) so as not to leave any tissue behind that could cause future aneurysms.

Good luck...I am sure you are going to do well ~ your young age age and general good health are in your favor!

 

[zipper2]

Welcome To Vr

Welcome To Vr

Bramamatt, im kinda newbie also but you will meet very informative
beautful people here. I had an arotic valve replacement due to rhuematic
fever,had the fever at age 16 the surgery at age 31 and today i message
this at the age of 46. Suppose to have a very bad mitral valve,have 3 Drs
letters of different doctors all saying something different as my heart
surgeon and cardiologist both went into teaching now from here and last
i saw them was four years ago so im hunting down Drs presently and have
seen 3 but each storys different and im sitting on this all for awhile.
Best wishes and prayers going out for your comfort next thursday,have
you marked down on list of prayers. Take care glad you found the site.



zipper2

 

[BAMAMATT]

hEY, Matt. Don't know where Celera is, but if it's near the Fl line, we might be neighbors.

Glad to have you aboard. ou having yours done at UAB? Danny from Ga had his done there and he has been happy with it.

Wishing you all good things next Thursday. GODSPEED!

Hensylee,

Calera is about 30 min. south of Birmingham. My surgery is at Trinity (formerly known as Baptist Montclair in Birmingham).

Thanks for the well wishes!

 

[BAMAMATT]

Welcome to the site Matt! I'm a native Alabamian, but live in TN now. I'm 33 years old and just had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 12 days ago. I was healthy otherwise...which will certainly help your recovery! I wish you a successful surgery and keep us posted.

And by the way (from an Auburn grad), War Eagle!

Take care and God Bless!

CH,

Thanks for the well wishes! As far as the War ----- ....not so much! The Dr's will find out tomorrow, I bleed CRIMSON!

 

[BAMAMATT]

Mr. P raises a good point, that BAV is often accompanied by Connective Tissue Disorder effects which can lead to future (or present) anneurisms in the Aorta.

The usual tests for this involve a full chest CT or MRI since Echo's and even TEE's do not provide images of the full aorta.

IF you have a connective tissue disorder you would be best served by an Aortic Specialist who could address the Aorta Issues (repair / replace) at the same time as your valve surgery. (See the threads by "Harleygirl" involving her quest for an Aortic Specialist. There was another good one from a couple in California where the husband need extensive Aorta Repair which he received from the 3rd surgeon they interviewed at Stanford University).

One common theme I see on VR.com is the need to find a surgeon with considerable Experience with the Procedure YOU will need, especially for more complex cases (which includes Connective Tissue Disorders and Anneurisms).

I don't know who the Aortic Specialists might be in Alabama. I am impressed with Dr. McGiffin at UAB but never discussed those issues with him.

'AL Capshaw'

Al,

Thanks for the advice. I did some research on my own regarding connective tissue disease as well as read some different opinions about the correlation between BVD and aoritic anuyrism sp? and aotic dissection. The Dr. addressed my concerns on that front and put my mind at ease! My aorta, root, descending ..... is all of normal size and in good working order!

Thanks again,

Matt

 

[BAMAMATT]

HI Matt,

Welcome and I am so glad that you found us. This is a wonderful place to final all kinds of support, encouragement and information both before and after surgery.
I am about 5 1/2 weeks post op from aortic valve repair and ascending aortic aneurysm resection. I too have a bicuspid valve and connective tissue disorder. My aneurysm was the primary cause for surgery and the valve was repaired as well, since they were "already in there", so to speak.

You have gotten some really good advice in terms of the correlation between Bicuspid aortic valves and aortic aneurysms. Some estimate a 40-50% chance of those of us with biscuspid valves developing aneurysms as well. Therefore, please be sure and follow the advice of Mr. P and Al Capshaw and get your aorta checked out as well....before surgery!

I searched throughout the country for an aortic specialist and travelled over 1000 miles for my surgery...and I am so thankful that I did. My aneurysm was repaired by a true expert in the field and the procedure that he used removed all of the ascending aorta (even part of the arch) so as not to leave any tissue behind that could cause future aneurysms.

Good luck...I am sure you are going to do well ~ your young age age and general good health are in your favor!

Harley,

Thanks for the advice! I spoke with DR. today and all the areas of my aorta are normal in size and in good working order! I am glad that you are doing well and are willing to share your knowledge with those of us who may have otherwise not known to be concerned about aortic issues!

Matt

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Glad to hear you were checked out Matt.

Best Wishes for our surgery and recovery.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[waverlyb2]

Mechanical Valve

Mechanical Valve

I think your choice of a mechanical valve was a good one. I wish I had chose that type of valve for my first Aortic Valve operation. The tissue valve only lasted 6 years. It was replaced with a mechanical valve in 2004.

Best wishes for a fast recovery, and the best of Health in the future.