When I found this site about 7 years ago my favorite pastime was to read through as many stories as I possibly could. Without doubt it has been the biggest help to me over the years as I wait and plan for what will eventually come. A plain old aortic valve replacement I hope. I read that description in another thread recently and I found it quite amusing. As conditions and procedures go it’s probably the best case. I think. I’m not usually one for online forums but I have taken a lot from here over the years and maybe some nugget of information in this story will help another in future.
Initially I had injured my back and was at my GP to investigate a slight shortness of breath. He heard the murmur and sent me on to my cardiologist. My back healed and my breathing returned to normal. Bicuspid valve, some regurgitation and some stenosis. Usual workup, standard echo, CT, Carotid scan, TEE, bloods. Initially 6 month checks quickly settling into annual check ups. My ejection fraction has always been greater than 65 and valve area of 1.2cm approx. Pressure gradient was never mention in my earlier reports, regardless I was oblivious of its significance initially.
As I was in my early thirties at the time, he said it would be a mechanical valve should we need to do it in the next few years. After spending time here and considering the options it’s not even a decision for me to make. I’m so perfectly comfortable with the idea of a mechanical valve. Yes I keep an eye on the new technologies coming our way. Polymer valves sound interesting but they would need a lot of clinical data behind them before I’d be convinced. Tri-leaflet mech valves are also intriguing but seem slow to progress. All of the options to reduce coagulation with some modern mech valves are of zero interest. I feel I have an understanding of the AC therapy and reducing it marginally doesn’t have enough upside for me. That level of comfort with AC therapy is completely down to this site. It will not be the last time but I thank you all. I had come to the conclusion that the ON-X valve was best option, for quietness and to protect against pannus ingrowth. Most modern mech valves will do the job I’m sure. I will not reduce AC on an ON-X valve. I will monitor INR weekly regardless.
So I’m about 8 years into the monitoring phase but I feel things are changing. The mind games that go with a slowly degrading valve. Hilarious at times, stress inducing at others. I’ve started experiencing a slight light headedness. Not always but it comes and goes. Have never suffered from headaches at all but these have also become a nearly daily occurrence. I’m generally fit and try train a few times per week. There is a slight performance reduction there to. My peak pressure across the valve mid year was 65mmHg so that has my attention as it's my highest ever. Have scheduled a TEE before the end of the year and think it will be time for a more detailed chat with my cardiologist. The progression of the disease has always been very interesting but at the same time very difficult to judge. We will all progress at our own rate. So I shall try document things here. The changes in my symptoms and the changes in my results. Not that they will be the same as yours. Information has helped me to understand this and I hope reading this may help another.
P
Initially I had injured my back and was at my GP to investigate a slight shortness of breath. He heard the murmur and sent me on to my cardiologist. My back healed and my breathing returned to normal. Bicuspid valve, some regurgitation and some stenosis. Usual workup, standard echo, CT, Carotid scan, TEE, bloods. Initially 6 month checks quickly settling into annual check ups. My ejection fraction has always been greater than 65 and valve area of 1.2cm approx. Pressure gradient was never mention in my earlier reports, regardless I was oblivious of its significance initially.
As I was in my early thirties at the time, he said it would be a mechanical valve should we need to do it in the next few years. After spending time here and considering the options it’s not even a decision for me to make. I’m so perfectly comfortable with the idea of a mechanical valve. Yes I keep an eye on the new technologies coming our way. Polymer valves sound interesting but they would need a lot of clinical data behind them before I’d be convinced. Tri-leaflet mech valves are also intriguing but seem slow to progress. All of the options to reduce coagulation with some modern mech valves are of zero interest. I feel I have an understanding of the AC therapy and reducing it marginally doesn’t have enough upside for me. That level of comfort with AC therapy is completely down to this site. It will not be the last time but I thank you all. I had come to the conclusion that the ON-X valve was best option, for quietness and to protect against pannus ingrowth. Most modern mech valves will do the job I’m sure. I will not reduce AC on an ON-X valve. I will monitor INR weekly regardless.
So I’m about 8 years into the monitoring phase but I feel things are changing. The mind games that go with a slowly degrading valve. Hilarious at times, stress inducing at others. I’ve started experiencing a slight light headedness. Not always but it comes and goes. Have never suffered from headaches at all but these have also become a nearly daily occurrence. I’m generally fit and try train a few times per week. There is a slight performance reduction there to. My peak pressure across the valve mid year was 65mmHg so that has my attention as it's my highest ever. Have scheduled a TEE before the end of the year and think it will be time for a more detailed chat with my cardiologist. The progression of the disease has always been very interesting but at the same time very difficult to judge. We will all progress at our own rate. So I shall try document things here. The changes in my symptoms and the changes in my results. Not that they will be the same as yours. Information has helped me to understand this and I hope reading this may help another.
P
Glad you have done your research and are keeping up to date on the progression and status of your valve. Knowledge is power. 
