quick choice

[Sussman7]

I had two days to make my choice of valve, Friday to Monday. I think I read this site for 48 straight hours! Prior to surgery I was playing competitive basketball and tennis 2-3 times a week. I am 47 and I have five young and of course active children. I polled the 6 cardiologists I knew personally and they were split down the middle on the type. My cardiologist strongly favored the mechanical, the surgeon would not give his opinion. He has a replacement as well so I was tempted to say give me what you got. I did decide on the St. Jude mechanical with longevity being the major decisive factor. I'm 11 weeks out of surgery and have casualy kicked the soccer ball, shot baskets and thrown the baseball with my kids. We also have riden bikes and scooters. I haven't thought too much about playing with my buddies I just want to heal and be around for my children and wife.

 

[hensylee]

Mornin, Suss. Sounds like you had a busy 48 hrs of preparation, but I bet you learned much more than the doctors told you, about many things regarding your surgery. Nice to know that you are healing successfully and getting your life back. It was an awesome journey, wasn't it. Just let the healing take its own time. Wear your scar proudly. It means life. Thanks for letting us know. Blessins.......

 

[EVELYN]

Hello Sussman

Congratulations on your successful surgery. My husband, Tyuce, also opted for the mechanical at age 59. His philosophy was that if he could possibly avoid another surgery, that was the way he wanted to go. We have NEVER looked back. The coumadin has not been an issue, either. We do self monitoring, which is wonderful, sine we travel alot. You'll be out playing basketball again soon, but most importantly, you 'll be there for your family.

Much success in recovery.

Evelyn

 

[T-Money]

I'm with you

I'm with you

Sussman7,
I went the same direction you did and I'm 32. You're still young. Why put yourself at greater risk for another OHS if you don't have to? There have been a couple of recent posts talking about how the biological valves are doing as well as the mechanical, but you had to have your surgery today, not tomorrow. If I had to have my surgery 3 years from now, I may have made a different decision. However, I had to have mine in April of this year and my common sense told me to minimize my risk of future OHS. The Warfarin has not been that bad either. I fully intend to get back to playing full court basketball with a rather rough group of ball players myself. Although, I have ruled out ultimate fighting, boxing, and knife juggling. Everyone has a different opinion on the valve choices and no one opinion is better than another. I just happen to agree with you on your decision. I hope all is well.

 

[Karlynn]

I have a St. Jude as well. As I've said many times here, it got me through years of my children's sporting and academic events, high school graduations and college trips without having an interruption for another OHS and the recovery it involves.

Best wishes!

 

[Superbob]

Making the Choice

Making the Choice

Sussman,

I have a tissue valve and I'm happy with my choice, but it sounds like you made a wise choice for you. Age is a factor -- I'm in my mid-60s. A lot of these new tissue valves are lasting longer and longer for we older folks, but not much doubt mechanical offers longer span for younger folks.

Sounds like you did a lot of reading and reasoning, though you had just a weekend to do it. It's a tough decision. But now you can be secure in the chioice you have made.

All best wishes to you,

Bob