Valve type

[Michael Hg]

Thanks very much for your support is great to know that people so far away care for you. Now I was asked to decide if I am going to have biological valve or artificial one. The surgon explained to me the advantages and disandvantages of each type and i am going to discuss it with my personal doctor. Any suggestion? (I am thinking about biological because i think the riskof taking the blood thinners is greater than the risk of a new operation in 15 to 20 years and with the progrees in medicine most probably they will change valve by using cath). Lovely weekentd to all in Cyprus it is cold but we have nice sunshine it is 11.00am.

 

[PapaHappyStar]

Hi Michael,

Since you have some time to decide on your choice, it is probably best not to bias yourself to either side of the valve spectrum before hearing both sides of the argument. Many of us here have made the decision to chose one side or the other -- sometimes after quite a bit of deliberation and study which makes us "psuedo" experts ( probably no worse than the real ones ... but "pseudo" nevertheless ).

I chose a biological valve since I wasnt convinced before surgery that mechanical valves are hazard and re-op free at my age (32). If I hadnt had the Ross Procedure though I would have gone with the St. Judes Mechanical Valve ( surgeons backup which I agreed to ).

Your reasons for leaning toward tissue are fairly sound in my opinion -- under around 40 though tissue valves might not last as long as the quoted average. If your heart is not in relatively good shape it would be good to get a few medical ( preferably surgical ) opinions on what your chances are if you have repeat surgery.

Regards,
Burair

 

[Ross]

(I am thinking about biological because i think the riskof taking the blood thinners is greater than the risk of a new operation in 15 to 20 years and with the progrees in medicine most probably they will change valve by using cath).

Michael it's really a personal choice. For what it's worth, I'm for anything that is going to hopefully keep you off the table after one time. Repeat surgeries are much more dangerous then taking Coumadin for a mechanical valve. Whatever you choose, choose it on todays conditions. Don't expect technology to make any huge changes in the near future. Lets just say that you cannot rely on that as a deciding factor.

Every new person that comes in says the same thing. Someone is misinforming people about the use of Coumadin. We've heard all kinds of horror stories as told by the medical profession and others, that are absolutely untrue. May I suggest that you also study the drug Coumadin as part of your selection process. You can get a wealth of info from Mr. Lodwicks site at www.warfarinfo.com and there are many good links in the reference resource section under must have links.
Coumadin gets a bad rap and it's mostly all uncalled for. RCB just celebrated 45 years of being on the stuff, that should say something!

 

[Karen7]

Hi Michael,

Welcome! It's amazing how you can chat with friends across the world on one of these sites!

I just had my aortic valve replaced. My mother works in a pharmacy and has seen horrible things happen to people on thinners. So I knew I would have a tissue valve and I wouldn't let anyone tell me otherwise.

Skip forward a couple of months to the night before my surgery. I had just had a pre-op cardiac MRI. My surgeon looked at it, and called me from home to say that I REALLY ought to reconsider my choice. When I talked about the technical advances of the future, he said I should consider that my age (30's) is a reason to look the 15-20 year tissue valve lifespan in the face and realize that if it would last less time for anyone, I might be the one. Also, the nature of my aneurysm was going to make some scarring that could complicate a future surgery (but I don't think you have that.)

If I was married to an easy-going type, I might have still gone tissue. My husband was a basket case before the surgery. So was my mom. She works at a hospital in inner city Baltimore. And it turned out the horror stories she told me about warfarin involved street people -- people who don't eat regularly or have a place to sleep, who are addicted to , don't know what time it is or see their doctors regularly.

I have been on thinners for a month now. I can honestly say that it's been similar to taking a daily vitamin except that now, someone checks to make sure my "vitamin" is working.

I don't think in this day and age you can make a bad choice if you're fully informed before you make it. All the tissue valvers on this site seem happy. Even though I chose a mechanical valve, I'm happy too.

 

[Kate]

Dear Michael,
As Ross said, this is a very personal choice and many people have strong opinions one way or the other (if you do a search of valve choice on past threads, you'll see how heated it can become!) I went with a biological valve, but I definitely don't think that's the right choice for everyone. I think you really need to consider your age, other health concerns (if any), personality, lifestyle and the experience of the surgeon you will be working with. I'm 38, otherwise very healthy, hate daily routine, like to drink beer and had the geographical luck to live only 4 hours from one of the best heart hospitals in the world. As a result, I chose a stented bovine valve and will take my chances on another surgery in 8 - 10 years (like Ross, I agree that it's best not to bank on major surgical advances radically changing the valve options within the next 15 years.) However, if I'd been a few years younger or living somewhere else, I probably would have gone mechanical. Read all the information you can get, take some time to reflect on yourself and your life, and I'm sure you'll come up with the right decision for you. Best of luck, Kate

 

[Curtsmum]

my heart goes out to you.We have been told already that my sons will be mechanical, all thow this will come with complications because he is so young, iam glad in a way that i don't have to make a choice because im sure it would drive me mad. Best of luck with your decition, i'm sure you will make the right choice for you , all the best Paula x

 

[Sherrylynn41]

Hi Michael. I thought I had made the right decision when I chose the biological valve the first time, I didn't want to be saddled with taking Coumadin all my life, however, that type valve did not work for me. I had a second surgery 1 year later and now have a St Judes mechanical valve. Seems to be working well and the coumadin deal is only a hassel when I can't figure out what I have eaten or drank that would make my blood thicken. I can only suggest you get you hands of everything you can read about the valves, it is an important decision.

Best of luck
Sherry

 

[Arc_Weld]

Valve Types

Valve Types

Hello:
For what its worth, I joined this fourm about two months ago.
I found out at age 38 that my aortic vavle was severly leaking.
We all face the same choices... mechanical, tissue, or ross.

Anyhow... I choose a St. Jude's mechanical.
It was installed on Oct. 6th, 2005.... 3.5 hrs on the table.

I take coumidin every day.... 2.5 mg.
The doctors are still adjusting my dosage amounts.

I can't tell any difference so far of being on it.
I've nicked my fingers, hit my had on the door trim... but so
far no major difference...but everyone is different.

I wish you luck.

 

[ddarsch]

Two time mitral valve replacement with porcine

Two time mitral valve replacement with porcine

Michael:

As the others have said, it is a personal choice, and whatever choice you make will be the right one for you.

I had to make my first decision in 1991 (when I was 34) and chose a porcine valve. In 2003, as the valve had deteriorated, I chose a porcine mitral valve again. While I am not sure what I will do when/if the third decision is required, I am very very happy with the decisions that I have made. I continue to drive my motorcycle (both here in Barcelona and when I am in the USA), I am an active scuba diver, and I love to hike in the mountains.

Remember, it is nice to be able to be able to make the decision.

Warm regards, Dave

 

[Michael Hg]

Valve choice

Valve choice

Following very carefull consederation and exhange of views with my doctors I chose a technical valve mostly because of my age. Surgery is due on Monday the 28th and prayers are most welcome. Thanks all for your advice, wishes
and prayers. Hopefuly I will post again the week beginning 4th of December. God bless all of you .

 

[Kate]

Michael,
Congratulations on making your decision! I think that was the hardest part of this whole process for me. Now you can just relax and prepare for the big day. I'll hold you in my prayers on the 28th, and we'll look forward to hearing how everything went early in December. Take care, Kate

 

[susieq14]

Michael,

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers on the 28th. I wish you peace as you prepare for surgery and as you recover from your surgery. Godspeed!

 

[tobagotwo]

It helps to know your age, as that can be important to choosing a valve. You don't want to set yourself up for too many reops.

Best wishes,

 

[ddarsch]

My thoughts are with you

My thoughts are with you

Michael:

The most difficult thing is making the decision - you have solicted input and guidance and made a great choice.

My thought are with you over the weekend to help relax you mind, and as well with you on Monday.

I am looking forward to hearing back from you.

Take care Dave