New member /Decision Time

[Gero]

Hi everyone, I have been reading advice and information within this forum for the last three weeks and have found it so informative. I am a 40 year old father of 4 boys (Six and under) and found out only 18 months ago that I was born with a bicuspid valve that has gradually deteriorated. It was found by mistake or should I say by luck! I had absolutely no symptoms although I was feeling very tired which I just put down to the lack of quality sleep and the 4 boys! I was first advised that the valve was leaky and in all reality I would require surgery within 10 years. Twelve months later, the time frame has changed! In January 2002, I was advised that surgery will be required in a six to twelve month period if the rate of decline continues. I am struggling with the type of valve to get and like many of the members, the Coumadin(warfarin) factor. I have only seen a cardioligist at this stage and am I right in assuming that a lot of the decision making will be taken out of your hands after all the pre surgery tests have been performed? Secondly, where did everyone get info about the post op diet assuming warfarin becomes an issue? I am very glad that I stumbled across this site as the experiences of all members is very heartening(no pun intended).

[JimL]

Welcome, Gero, to a wonderful site full of answers! I only have three sons (and one daughter), but they were surely a handful when they were younger.

I asked my surgeon one weak question about pig valves, and went with his recommendation of a St. Jude mechanical.

Coumadin is no big problem; I've seen no side effects from the medicine, except that Red Cross won't let me donate blood any more. Instruction is given in the hospital regarding diet, which seems rather simple. Avoid the dark green leafy vegetables like spinach (which I never liked anyway), green tea and a good number of other things I've never heard of. I found a seventeen-page listing somewhere of all kinds of foods and their vitamin K (the thickening factor) content, which was more helpful than the listing in the little Coumadin booklet I was furnished.

I would encourage you not to delay, but to get the answers you need and make the necessary decisions. My heart was declining for some time before I was correctly diagnosed (no, I did not have bronchitis or pneumonia, as the doctor diagnosed). According to my surgeon, I was cutting it pretty close, even though I had surgery less than two weeks after I was correctly diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

Welcome again, and feel free to ask lots of questions.

[Nancy]

Hi Gero-

Welcome to the site. It's a terrific, caring place to come and everyone here "gets it" as far as this surgery. There is so much information here from patients who have many different types of valves and who are in various stages of pre-op and post-op, plus some wonderful professionals some of whom are patients and significant others who've gone the long mile with their partners.

My husband is the patient, he's had 3 valve surgeries and has 2 mechanical valves (aortic and mitral). He's been on Coumadin for 25 years.

He doesn't have any problems with Coumadin, he eats pretty much what he wants, he doesn't like spinach either and hates broccoli, so in his case I guess the diet gives him a good excuse not to eat those detested things, LOL.

Mechanicals give the longest valve life and that's a good thing because multiple valve surgeries have a whole other set of problems, i.e. scar tissue, adhesions, etc.

Some people don't want the "ticking" sound the mechanicals make, but after a while you won't notice it any more.

We hope to see you here often with questions.You'll get fast and honest answers from people who've experienced a lot.

Good luck with your choice.

[martha]

Hi Gero,

Welcome to the site. I had my surgery at the age of 49. No children to worry about though. Well two cats, they were on my mind. I choose a homograph, that means I only have to take a baby asperin a day. No food restrictions, and I can do any sport I want to. There is allot to think about in trying to decide. Good luck with decission. martha

[hensylee]

Hey Gero - welcome to our place. You have found the best place to be for help in your coming decisions. So many answers and help here. So hang around with us - we are a great bunch of friends. God bless:)

[carbomedic]

Hi Gero,
I understand fully. Since I started a thread called My Selection, I have come to understand the comments about coumiden, no big deal, at least yet. We'll see as our summer comes and I can feel well enough to become active. I always seem to scrape my finger or walk into a wall!
For me, I chose mechanical because I did not want to have another surgery when I was 65.
Yes the clicking was annoying, but you know what, I only notice it now when I think about it.
Whatever you choose, have confidence in your decision, stay positive, and avoid negative influences.
People on this site will pray and pull for you.
carbo

[RobThatsMe]

Hi Gero,

Welcome to the site. Hope you get a wealth of information here to help you make your decision.

I have been on Coumadin for 2 years now, and have not had to make and serious diet changes. The only major thing that effected me, is that I do not eat salads anymore, and avoid green leafy veggies, like spinich, and brocilli. Other than that, I eat and drink what I like.

My INR levels have been extremely stable. It is rare that I go out of my target range.

Looking forward to your participation on the site,

Rob

[Ron K]

Hello Gero,

Welcome to this site. As you already know from reading our posts over the last 3 weeks or so, this is a very helpful and supportive group. You can get a lot of information hear that may help you make the decisions ahead, or at least raise questions that you will want the professionals to answer.

My aortic valve situation was about the same as yours (congenital bicuspid, discovered 5 years ago in a routine physical, asymptomatic, followed by echo cardiograms every 6 months, and told in November after a TEE to schedule surgery within the next 6 months to 1 year.)

I opted for sooner rather than later and had a bovine tissue aortic valve replacement 5 weeks ago.

I'm 59 years old, I didn't want to have to deal with coumadin unless I absolutely had to, and I wasn't too concerned about having to go through another surgery in 15 or 20 years.

I have no regrets about my selection and everything is going fine for me. However, I was prepared to deal with whatever valve I got, since the final decision as to what valve to use is made by the surgeon after he's inside your chest. Everything doesn't always go exactly according to plan.

Discuss your options with your cardiologist and with the surgeon after you have all your tests, but weight the factors that are most important to you as you go along. The test results may limit your choices, but you will still have some options left. If you have a lot of trust in your doctors, you'll consider their recommendations heavily when you make your decision.

An important thing to remember is that no matter what your decision is or what type of valve you ultimately receive, you're going to be fine and you'll be around a lot longer and a lot happier that you would be without the surgery. That's the bottom line. You can deal with ticking, diet restrictions, thoughts about future AVRs, etc. It all comes down to a series of trade-offs, but there probably isn't a bad decision in the bunch. :)

I look forward to seeing many more posts from you in the coming weeks.

Ron K

[Peachy]

Hi Gero

I too had a bicuspid aortic valve. I had my surgery this year at the age of 40 though I had known about it since a child. It's still a surprise when they tell you that it is time for surgery. The only symptoms I had were fatigue and eventually I started to notice that I was becoming breathless doing any sport etc. I chose to have a pig valve as I didn't want to have to take Warfarin for the rest of my life. I know that I face another surgery in 10 to 15 years but hopefully by then there will be something new which will last a lifetime and not require Warfarin. I am now 3 months post op and feel great. I am not on any medication. Was on Warfarin for 8 weeks after my op. The surgeons will tend to sway you in one direction or another depending on what they do most but the final decision is up to you. My surgeon recommended a mechanical but when I asked for a pig valve he was quite happy to do this as long as I understood the implications of further surgery. Anyway good luck with your choice and let us know what you decide.

[sylviayasgur]

hi gero!
welcome to this wonderful site. the folks here are just fantastic and have been a lifesaver to me throughout my husband's pre, during and post surgical experience. it makes such a difference when you are talking to people who have actually "been there".

my husband had a ross procedure (there are several others here too, ben smith, mara, and a few others).
you are young and have many options open to you.
my father had a mechanical valve put in about 3 yrs ago and takes coumadin. as you will probably hear from most coumadin takers, it's not a big deal.it seems it's usually the ones who don't take the coumadin who are so wary of it.

there are so many threads on valve selection and choices (i.e. one started by peter easton last year in july or august. you can find it in either small talk or heart talk_ there are newer ones too).

ron is so very right. you cannot make a wrong choice. whatever your decision, you will end up with a new valve and a healthy "fixed" heart.
please let us know what you decide. we are here to help. glad to have you among us.
be well,
sylvia

[Jan]

Hi Gero,

Welcome to the best heart site around.

I had aortic valve replacement in January and chose a mechanical valve, I did not want to face another surgery (I am 47)

My Inr is a bit up and down and I am still on weekly blood tests
but it is no problem for me.

I hardly notice the ticking

Whatever your choice, you will have a better quality of life

Good luck in making your decision

Jan

[Christina]

Hi Gero,

Welcome to the greatest valvereplacement website on the net. I had two valve surgeries within 11 days in August 2000 and my surgeon choose the St.Jude's Mechanical for me because of my age. I also had NO intensions of doing this surgery ever again, but how wrong I was. Things can go wrong with any surgery and sometimes afterwards. I am on Coumadin. Coumadin is not a real problem once it is stabalized. It can be scary. The only side effect I noticed shortly afterwards was hairloss, but that subsided after a few months. I had to get another doctor who knew what he was doing regarding the monitoring of the Coumadin. Not everyone is an expert in this field, so be careful!
I eat whatever I want in moderation and don't omit green vegies. As a matter effect I eat them every day to keep my diet "stable" and to get about the same amount of vitamin K. If I do not do this my INR will go sky high, which happened the week before last when I was on vacation. I had not been watching my vitamin K intake as closely as usual and my INR went up to 6.1. That same evening I ate a large green salad and the following day had spinach omelet for breakfast. That day INR was 4.8. Still a wee bit high but I was not too worried about this as long as it stays below 5. A low INR makes me very anxious and scared.

Hopes this helps!

Christina
Congenital Aortic Stenosis
AVR's 8/7/00 & 8/18/00
St.Jude's Mechanical

PS. My first valve was a Sultzer Carbomedics and it was loud. With my second the surgeon put a St.Jude's in. I only hear a faint ticking when I am going to sleep and when everything is quiet in the room. I think I got lucky and feel truly blessed!

[Gail in Ca]

I have had the pleasure( kidding) of 2 avr surgeries in 12 years.
My 1st surgeon placed the porcine valve at age 34.
My life was so normal and very wonderful.
After it began to fail 11 years later I was given a mechanical by the surgeon who, when consulted 11 years before, had recommended the mechanical.
So, I can say that I fully enjoyed those yrs without coumadin and the weekly finger sticks to test. I do feel a bit less healthly now, maybe due to 2nd surgery or the fact that I was on deaths door going into that 2nd one.
You and the surgeon must make that final difficult decision. I must admit I always thought that facing a 2nd surgery would be easier but it wasn't.I was actually more upset to find out that my porcine was leaking and sure wanted to postpone that surgery experience again.
Many things to ponder...
Good Luck.
Gail

[BrooksM]

Welcome to the forum, I am in a very similar situation. I'm a 30 yr old father of 4 active boys with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Recently diagnosed with severe insufficiency and a small aortic aneurysm (is that an oxymoron?) Anyway just had a TEE done (echo from within my esophogas) that verified that I need surgery quite soon. I am leaning heavily towards a Ross procedure, possibly with a cryovalve SG. I have been on Coumadin for 6mos and it wasn't a problem but I am still leery of the mechanical. I am hopefull of getting 20 yrs or more out of the Ross procedure and by then who knows what will be available.

Good luck I'm sure you will make the right choice,

Brooks

[ALCapshaw]

Originally posted by Gail in Ca
I have had the pleasure( kidding) of 2 avr surgeries in 12 years.
My 1st surgeon placed the porcine valve at age 34.
My life was so normal and very wonderful.
After it began to fail 11 years later I was given a mechanical by the surgeon who, when consulted 11 years before, had recommended the mechanical.
So, I can say that I fully enjoyed those yrs without coumadin and the weekly finger sticks to test. I do feel a bit less healthly now, maybe due to 2nd surgery or the fact that I was on deaths door going into that 2nd one.
You and the surgeon must make that final difficult decision. I must admit I always thought that facing a 2nd surgery would be easier but it wasn't.I was actually more upset to find out that my porcine was leaking and sure wanted to postpone that surgery experience again.
Many things to ponder...
Good Luck.
Gail

[Jean]

I am totally prejudiced in favor of the homografts of which I have one. Still it is a very personal choice that only you can make with the help of your surgeon. Study all you can and make your decision and then be at peace with it. Good luck and God bless.

[Beverly]

To Gero,

I read your post and I had a congenital bicuspid aortic valve replaced at age 39. I received a St. Judes valve and it has been 12 years since my surgery! I take coumadin and have not had any problems with bleeding. I eat pretty much what I like and my pro-times are done generally once a month now and my dose of coumadin is basically stable. I recall initially being able to hear my valve clicking and I was concerned that others could hear it. In truth I think at first if you are in a very quiet place your valve can be heard but I do think that over time the clicking you would notice it less as I rarely notice it now. I have never had anyone standing near me ask what that noise was. I know that those who don't have a mechanical valve express a concern about this but it really is no big deal. As has been stated the decision of which valve is a very personal one but I'm sure that once you have all the information you will choose the one that is right for your lifestyle.
Good luck.

[Mara]

Gero-

I had a congential bicuspid aortic valve with aortic stenosis and insuffciency, diagnosed at about age 4. I had the Ross Procedure last summer (age 33). There was never any really serious discussion about getting another valve. My cardio suggested the Ross and I researched all I could and that was that. My cardio is my parent's neighbor and I have known him for many years, so I trusted his opinion. I figured what he suggested for me was what he would suggest if it was his kid having the surgery. I knew I did not want a mechanical, but that was for personal reasons. Coumadin seems scary to those of us who don't take it, but the Coumadiners on here have sure changed my opinion of that drug. Everyone seems to be coping just fine. Plus, they get that cool Pro-Time machine.

In this matter; valve selection, there is no right or wrong answer, only the one that best fits you and your situation. Talk with you docs and then you'll know what's best for you. Just as Ron K. said.

Good luck!
-Mara

[Rain]

Gero,

The decision is still yours to make even after all the tests are done. It’s the worst part of this whole surgery thing.

My cardio was sold on a mechanical valve for me. My heart will probably be in a-fib for the rest of my life, so I would be taking the coumadin anyway.

I didn't change my diet at all. I don’t like meat... so I eat a LOT of vegetables, I drink alcohol, my life is stressful at times, I water ski... I’m a rotten heart patient. But the point is.. I’m on coumadin... and it’s not all that bad. If I can say that... surely anyone can! lol AND.. My cardio has promised me there is a ‘new and improved’ drug in the near future to replace coumadin! :)

Rain

[greggo32]

I'm sorry to say the same thing as the rest. I agree with the very judicious manner in which VR members approached your question. You choose and there is NO WRONG ANSWER. Nobody can play both decisions out for you. I had to go with a mechanical (Sulzer Carbomedics valve) as this was my second surgery. My aortic valve was repaired (Cleveland Clinic-Dr. Cosgrove) back in '92. I had the mechanical valve implanted 7 weeks ago. No matter how you cut it (no pun intended) you don't have an easy decision. However, anything can happen with either choice. Make your decision and go to a facility that does a lot (I mean A LOT) of what you have chosen. This way, the odds are in your favor. You need an experienced surgical team. Ask those tough questions and shop around until you are satisfied. I visited Cleveland, NYU, Mt. Sinai (NY), and finally had the surgery close to home at Mt. Sinai in Miami Beach.

Best Wishes................

[tnboomer1013]

I will get straight to heart of the matter:p . I had a congenatal bicuspid aortic valve and no artery on the left side of my heart. Last July I had avr and bypass surgery at Vanderbilt U. When it came time to cut bait or fish so to speak. We my wife and I decided to go with the Ross Pro. If you go this way do a whole lot of research because with these procedures there is learning curve you want a surgeon who has alot of these under his belt. For a few reasons I am only 45 I still have an active life which includes 2 teenage boys, I am in heavy industrial construction and I really didn't want to take a blood thinner the rest of my life. We realized that with the R.P. there was a chance of resurgery in the years to come. But to me the risks out wieghed the negitive. But as was stated in an earlier reply after they get in there things do change. So I now have an erternal clock in my chest, as the RP was not possible. But we went in with a back up plan. I now have a carbomedics valve in there. The jist is do your research talk to doctors make a choice but have a backup plan you never know. I still have a problem with my inr level after a year and the only physical problems I have ever had was a week or two ago my left ear bled during the night. I still do not know why and my doc doesn't either. Yes I can hear the ticking and sometimes it feels like it is in my throat. But I will take the ticking over the alternative. You will get alot of VERY good advice here and a place to bring your concerns. We look forward to hearing your decision.

May God bless and watch over you and your family. :)

[mainframe]

Hi Gero,

To add my comments to every elses, there really is no wrong answer. I had a bicuspid, yada, yada, yada....... I chose to have it fixed before I had many symptoms while I was pretty healthy and in reasonable shape. I could have waited perhaps up to a year, but decided not to.

Your right that some of the tests you may have will determine what valve choice might be right for you. I originally wanted a Ross Procedure, but it was determined that because of some dialation of my arota, the cardio and surgeon decided it wasn't my best option. So I then went to plan B, which was a stentless porcine. Well it turns out during surgery, that the angle of my heart and the way my arteries lined up, the surgeon had to install a bovine valve. Oh well, so much for plan A and plan B. Plan C it was. In any event, I would still encourage you to read the thread Sylvia suggested "Making the Choice" by Peter Easton. Good reading.

Best of luck.

[John & Joann]

Hi Gero,

Welcome to the site. Joann (wife) has had 2 mechanical valves for nearly 31 years. She is the veteran of the forum and may be the longest in North America.

Coumadin has NOT been a problem. We have been in 48 of the 50 states, much of Canada, and many cruises. The valves travel well and the testing is now routine. She really understands it as well as the clinic that tests.

You need to consider the recommendations of your doctor. Age, activity, lifestyles, etc. all go into the decision.

We both like the Carbomedics. Quiet and work very well. Former valves were Starr-Edwards. BIG IMPROVEMENT in 28 years.

[greggo32]

Hi John & Joann,

So nice to hear that Joann is such as success story. 31 years! I think we should give her a Valve Replacement.com prize. Did Joann have the ball-in-cage valve? That was quite an interesting one! Thank God the ball never escaped from the case or she would have had the CAGE-minus-ball valve! I have a carbomedics as well and I am trying to keep up with the carbomedics folks as I have comments about it. I find it to be very, very loud. From talking with other folks, I think that is the consensus. Joann is the exception. Anyway, please write me back at greggo32@aol.com as it would be nice to chat. Be well.

[Christina]

You were mentioning in your message to John and Joanne that your Sultzer Carbomedics valve is so loud. Greg, that was my opinion when I received the Sultzer Carbomedics as my first valve.
When I needed a redo 11 days later my doctor changed brands and implanted a St.Jude's instead. I had no idea about valves and just trusted my surgeon what hetold me, but when I woke up from the second surgery, the first thing I noticed when I sat up was that the St.Jude's was quiet. It did not bother me at all and hasn't since.

Christina
Congenital Aortic Stenosis
AVR's 8/7/00 & 8/18/00
St.Jude's Mechanical

[greggo32]

Christina,

I forget what even happened that led to you needed another surgery 11 days later. Please remind me.

Truly,

[Christina]

Greg,

The reason my surgery needed to be redone was because I got a blood clot underneath the valve. Too low INR (1.4) The surgeon decided when he got in there again that the Sultzer Carbomedics that he had put in was too big (21mm) and he replaced it with a smaller size (19mm) St.Jude's.
Read all the details in my personal story in the personal story section.

Christina
Congenital Aortic Stenosis
AVR's 8/7/00 & 8/18/00
St. Jude's Mechanical

[greggo32]

Dear Christina,

Thanks for telling me what happened. I will read your personal story. It's nice to get a letter from the author.........

Take care,

Greg

*noisy, noisy carbomedics valve

[ddarsch]

Gero:

I am a 44 year old male who had a porcine valve replacement in 1991. The valve has now started to deteriorate and it is time for the second decision. As I understand it, the Ross procedure is only applicable for those with an Aortic valve problem - and with a mitral, I did not have the choice.

Anyway, the last 11 years of my life were the best that I have every had - I am delighted with my choice for a porcine. I am now thinking strongly of doing another biological (bovine this time).

I am available anytime to chat via e-mail or phone.

Relax, either choice is a good one

[Zipper#5]

Gero- I don't know whether you have made your decision or not but my advise is to read up on the different types and listen to your doctors. Everyone is different and it depends on your age, lifestyle, etc. I'm presently looking at my 5th open heart having had three by age 12 to correct congenital defects. Had a bovine valve inserted as a result of endocarditis two yrs ago and it started leaking right away.
Imagine my surprise to learn that this thing that was to last 10-15 yrs didn't make it to it's 1 yr anniversay! My doc and I are at a standstill now for they insist on a mechanical and I want another bovine (lightning couldn't strike twice- right?) Anyway the point I want to make is that although I am not looking forward to another surgery, compared to the surgeries I had as a child-it was easy. When I tell my early surgery stories to the docs and residents, they look at me like I'm from another planet- so foreign are past methodology. Technology changes so rapidly now, that ten yrs from now heart surgery will be so much improved, including the recoup period. I know from experience it will! Focus on the present surgery and your decision will fall into place. Best of luck!

Maureen
ACHD, PDA, AS, VSD, Pacemaker, Bovine valve

[ddarsch]

Maureen:

Five open heart surgeries and still leaning toward bovine, you are incredible. Sorry to hear about the less-than-success with the recent bovine implant :<(

I live in Barcelona and am talking with THE mitral valve specialist in Europe. Based upon my life styel, he told me that he would recommend a bovine for my second (thus there will be a third operation). He told me that he has put a porcine/bovine in come people three times, and sometimes even a forth.

[ALCapshaw]

Maureeen,

Did anyone offer an explanation of why your Bovine Pericardial Valve was leaking? If not, you may want to obtain a copy of the Lab Report to see what was found.

You may also want to ask your surgeon if he thinks he (or any other surgeon) would be able to place yet another valve when the time comes. It is my understanding they would need some 'good' tissue to sew into. This becomes more and more difficult with each successive valve.

Best wishes,

'AL'

[Zipper#5]

Thanks for your note! how are things in Spain? It must be that you are so young that you wil lneed so many replacements. In the states- they like the mechanical valve to avoid all the surgery repeats. You had your first valve surgery young- wow! Not fun!! Ugh!! Best of luck! Maureen :)

[ddarsch]

Maureen:

Spain/Barcelona is an incredible place, I moved there for a couple of months in August 1998, and never came back. I had my first procedure at Fairfax Hospital in Virginia in Nov 1991 (I was 34). So, after 11 years, I will do it again at 45.

I am in the States, are you available next week for a chat on the phone? You can send me an e-mail directly (ddarsch@aol.com).

Stay positive

[Zipper#5]

Prefer to use email Is there something in particular you need to know that you don't want to use this format? Use the private message (PM) no else can read it. Maureen

[ddarsch]

Maureen:

This medium is fine if this is what you prefer. In the prior response, I had indicated the possibility of a phone call as I am in the States - no six hour time zone difference.

Did the docs give you an explanation on the cause of the leak of the bovine?

Dave

[gary48]

Like every body out there I believe there is no wrong choice-in that age, personal preference and all the other factors make it a personal choice-in addition to hearing such positive reports on all sides-it is a win-win situation-once you make a choice -make sure your physician of choice is well versed on the procedure and is behind your choice--Dr. Deeb at U of M is a firm believer in tissue valves-fortunately my aorta was dialated and my valve was spared (Trauma induced anuerysm-car accident) I wanted a tissue valve (47 years old)-I am a runner-and suprisingly -there are several runners-some marathoners with artificial valves-so it wasn't an easy decision-making contigiencies for what type of valve I would have gotten.

[bobm193]

I am a new member too and need my Aortic valve replaced soon. I am leaning toward the Ross procedure also. At 43 i do not want Coumadin and i don't want to have a reop as with pig or cow valves. There is different opinions on the Ross and how long the valves actually last. My original cardiologist and the surgeon he sent me to do not believe in it and advised against it. They said there is more risk due to 2 valve operation and complexity and pump time. Also, they said the chances are one of the valves will need to be replaced anyway. Despite their opinion i saw Dr. Steltzer in NY at Beth Israel Hospital and liked his results with the Ross.

I don't think i will ever be sure which is the best option (and i have been thinking and researching for over a month) but i have a cardiac cath scheduled for next wednesday and i need to decide by then what to do.

I would appreciate any help anyone can give on choices also.

Bob

[ddarsch]

Bob:

I am a mitral valve guy (replaced with a porcine in Nov 1991), so I cannot provide any insight into the Ross procedure. I can however, tell you that having a porcine for 11 years has been a wonderful dream. I have never thought about heart problems, and aside from seeing the scar, I never had an impact on my lifestyle. I have been told that in 2003 it may need to be replaced, but I have never regreted my decision.

Remember, whatever decision you make is the correct decision, and good luck with the test next week

[gary48]

I have read good and bad about this procedure-There was a proffessional fooball player Jesse Sapolou (linemean) who had the Ross procedure and continued his football career. I have read a lot about the the long term durability of tissue valves being related to exercise and healthy lifestyle also.

[Gail in Ca]

If my 2nd avr had been my 1st, the cardiologist and surgeon would've recommended the Ross procedure. But, alas, it was my 2nd, and the cardiologist didn't want me to undergo a 3rd avr, so I had mechanical at 47. I'm with Dave in Spain that my life with porcine was so normal and wonderful that I didn't even think about having a different valve much, only when contemplating the scar, which was minimal. But I got just 11 years with it. Now, after the mechanical, my scar is inches longer and somewhat wider at the top, but I am past caring about people seeing it. I'm kind of proud that I have been thru 2 surgeries and have resumed my life.
I think I will only stop hearing the clicking at night when I have started to lose my hearing in old age.
Or maybe I should sit directly in front of the trumpets in the wind band I perform with and it will happen sooner, Ha Ha!!! So, it all comes down to whether or not you want to deal with a 2nd surgery later, ( and it is harder facing it than you would think, and I am good at handling stress and pain). I think I am a bit more depressed now when thinking about this mechanical valve, but what choice did I have? My every day life has returned to the way it was, exercising, walking the dog, gardening, taking trips,cooking cleaning etc, but I always have this nagging feeling that I am not the same and never will be.
Gail

[gary48]

Forget about it----I e-mail o couple of people who have run marathons with artificial valves.....keep exercising!!!!

[ddarsch]

Gail:

I have had some of the thoughts that you have shared . . . about not being the same, and never to be so, but everytime I look at my scar in the mirror, I think about the other option (and I prefer to be here with my son and my wife.)

[Zipper#5]

Gail, I know how you feel about not being the same. Four years ago this month I was in Home Depot looking at lighting with my brother when I dropped like a rock onto the concrete floor. The electrical circutry in my heart completely blocked. Here I am now with a dual pacemaker and a replaced aortic valve, which needs replacement again, that will be my fifth open heart surgery for me. But dispite all that I feel good and remember that each day is a gift. So we have a few mechanical and articifial devices in us-they keep us going. I tell people-I've been dead and it ain't no fun. I'm back playing golf, and getting back into bike riding. I went a period of depression, and thought life would never be the same. Once I accepted that it wouldn't, I realized that change isn't always so bad. So I can't do everything like before, but at 45 it's ok. I just do it differently now. Hang in there!

[Zipper#5]

P.S. You should see my scars-One of my surgeries I had 180 stitches! Open heart surgery has come such a long way! My last surgery scar is half what the previous one was. I never used to wear low cut blouses until last year when I met another adult female the same scar. She never let it stand in her way. I liked her attitude.

[Rain]

I still wear the same clothes I always have. And most of them show my scar. It's now part of me and I'm not ashamed of it.

Life is forever changed with a mechanical valve.... but I think it is now matter what valve you choose.