Ana's Guestbook
Aortic Regurgitation, Joined January 26, 2024
Aortic Regurgitation
Joined January 26, 2024
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I am from: New Orleans , Louisiana
Aortic Regurgitation, Joined January 26, 2024
Aortic Regurgitation
Joined January 26, 2024
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I read your story and it seems very similar to mine. I’ve met with two surgeons that tell me because of the size of my ascending aorta, ...Read more
I read your story and it seems very similar to mine. I’ve met with two surgeons that tell me because of the size of my ascending aorta, 4.9cm, that I need to have this surgery in the next couple months. I’ve also been struggling with the aortic bicuspid valve replacement valve options. My father had this done at age 38 and had a porcine aortic valve replacement. It lasted 15 years and he had his 2nd OHS and had the same valve two more times. I’ve ruled out mechanical valve because I’m active in my job and other activities. I also do not want to be on blood thinners for the rest of my life. I’m leaning towards this new bovine treated valve that I think someone else mentioned on your thread. They’re predicting 15-20 years but only have been doing it for 7 years so the long term data of this treated valve is not there yet.
As far as procedure types both surgeons recommend the Bental procedure but did mention the Ross was an option. The way the last surgeon explained the Bental surgery to me was that they would try to repair my own valve it based on how much calcification was on the leaflets. If not they would have the bovine valve stitched into prosthetic aorta from root to arch. He mentioned how they’re stitching it in just above the LV so that the next replacement should be through the femoral artery (TAVR)? I would look into and ask surgeons about the Bental procedure if the Ross does feel right in your gut for you . Excuse my lack of knowledge on a lot of these procedures and valves but this is very knew to me as well .
I also just found out about an anti oxidant anti calcification heart friendly regiment of hawthorn tea and supplements like vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 helped a guy reverse some of his diagnosis with regurgitation. Look up Alexander on my feed . Interesting story .
All the best in your decisions
This January it progressed to severe so I chose to meet with a surgeon to see what my options would be. At that time I only knew about the valve and I was hoping it could be fixed with a minimally invasive procedure. The first surgeon ordered a CT and found the aneurysm. I was pretty shocked and kept feeling like a ticking time bomb.
Both surgeons told me full sternotomy is my only option :/ Obviously I’m not looking forward to that so I have decided to wait as long as safely possible. My aneurysm is a bit smaller 40.17mm by 40.9mm. I’m hoping I can monitor it every 6 months and see how it goes.
I did see Alex’s story. In fact I asked him what he was taking and ordered the same supplements and the tea. I’m giving the ‘Alex method’ a shot. I don’t think I can dodge the surgery for long but if I can wait a year or 2 that would be fantastic.
It is very encouraging that your father’s valve lasted 15 years and he was about my age when he had it fixed the first time.
... Read more
This January it progressed to severe so I chose to meet with a surgeon to see what my options would be. At that time I only knew about the valve and I was hoping it could be fixed with a minimally invasive procedure. The first surgeon ordered a CT and found the aneurysm. I was pretty shocked and kept feeling like a ticking time bomb.
Both surgeons told me full sternotomy is my only option :/ Obviously I’m not looking forward to that so I have decided to wait as long as safely possible. My aneurysm is a bit smaller 40.17mm by 40.9mm. I’m hoping I can monitor it every 6 months and see how it goes.
I did see Alex’s story. In fact I asked him what he was taking and ordered the same supplements and the tea. I’m giving the ‘Alex method’ a shot. I don’t think I can dodge the surgery for long but if I can wait a year or 2 that would be fantastic.
It is very encouraging that your father’s valve lasted 15 years and he was about my age when he had it fixed the first time.
Many people keep telling me that bio valves don’t last long but I think ultimately it’s luck of the draw.
My procedure will be a variation of Bentall - I’ll need a valve replacement and part of the root / the surgeons disagree on whether or not the hemi arch needs replacement.
In your case they might be able to repair the valve so that’s good. Mine has stenosis and regurgitation so it cannot be repaired - it must be replaced. Honestly I’m not scared of the heart surgery itself I’m just really not looking forward to the sternotomy :/ and the scar.
Since there’s nothing I can do to change it I’m trying to accept it. I’m also trying not to think about it too much so I can enjoy life : )