Heather's Guestbook

thanks for much for your recent words they have been a comfort to me.  By the way kind of confused you had AVR?  Isn't this a mechanical valve?  But you decided to go with bovine valve which is not a mechanical valve right?  Whatever words you can share would be great.  Thanks again!

Heather - I had an AVR on 10/6/21 after discovering my bicuspid valve and aortic regurgitation mostly by accident in May of 2021. I had planned for the mechanical valve since that is what the surgeon recommended. I just turned 50 and did not want to be on blood thinners. Even though lots of folks here go that route and do well - I wanted to avoid it if possible. At the last minute - like maybe an hour before surgery - the surgeon said given my concerns we could do a biologic valve and if / when the time comes it needs to be replaced - we can do it through a catheter vs. another big surgery. My relief was immense! I also had a minimally invasive surgery so my surgery was on Wednesday morning and I went home on Friday evening. I was walking 2 miles/day in under 2 weeks and back to work in 3 weeks total. Anyway -- thoughts and prayers are with you. Ask anything! This group is a blessing!

Hi Heather! I have a similar story to yours. I am 55 and had my aortic valve replaced, along with ascending aorta on November 9, 2021. I was also born with a bicuspid valve but didn’t find out until October 2, 2021, five weeks before surgery through an echocardiogram. The CT scan revealed an enlarged ascending aorta, it wasn’t critical but definitely enlarged (which happens with bicuspid valves). My surgeon waited until during surgery to decide to replace it or not. He did replace it because he didn’t want my aorta becoming larger and risk me having to have another surgery. I chose to get a biological valve. I didn’t want to be on blood thinners with the mechanical valve. I have had some issues with Afib after surgery so are on some blood thinners right now to prevent blood clots that can develop with Afib. I can answer any questions you have about post surgery, recovery, whatever you need. You will get through this! You sound like you have a terrific support system at home and that is very important to help with recovery after the hospital. You will get a little stronger each day and you are going to feel so much better when this is behind you! I love the reason you picked your date for surgery, makes it that more special! Delanee Durham