Mark's Guestbook

Hi Mark, thanks for your encouragement. This whole experience is kind of overwhelming and scary and it helps to hear others have gotten through it. I hope you have continued good health! 

Hey, Mark. Im a Strongsville police officer and had same exact surgery, with Dr. Roselli. I opted for tissue and went back to full duty after about 12 weeks. My nephew is a Cleveland fireman who went with mechanical recently (lucky family, I know). He is back to full duty as well as HIPPA laws restrict employers from inquiring, i guess. Whether it's a good idea or not, I dont know lol. Let me know if you need any questions answered . Best of luck, youll be fine.

Mark, I am 5 weeks post op from a mini-AVR. I had to make the choice as well. I work with a NPO and I travel often to the developing world where medical support is slim and I often can't regulate my diet. I made the tough choice to go with a tissue valve because the INR regulation and the chances of an accident overseas where I don't have the support of a we equipped medical team was a chance I didn't want to take.

My surgeon went with the INSPIRIS RESILIA bio valve from Edwards Lifesciences. This bio valve is designed to have a longer lifespan and is also made to expand for valve in valve if it lasts long enough for me to be a candidate for that procedure. I'm 44 this month.

I am kinda with Tatjana, we have come so far in the last 10 years with medical science. I know if I can make it 10-20 years on this valve my options will only be more robust in the future.

Go with your gut - you won't make the wrong decision.

Grace & Peace

https://www.edwards.com/healthcare-professionals/products-services/surgical-heart/inspiris-resilia

Hi Mark, I had my aortic valve replaced with a biological valve and my aneurysm repaired along with a maze procedure and a left atrium clip back in January. I did a lot of research and choose a doctor who specializes in the Ross procedure. I was not a candidate because of my age 72. But I’m very active as a cyclist and do get scraped up from time to time. I didn’t want to be on blood thinners and that’s why the mechanical valve was not an option. If I were your age and in your profession I would opt for the Ross if you’re a candidate. You’re in a great hospital I’m surprised it wasn’t discussed. 

Hi Mark.  I have been on Warfarin for over 35 years.  I had a St. Jude valve inserted to replace my bicuspid aortic valve in 1988 at Hopkins and aortic aneurysm repair in 2017 again at Hopkins.  My mechanical valve is a workhorse with no issues.  You won't be jumping out of airplanes and snow skiing down dangerous slopes but you will have a long happy life with out the worry about replacing your valve down the road.  I am very active and it has not inhibited my life at all.  Let me know if have any additional questions.  I will be happy to answer.  I know it can be a difficult decision.  Barry

Hi Mark, I didn’t have to make that choice bc my valve was repaired but understand the dilemma you have at your age. I only wanted to say that technology and medicine are advancing and that in 15 ys there may be new solutions so you would not necessarily have that many surgeries even if you opt for a biological valve. A rather vague statement, I know.

Either way, best luck with your surgery and recovery!

Hi Mark, thank you for sharing your story!  I’m 33, I have a daughter (5) + 2 bonus kids (19 and 15). I am a mechanic, and chose the Ross procedure. The main reason for me was I did not want to be on blood thinners.  the Ross uses two biological valves. It is a more complex surgery, because you have to mess with two valves.. but for me, quality of life was the most important thing.  I recommend looking into it to see if you are a candidate or not, it’s worth a shot! 

If you have any questions at all, please shoot me a message, or you can email me: 1cleanfg@gmail.com