Scott's Guestbook

Deena Z  Wow, Scott that is awesome.  Already out of the ICU and lucid enough and kind enough to tell us you are doing well!!  Such a great feeling to have it over.  You will find you get remarkably stronger every day, especially, the first weeks. Godspeed.

Sue Lee  Scott - maybe you should also ask about the Inspiris Resilia valve and whether minimally invasive is possible. I’d clarify what they mean by minimally invasive 

Scott Courson  Thank you Barry.  I had a follow up with my cardiologist today and am feeling some better about the situation.  Waiting on call from surgeon in Miami to get valve replacement scheduled.  Sue they are going to do it minimally invasive but good point on clarifying that that means. :) 

Scott Courson  Thank you Rose.  The more I read the more frustrated I become.  Many studies seem to contradict each other.  And many mention bio valves and mechanical valves have similar outcomes when used for aortic valve replacement.  And then alot of the studies looking at the life of the bio valve are older studies. Thank you for the support! This is a difficult process. :) 

Barry Brasseaux  Scott, I have had a
mechanical St. Jude valve for over 35 years and have been on blood
thinners.  My mechanical valve has been a work horse for all these years
with no issues.  It just keeps doing its job keeping me healthy.  The
key with blood thinners is to stay consistent with your diet.  If you like
eating dark leafy vegetables then stay consistent with eating them and your
warfarin dosage can be easily adjusted.  I have a portable INR blood testing
kit, that helps me monitor my INR.  You may not be able to
parachute out of an airplane or ski on the most dangerous slopes but you will
have a valve that will last many years and managing Warfarin just takes some patience.  Please let me know if you have any other questions.  I know it is a difficult decision.

Marie Myers  Valve choice is a really tough decision to make. I feel for you, because I know I went back and forth for weeks. I do have a friend who celebrated his 40th anniversary with a mechanical  valve, and my nursing school roommate has had her mechanical valve for almost 30 years now. 

Scott Courson  Thank you so much Barry the more I read about successful mechanical valves and the really young people that have grown up with them the better I feel. I have seen lots of good things about the St. Jude's valve. It's just hopeful to hear that thank you so much!

Scott Courson  Thank you Marie! I love hearing those success stories I am feeling more hopeful today than a few days ago!

DeLois Tweedy  Welcome, Scott!  Glad you've found this wonderful site. Let us know about your journey when you are ready.