wendy's Guestbook

wendy smith  Hi Sandy, I am still figuring out this site, so sorry it took me a while to get back to you. At this point I don't feel comfortable giving out my e-mail. If you want to give me yours, or phone, etc. we can correspond from there. Let me know if you have any other suggestions. Thanks Wendy

Sandy Davis  Hi Wendy: I understand completely. We have decided to go with mayo clinic in Rochester. What kind of valve did you go with? That is our big decision now-- my husband is 60 great health and has no symptons. As a nurse how do you feel about blood thinners?

wendy smith  Hi Sandy. I've had family members go to the Mayo Clinic for several different issues, and they have been 110 % extremely satisfied!! I just turned 57 and decided to go with a tissue valve. I also had minimally invasive surgery, which leaves a smaller scar, due to a smaller incision in the sternum, if the physician can get into the area, and perform the repair or replacement. I have approximately a 3 inch scar. My valve was a bicuspid, so I needed a replacement. I was not happy about going on blood thinners the rest of my life. Monthly blood draws, getting the levels just right, etc. I realize my tissue (pig) valve may not last as long as the mechanical valve, but I didn't want to do the blood thinners, or hear the valve clicking in my chest/neck area. Also if I need surgery in the future, there will be new technology, new procedures, etc. I, like your husband had little to no symptoms. Some shortness of breath walking up flights of stairs. My testing with treadmill. echo, EKG, etc. and the doctor explaining the numbers to me, helped me make my decision on surgery, at my age, and before I became sick with symptoms! I really have learned a lot on this site. I wish I had found it before my surgery, unfortunately I didn't get the book, or find the site until after my surgery. All my best to you and your husband. Let me know if I can help. Good Plan + Knowledge = Success Wendy S.