Carolyn's Photos

Been almost 1 weeks since my TAVR to replace my severely stenotic Edwards bovine prosthetic aortic heart valve. I posted recently that I was able to have two kids. About 1 year ago I noticed increasingly worsening symptoms, short of breath, chest pain etc.

Having had both SAVR and TAVR I would highly recommend TAVR. My hospital stay was relatively pain free and I was discharged the very next morning (last Saturday). Did have a low blood pressure scare that sent me to ICU but it resolved overnight. I actually had acute congestive heart failure prior to the surgery so I think that may have had something to do with that.

Overall I'm still working on walking 30 mins per day. PT told me to work on lengthening the duration not to push myself. I was thrilled to realize that I could walk right up stairs once I was discharged. A feat right before surgery would have left me short of breath and in pain.

Celebrating 10 years with my valve replacement today on Daughter day with my 8 month old daughter. I also had a son. Tom (AVR and root replacement) was always telling I should post about having kids with a prosthetic so here I am.  I was lucky enough to work with Saint Luke's Maternal Fetal for both pregnancies. They were more worried about my maternal age and aneurysm then my heart valve. They even let me push which was a surprise for me since I had always assumed I'd need a c section. So if you want to have kids and your cardiologist gives you the go ahead I have nothing but encouragement!! You can do this.