Brian's Posts

Marie Myers

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

Valve choice was the hardest decision i ever made, and I went back and forth for weeks when deciding. I was 63 at the time of my surgery, and eventually decided on the tissue valve. May I ask your age? My understanding is the younger the patient, the shorter the... Read more.

Valve choice was the hardest decision i ever made, and I went back and forth for weeks when deciding. I was 63 at the time of my surgery, and eventually decided on the tissue valve. May I ask your age? My understanding is the younger the patient, the shorter the tissue valve life can be.

Brian O'Neil

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

I'm 44. I know I can make a life work on blood thinners because I'm responsible. I am afraid though at some point it will lead to me being miserable

DeWayne Adamson

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

I hate blood thinners....

Jeff Williams

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

I'm 39 and went with the mechanical valve in hopes of not having another procedure. So far, the blood thinners haven't bothered me at all. It is a personal decision and you have to do what you feel the best about.

Brian O'Neil

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

Thanks for the response Jeff. Right now I think I would be able to withstand another surgery in 10-15 years but I know it's foolish because I don't know what changes those years will bring for me.

Rita Savelis

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

I've been on anticoagulants for 9 years because of 2 mechanical valves. There is a period of adjustment and then life goes on and you forget about them. I'm sorry that you have to go through this and make this decision which is very personal and difficult for everyone. There... Read more.

I've been on anticoagulants for 9 years because of 2 mechanical valves. There is a period of adjustment and then life goes on and you forget about them. I'm sorry that you have to go through this and make this decision which is very personal and difficult for everyone. There is no right answer. Whatever you decide will be the right choice for you at the time.

Susan Lynn

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

Brian - There are so many advancements in cardiology, the coming decade could offer tons of choices. Even with today's medicine, you'd be looking at TAVR (which is a fairly easy procedure compared to heart surgery) when you need a replacement. Your next bio valve would likely be designed to... Read more.

Brian - There are so many advancements in cardiology, the coming decade could offer tons of choices. Even with today's medicine, you'd be looking at TAVR (which is a fairly easy procedure compared to heart surgery) when you need a replacement. Your next bio valve would likely be designed to last a lifetime. Make the choice that's right for you! ❤️

DeWayne Adamson

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

I agree with Susan.

DeWayne Adamson

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

foldax.com already doing this in India.

Rose Madura

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

It's a tough decision and my advice is to make a choice and go with it. Don't look back. Susan makes a great point but it's still a tough choice.

Lyle KIMBRELL

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

Tissue Valve Replacement Durability for Young Patients (heart-valve-surgery.com) (https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/tissue-valve-durability-young-patient/)

Tissue Valve Replacement Durability for Young Patients

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/tissue-valve-durability-young-patient/

Learn new research about tissue heart valve replacement durability and the lifetime management of heart valve disease from Dr. Patrick McCarthy, heart surgeon.

Rich Butela

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

For what it's worth, I'm 61 and chose the tissue valve. I did not want to mess around with blood thinners and figured, like Susan, if I need to replace this one, I should be able to have a TAVR next time. (surgeon agrees )

Abhishek Sharma

2 years ago (December 11, 2023)

Well at young age mechanical valve is good choice.. blood thinners is not a big task. Because of tissue valve after few years u have to go through another surgery.. well it's my personal opinion.. both options are good ..👍 good luck

DeWayne Adamson

2 years ago (December 12, 2023)

Great article Lyle and Adam!

Brian O'Neil

2 years ago (December 12, 2023)

I want to thank everyone for their responses, information, and well wishes. It really means a lot people would take the time. Knowing the risks and high probability of more surgery I've informed the surgical team of my intentions to go with a tissue valve. I know at 44 this... Read more.

I want to thank everyone for their responses, information, and well wishes. It really means a lot people would take the time. Knowing the risks and high probability of more surgery I've informed the surgical team of my intentions to go with a tissue valve. I know at 44 this is not conventionally the most optimal choice. For me it feels like the one I can live with today.

DeWayne Adamson

2 years ago (December 12, 2023)

Wonderful!

Rose Madura

2 years ago (December 12, 2023)

Congratulations Brian! You've made that first step. Personally, I think it's a good decision.

Klara Čičić

2 years ago (December 12, 2023)

Brian, it is such a hard decision. At your age, the hardest. I can only wish you luck and may your bio valve last for a long long time! You are in my thoughts. You can do this! We are here for the support!

Lyle KIMBRELL

2 years ago (December 12, 2023)

Brian, I think you have made a good choice. My son, who is facing aortic repair (or replace) surgery next week, would have made that same choice. But at only 19 the odds are not in his favor for a long lasting tissue valve. Best wishes for you!!!! We are... Read more.

Brian, I think you have made a good choice. My son, who is facing aortic repair (or replace) surgery next week, would have made that same choice. But at only 19 the odds are not in his favor for a long lasting tissue valve. Best wishes for you!!!! We are all pulling for you!

Brian O'Neil

2 years ago (December 13, 2023)

It's go time. Thanks again everyone.

Rich Butela

2 years ago (December 13, 2023)

All the best Brian

Brian O'Neil

2 years ago (December 15, 2023)

All my tubes and catheter are out. I'm off pain medication and oxygen. Getting transferred out of the ICU today!!

Marie Myers

2 years ago (December 15, 2023)

Excellent Brian! Welcome to recovery!

Rose Madura

2 years ago (December 15, 2023)

Very good! Thanks for keeping us updated.

Susan Lynn

2 years ago (December 16, 2023)

Great news, Brian! Wishing you a speedy recovery!! ❤️