Denelle Kennedy - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1175 days ago

Hello from Australia. I finally have a date for my AVR, 15th September, for severe aortic stenosis. I have been given 2 options - tissue or mechanical. Ross ...Read more

Hello from Australia. I finally have a date for my AVR, 15th September, for severe aortic stenosis. I have been given 2 options - tissue or mechanical. Ross is now not an option for me. I still have no idea. I ride horses everyday and am concerned about Warfarin with a mechanical ie major issues if I fall off, but the tissues wear out and a re-do is required.

Rose Madura Congratulations on getting a date. The valve choice is definitely one of the most difficult choices ... Read more

Rose Madura Congratulations on getting a date. The valve choice is definitely one of the most difficult choices you'll most likely ever make. For me, I was on the fence due to my age at the time of sugery was 59. So I went with a tissue valve and hope I get many years out of it. I did not want to go on Warfarin. But, the decision is a very personal one. My advice has always been to do your sue diligence and research. Make a decision and then know that it was the best decision for you. Don't second guess yourself. Best wishes on your journey. God bless you.

Pamela Belmore Hi Denelle. I had anAVR in 2005 and take a low dose aspirin everyday. I chose a cow valve and never ... Read more

Pamela Belmore Hi Denelle. I had anAVR in 2005 and take a low dose aspirin everyday. I chose a cow valve and never had any problems with it. 16 years out now and I need a new AVR . I could get a Tavr but my cow valve is too small so I’ve decided to have Open heart again and then I’ll have a bigger valve that will accommodate a Tavr later . I think I’ll be just fine and want it over. Im getting it on the 24th . I know I could get a mechanical one but I feel now as I did in 2005, it’s too life changing for me and now there is Tavr for later when I’m in my 80s. I m 70 now. I’ve had a total knee replacement a few years ago and the recovery was long but not so different. I’ve had a few surgeries since my valve, you never know what life will through at you. I hope you will feel peaceful in the weeks ahead, I know you’ll be ok! Best wishes.

Carlos Banuelos Just depends on your age and whether you want to know for sure that you’ll need another surgery at ... Read more

Carlos Banuelos Just depends on your age and whether you want to know for sure that you’ll need another surgery at some point. I am 46 and had a mechanical AVR when I was 44. I play quite few sports still but luckily haven’t had any issues. I surf and have gone on trips to remote areas surfing over shallow reef and sand bars. So far, so good. I admittedly am scared of horses though! 🤣 Talk to your cardiologist. Mine helped me quite a bit with my decision, and ultimately guided me to my choice. Unfortunately, there is no right choice. I was told that if you’re under 50 go mechanical, 50-60 flip a coin, over 60 go tissue. But I think TAVR might now change that guidance a bit. It was a tough decision for me but no looking back now. I have a known a few folks that chose tissue valves and ended up on aspirin and blood thinners anyhow. Also something to ask your cardiologist/surgeon about.

Denelle Kennedy Thanks everyone, it is such a hard decision to make! Most of the medicos have said to go mechanical. ... Read more

Denelle Kennedy Thanks everyone, it is such a hard decision to make! Most of the medicos have said to go mechanical.