Joan876's Journal

Rob Wigley  Hi Joan! I had my BAV replaced, and my mitral valve "tightened up", so not quite what they're going to do to you, but I wouldn't sweat that they're doing both. It's what you need, and you should be fine.

Joan876 Howard  Hi Rob-What type of valve did you choose? My surgeon has said it is up to me but it sure is a hard decision to make. He really doesn't like mechanical valves and I have read good things about the horse tissue. Any insight?

Elaine Foster  I was really helped reading others journals. I too, struggled with the valve decision. After much prayer, and research I had to go with what gave me peace. I heard one surgeon say "there is no perfect replacement" they all have good things, and not so good things. I am 58, and my choice is the bovine valve. I know the On-x valve is really good too.

Rob Wigley  Hi Joan, I went with my surgeon's recommendation, which was a horse tissue valve. I didn't really care as long as it was tissue, not mechanical. My thought is that if, in 12-15 years, I need to have this one replaced, then the procedure at that point will be via a catheter, not open heart. My issue last year also involved an aortic aneurysm, and my aortic root needed to be replaced, so mine had to be open heart. The way the technology has improved, I'm pretty confident about this! My "pony valve", as we call it, has done fine. I hope whatever your decision is, that all will be fine! They used some type of "ring" on my mitral valve to "tighten" it up, which fixed that leakage.

Nancy D  HI Joan! almost 4 months ago, I had a mitral valve replacement. The decision (when given the option) can be difficult, but with knowledge comes clarity. Once you learn about the pros and cons of each, it becomes clear which one fits well with your life style and wishes. What is right for one isn't for another and that is ok. You will have your reasons for your choice and that will make it the right choice. My surgeon recommended a mechanical, as did my cardiologist, the tissue valve they recommend if I went that way was bovine(cow). They thought I was well suited for a mechanical, however I preferred the tissue valve and I am now the proud recipient of a bovine valve. Read what you can about the differences and your preference will become clear. Please feel free to ask questions here, but each of us have our reasons for our choices. Feel free to ask me anything and I will try to answer it for you. Take good care!!!

Michael Meyer  Joan:
This is a very personal decision about being close to home and having the very best surgeon. Based on my research I wanted to go to a high volume hospital with excellent safety and with an excellent surgeon and the possibility for minimally invasive mitral valve repair. My two choices were Mayo and Cleveland Clinic because I reside in the Midwest. I made very data based decision. I would encourage you that you should be comfortable with your decision.

  I made the decision for the Cleveland Clinic for the same reason as Michael, very experienced surgeon. Plus the recommendation of my cardiologist. It's about a 5 hour drive and I'm scheduled for next month.

Joan876 Howard  Thank you so much for the input. I live in Jacksonville, Fl and I also want to go to a high volume hospital. I have been seen by Dr. Hammer at the Cleveland Clinic and will have a stress echo in November and then meet with Dr. Gillinov. I was very impressed with Cleveland Clinic and the doctors and have great confidence in them. Susan, I will be following your journal and wish you the best! I know you are in good hands!

Lenore Mitchell  I'm going from Colorado to cleveland clinic in January. Won't be easy, but it's important to go to the best. We only have one heart.

Nancy D  I weighed this issue as well. We live within driving distance- 3 hours to Dallas/Fort Worth; and about 4.5 hours to Houston. We are also home to an established but not high volume in comparison, heart hospital right here 20 minutes from our home. For ease of post operative follow ups, and having my primary internist on staff there, I chose the lower volume but still a great facility in our immediate area, after meeting the prospective surgeon, and seeing the level of care that was available there. I haven't regretted my decision for one minute. It was easy for my husband to go home while I was under ICU protocols, and he wasn't able to spend the night with me, and I knew he was comfortable as well. My care was exemplary, and I have nothing but the highest praise for the entire experience. You will know what is right after your visits with your cardiologist and meet with your prospective surgeons. It was clear to me I could be well taken care of right here at home and that meant a lot to us. Take good care!!