Joel Pinker - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1418 days ago

Rose Madura, Shannon Gray, Mike Ridenour reacted to this

After 14.5 years my bovine pericardial valve has finally worn out! My friend has been on countless bike rides, walks, pool activities and has performed admirably! ...Read more

After 14.5 years my bovine pericardial valve has finally worn out! My friend has been on countless bike rides, walks, pool activities and has performed admirably! The next two weeks are the pre tests, CT scan, carotid scan, catherization etc. heading to surgery March 22nd at Strong Hospital in Rochester. Going to go with another prosthetic valve. The doctor says he believes he can do it minimally invasive but will know for sure after all the tests. Hard to believe I’ve been on this site this long. The sharing of information has been a god send. Thank you Adam for all that you do!

Bob Fessler Mine is only 4 years old. Sure hope I get 15 years. Good luck with your replacement. Not a TVAR?

Joel Pinker I think the next one will be TVAR. You’ll get 15! Thank you!

Marie Myers Great that you got 14+ yrs with your valve. It sounds like you are pretty active. I am 4 yrs on my bo ... Read more

Marie Myers Great that you got 14+ yrs with your valve. It sounds like you are pretty active. I am 4 yrs on my bovine valve now, hoping for at least 15 yrs. you are one of the Veterans on this site, for sure!

Joel, you seem in good spirits. I also have a bovine valve only 16 mos. post op. As Marie said I hope ... Read more

Joel, you seem in good spirits. I also have a bovine valve only 16 mos. post op. As Marie said I hope mine last at least 15 years. Hope all goes well with all your tests. Will be praying for your March 22nd., surgery to go well and you will be writing us to tell us how it went. God bless you

Joel Pinker God bless you all as well! We are all in this together! It’s amazing how this brings everyone tog ... Read more

Joel Pinker God bless you all as well! We are all in this together! It’s amazing how this brings everyone together!

Joel Pinkerposted a journal

2494 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Hello everyone! Had ascending aortic aneurysm repair in 2006 with a bovine pericardial valve replacement. My cardiologist told me that when the valve starts ...Read more

Hello everyone! Had ascending aortic aneurysm repair in 2006 with a bovine pericardial valve replacement. My cardiologist told me that when the valve starts to fail it will be a slow process but didn't tell me what the symptoms are. Can those of you that have knowledge of this please share? He has also mentioned a mechanical valve when it's "time". I'm 53 now and would prefer tissue like I have now. Thanks!

Jim Kelly-Evans I have been told that the symptoms would be similar to those we had with our original valves...e.g., ... Read more

Jim Kelly-Evans I have been told that the symptoms would be similar to those we had with our original valves...e.g., increasing gradients and the usual physical symptoms when and if the stenosis becomes severe. I really doubt that you would get a mechanical valve now. What about TAVR? If your prosthetic valve is sufficiently large you could possibly qualify for one or more TAVR replacements, which are approved now for high risk and moderate risk patients. I'm three years post op but significantly older than you. My medical team assures me that I will get a replacement via TAVR if and when necessary.

Joel Pinkerposted a journal

4090 days ago

Hi everyone! I had a aneurysm (ascending) in 2006 and had surgery with a pericardial bovine valve implanted. I exercise vigorously 3 times a week, and usually ...Read more

Hi everyone! I had a aneurysm (ascending) in 2006 and had surgery with a pericardial bovine valve implanted. I exercise vigorously 3 times a week, and usually need a day of rest in between. I was 42 at the time of my surgery. Does anyone know if exercise plays a role in the durability of the tissue valve? Thanks!