kristin ott - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2802 days ago

Shannon Gray reacted to this

Its been awhile since I have been on here, but reading the posts and stories from everyone is like coming home again. So familiar supporting and welcoming. ...Read more

Its been awhile since I have been on here, but reading the posts and stories from everyone is like coming home again. So familiar supporting and welcoming. We all are different and come from places across the country and yet we are all the same with the same concerns, fears, disappointments, joy's and celebrations. I've missed this family. Cheers to you all

Petey Bello Same here Kristin. I totally agree! We're one big Heart family :)

Lilly Black Cheers to you too, Kristin. Sharing our experiences and our stories is powerful, and so helpful for ... Read more

Lilly Black Cheers to you too, Kristin. Sharing our experiences and our stories is powerful, and so helpful for everyone! that's why I login and try to help out or receive help in any way I can. Welcome home!

kristin ottposted a journal

3374 days ago

Nancy D, Mary K and 2 others reacted to this

Came home yesterday evening - day 4! thanks to all the Dr's ,nurse's and wonderful team at Abbott and to my family for taking care of me at home. The sternal ...Read more

Came home yesterday evening - day 4! thanks to all the Dr's ,nurse's and wonderful team at Abbott and to my family for taking care of me at home. The sternal pain on my left still catches me off guard at times- now just to rest and heal. Thank you also to all my heart brothers and sisters you have helped in keeping me going with all your positive love and support that I feel from everyone on this site. Peace to you all

Elaine Cutri Congratulations on being discharged! Now you will be tested for your patience. It takes 8-12 weeks fo ... Read more

Elaine Cutri Congratulations on being discharged! Now you will be tested for your patience. It takes 8-12 weeks for the bone to heal, then the rest of your body gets a chance to complete it's healing process. I alternated between walks, naps and small meals. That pretty much filled my days for the first few weeks. Stay ahead with the pain meds right now. It will make breathing exercises easier!

Alma Mater Wow, good for you! Heal well!

Nancy D Welcome home! Deep breaths, short walks, rest, and repeat! ;-)

Steven A Husted yes take your time dont rush it time is a healer

Trina Nuckols I don't see, which valve did you choose?

Trina Nuckols remember to use a pillow when walking. I fainted without mine and went to the ER

Ruth Valenzuela Only 4 days!!! How wonderful for you; it's truly amazing. I'm headed into surgery soon. Can you te ... Read more

Ruth Valenzuela Only 4 days!!! How wonderful for you; it's truly amazing. I'm headed into surgery soon. Can you tell me what your experience was with the breathing tube... I dread that part most.

Enrique K Great to hear that Kristin! I hope you continue to recuperate fast.

Tammy Pilcher Yay Kristin! Welcome Home!! Prayers for continued recovery! God is good!

Mary K Welcome home! Remember one day at a time. Please be kind to yourself.

kristin ott Hi Trina- I chose the tissue and they use the Edwards one- I am glad I know after awhile I would rese ... Read more

kristin ott Hi Trina- I chose the tissue and they use the Edwards one- I am glad I know after awhile I would resent the comadin and for me the ticking would drive me crazy

kristin ott Hi Ruth- I didnt noticed the the breathing tube they must of watched and medicated me well I also was ... Read more

kristin ott Hi Ruth- I didnt noticed the the breathing tube they must of watched and medicated me well I also was worried that I would know it was in and I would panic- but non of that happened I never realized when they put it in or took it out and for me my throat didn't hurt after- hope that helps

Ruth Valenzuela THANK YOU KRISTIN. I NEEDED TO HEAR THAT... I've been waiting for this response and thought to che ... Read more

Ruth Valenzuela THANK YOU KRISTIN. I NEEDED TO HEAR THAT... I've been waiting for this response and thought to check now. I'm so glad your surgery went well and you're on your way to a great recovery. Bless you. I'm on my way now to the Tucson area where I'll be having surgery Tuesday.

Shirley Turner Hi Kristin I am delighted you are home and doing well. Take care. Hugs Shirley.

kristin ottposted a journal

3378 days ago

Elaine Cutri, Betsey Osgood, Connie Groven and 4 others reacted to this

Everything went well and I'm out of ICU tonight tomorrow hopefully the chest tubes out - thank you to everyone for the love and prayers and support couldn't ...Read more

Everything went well and I'm out of ICU tonight tomorrow hopefully the chest tubes out - thank you to everyone for the love and prayers and support couldn't of done it without my heart brothers and sisters!

Enrique K Great to hear that the operation was a success. God Bless You and wish you a fast recovery.

Gerald Schaffer I'm so glad to hear the operation went well. Believe it or not the chest tubes being pulled is not a ... Read more

Gerald Schaffer I'm so glad to hear the operation went well. Believe it or not the chest tubes being pulled is not a big deal. I know I hardly felt it.

Kathleen F. Glad to hear it went well! Prayers for a great recovery!

Terrie Syvertsen Kristin- Wonderful to read before I head for bed tonight that you are on the other side of your surge ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Kristin- Wonderful to read before I head for bed tonight that you are on the other side of your surgery and that things went well. I will pray for you to have a decent sleep tonight as you will be having a big day tomorrow! I am confident with your great attitude that the removal of your "tubes" will go well and you will be planning your "sitting" in a chair time and thinking of the walks in the hall you will be taking soon! Happy for you Heart Sister.
Sleep with the Angels who will be beside you tonight!

Elaine Cutri So happy to hear that surgery went well.

Tammy Pilcher Great news! So happy for you, Kristin! God bless!

Bob M Amen! God bless! Take it easy heart sister!

Betsey Osgood That's great Kristin! So happy to see you posting on day 2! I'll be joining the club in a few day's. ... Read more

Betsey Osgood That's great Kristin! So happy to see you posting on day 2! I'll be joining the club in a few day's. Surgery for MVR this Friday! I'll be looking for your posts. Stay strong!!!

Connie Groven Wonderful! I'm so glad you are doing well!

Shirley Turner Wonderful news. Lot's of healing thoughts coming your way. Thank you for keeping us all updated. ... Read more

Shirley Turner Wonderful news. Lot's of healing thoughts coming your way. Thank you for keeping us all updated. Hugs Shirley

Mary K Fantastic. One day at a time now. Slow and steady. Be kind to yourself.

Steven A Husted great news you are on the other side yes the chest tubes coming out hurt but only for a couple second ... Read more

Steven A Husted great news you are on the other side yes the chest tubes coming out hurt but only for a couple seconds

Rita Savelis So glad to hear this good news, Kristin. Take it easy. Get some rest.

Doran Herritt Great to hear. Keep on healing. We r stilling thinking and praying for u

Alma Mater Great news, Kristin! I hope you are testing and healing well

kristin ottposted a journal

3385 days ago

Ruth Reshad, Shirley Turner, Adam Pick and 23 others reacted to this

Less than one week to go until surgery and I still waver on what valve to use bovine vs mechanical so many pros and cons. it makes my head spin. The life long ...Read more

Less than one week to go until surgery and I still waver on what valve to use bovine vs mechanical so many pros and cons. it makes my head spin. The life long Coumadin bothers me but Im 44 and with bovine I will need another. even if I can get 10-15 with no Coumadin seems more appealing then a life time on it but my husband doesn't see why I would want to do it all again, one time is enough for him. Sometimes with the way the DR's talk its like they shrug their shoulders at the comedian and I am making a big deal out of it but then again they arnt the ones taking it either. I think this is the biggest and most exhausting decision I have ever made and have to live with forever one way or the other.

Eddie Patton I was 50 making the decision not an easy one. I chose tissue for reasons that were my own. Nobody c ... Read more

Eddie Patton I was 50 making the decision not an easy one. I chose tissue for reasons that were my own. Nobody can or should influence you on this but you and your surgeon. Each has its pluses and minuses whatever your decision is the right one. If you want to know what factored into mine is will be glad to share.

Doran Herritt For what it is worth...I saw my surgeon today and chose a Edwards manga ease tissue valve. Same worri ... Read more

Doran Herritt For what it is worth...I saw my surgeon today and chose a Edwards manga ease tissue valve. Same worries as you. 46 and a life of Coumadin. Once I decided it was a relief. I know that doesn't make sense but it's been a good day now that I stopped deliberating. What all have told you I now believe is correct....there is no correct answer. Choose and move forward. Whatever you choose is the correct decision. Best of luck. Sending my prayers.

Clare Auten I agree. You need to be comfortable with the decision and either way will be "right" because it is b ... Read more

Clare Auten I agree. You need to be comfortable with the decision and either way will be "right" because it is best for you. I got an On-X mechanical valve on 1/9/14 at age 45. Hard to believe I am closing in on the end of year 2!

kristin ott Thanks everyone for the info I really love having you all here on this site

Shirley Turner Hi Kristin when my husband had his aortic Valve done a few years ago the Cardiologist said it would l ... Read more

Shirley Turner Hi Kristin when my husband had his aortic Valve done a few years ago the Cardiologist said it would last about 10 to 12 years. You can imagine our disappointment to hear that after only 5 1/2 years it needs to be replaced. Their was no way in the world Lou would get a mechanical valve because of the medication required. So now begs the question what will he choose this time around. We have not had that conversation with one another yet. Now aged 77 would he need yet another valve if the second one does not last ? It is a bit of a worry. I would like to think they could do keyhole surgery but I am not sure if that is available here in Australia. Kristin whatever you choose once that decision is made you will find peace. Procrastination can be very draining. Hugs

Rita Savelis I completely agree with everything you say Kristin. Whatever decision you make, you will be thinking ... Read more

Rita Savelis I completely agree with everything you say Kristin. Whatever decision you make, you will be thinking you could have made the other one.... Doctors are really low key on coumadin, it's true, because taking meds is nothing compared to their skill in getting your valves on correctly. I wish I could help you. The lifelong coumadin bothers me as well in theory but I'm on it because younger patients (under 60) will definitely need surgery again (and even older patients as we see sadly with Shirley's husband). I had 2 valves replaced so mechanical valves were used because those 2 valves would have aged at a different rate. There is no right answer for you. Every decision is okay. Whatever you decide is okay.

Ruth Reshad It is a big deal. I know the docs act like it is an every day decision but not for us. The decision i ... Read more

Ruth Reshad It is a big deal. I know the docs act like it is an every day decision but not for us. The decision is yours but statistically my surgeon (CCF) said they have found the bio valves don't last as long as thought to. Mine started going down hill around 8 years. I'm 62 and going with a mechanical this second time around.

Tapan Mehta Hi Kristin. I am 43 and went through this gut wrenching decision just last month. It was constant bac ... Read more

Tapan Mehta Hi Kristin. I am 43 and went through this gut wrenching decision just last month. It was constant back and forth. I finally decided to got with a mechanical valve as the thought of going through another re-op is frankly very scary for me. Initially was not a fan of going on Coumadin for life but after talking with several patients and doing more research I believe it will be manageable. My surgery is scheduled for Sept. 23rd. There is no right or wrong answer here nor is their a perfect solution unfortunately. All the best with your upcoming surgery.

Rhonda Rawles Figured I may as well chime in with a different outlook than some may have. Like all of you I had th ... Read more

Rhonda Rawles Figured I may as well chime in with a different outlook than some may have. Like all of you I had the choice between mechanical or tissue. I am 46 and very quickly decided to opt for mechanical simply due to the concern of an additional surgery. When I made the decision I had no way of knowing the complications I would face. Knowing what I know now, I am certain I made the right decision. As for the Coumadin, it has not really been a big deal and has been easy to manage. The only complaint I can mention is I seem to bruise easier, not a huge deal at all. Good luck and try not to second guess once you decide, you've got plenty of other things to worry about.

Rita Savelis The real issue (for me at least) is the feeling that I would have liked this "condition" to finish af ... Read more

Rita Savelis The real issue (for me at least) is the feeling that I would have liked this "condition" to finish after surgery. I wanted to go through the hard part and then feel "oof, that's done". I am accepting (slowly) that I have a condition that will always be there (with or without coumadin). I will recover and not think about it that much in a few months. But I will have to deal with this "condition" again in the future no matter what kind of valve I have. And then I will.

A little aside about doctors in the US - because in the US the medical culture is a litiginous one, doctors have learned to allow patients to make decisions so that the patients carry their share of responsibilty.

End of story: I have 2 mechanical valves and take coumadin and life goes on. It's okay.

Any choice is the right choice.

M Ratchford I chose a mechanical valve because I just dont want to go through this again. Not just the surgery bu ... Read more

M Ratchford I chose a mechanical valve because I just dont want to go through this again. Not just the surgery but two years before my health went downhill, then surgery, then the recovery time. I am i am in my mid sixties and if I were to live as long as my mother (97) i would probably need two more open heart surgeries with a bovine valve. I find when I can hear the tick of my mechanical valve its actually reassuring ! Also I havent had a problem with coumadin, did not change my diet and make sure if something does change, like being on antibiotic or new medication, I check my INR myself at home. I have self tester which has given me reassurance plus I also have my INR checked regularly at my local medical centre. But as others have said, choosing which type of valve is purely a personal choice.

Kelly Weisgarber HI kristen, At 47 I am struggling with this decision too. I feel like I change my mind every day. I f ... Read more

Kelly Weisgarber HI kristen, At 47 I am struggling with this decision too. I feel like I change my mind every day. I found out in Feb about my aortic bicuspid valve, it was already to the severe regurgitation stage, we are "watching". I have another echo in 2 weeks. Good Luck with the decision, today I'd say Im leaning towards tissue, but tomorrow I may say different.

Cam Findlay Kristen, I was 55 and chose a tissue valve. I did not want to be on Coumadin for the rest of my life ... Read more

Cam Findlay Kristen, I was 55 and chose a tissue valve. I did not want to be on Coumadin for the rest of my life, because I didn't want to worry about it every time I went for a walk or rode my bicycle. My thinking was that, by the time I will need another valve (hopefully at age 70-75), the less invasive techniques will be commonly used, and I won't have to have a second open-heart surgery. Having been on Coumadin for a little while after the surgery, as is typical, I feel I made the right decision. One has to be checked so often that it was a real pain.

Rob Grossman Hi Kristin -- I had AVR 2 years ago when I was 39 - long story short, my valve got worse a lot faster ... Read more

Rob Grossman Hi Kristin -- I had AVR 2 years ago when I was 39 - long story short, my valve got worse a lot faster than the doctors initially thought it would when I was diagnosed (early 30s, during a pre-hernia surgery physical). I talked with a couple different surgeons around Atlanta, based on my cardiologist's recommendation and essentially was presented with 3 options. 1) Mechanical Valve, 2) Tissue Valve, and 3) Ross Procedure. For a whole host of reasons, I went with the tissue valve (I have a young son, am active, wasn't sure I wanted to have to manage the coumadin and its potential effects, etc.). Ultimately, you have to trust yourself, your family, and your doctors. For me, the Medtronic Freestyle was the right choice - even though I know I'll have to get it replaced (hopefully a long, long time from now). Either way, I agree with everyone else here - once you have made your decision and the surgery is complete, you'll be on the road to recovery. Best of luck to you... Rob

Elizabeth Ott Hi, I am definitely choosing bovine if my valve can't be repaired. I'm 49 but I know I'll run into pr ... Read more

Elizabeth Ott Hi, I am definitely choosing bovine if my valve can't be repaired. I'm 49 but I know I'll run into problems with Coumadin because of the type of skiing and mountain riding I love to do. Im also injury prone so it's a no brainer for me. I just hope if and when I need it replaced they will be able to do without cracking the chest bone. Good luck!

Steven A Husted kristin i know how you feel i went thru the same thing at first i wanted a mech. then a tissue then a ... Read more

Steven A Husted kristin i know how you feel i went thru the same thing at first i wanted a mech. then a tissue then a mech. after reading alot about coumadin and then tissue trouble with coumadin the brusing and bleeding out and testing all the time i read about mech. valves failing also so i read that the bovine tissue valve was stronger and there was a patient that had one for 31 years and my surgeon reccomended it so i went that route and now i am glad i did because the operation was not that bad and i could have it done again with no problem maybe even done thru my artery instead of ohs but like so many others have said it is a personal choice you have to look at the pros and cons of each valve and decide whats best for you but keep reading the more info you have the better decision you can make there is no bad decision you can change your mind at the last minute its ok our prays are with you your heart brother steve (popeye)

Donald Metzger Hi Kristen, the thought of taking RAT POISON (that's what coumadin is) for the rest of my life like m ... Read more

Donald Metzger Hi Kristen, the thought of taking RAT POISON (that's what coumadin is) for the rest of my life like my mother did made me decide on the bovine valve. My surgery was back on May 12th. Dr. Allen Stewart at Mount Sinai in New York did a bang up job! I've now made a full recovery and even if I have to go back again in 15 years, I figure by then they'll have the trains-catheter version of the procedure fully perfected by that time. Don't put rat poison in your body!

NIEVES VELAZQUEZ LISTEN TO ME CLOSELY! DEFINITELY BOVINE. THE MECHANICAL WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY SINCE YOU CAN HEAR EVE ... Read more

NIEVES VELAZQUEZ LISTEN TO ME CLOSELY! DEFINITELY BOVINE. THE MECHANICAL WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY SINCE YOU CAN HEAR EVERY BEAT OF YOUR HEART UNTIL YOU LEARN TO IGNORE IT AND WILL NOT NOTICE IT. BY THEN YOU ARE ALREADY CRAZY. ALSO A BLOOD THINNER FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE…. NO, NO, NO. I HAD MINE REPLACED LAST NOVEMBER. DR. S. MACHEERS IN ATLANTA, GA DID AN OUTSTANDING JOB (AS HE HAD WITH MANY OTHER OF MY FRIENDS (LUNGS, ETC. HE IS A THORACIC SURGEON) AND I AM AS HAPPY AS I CAN BE - BUT… I DEVELOPED BLOOD CLOTS ON MY LEFT LEG AND HAD TO TAKE A BOOD THINNER FOR SIX MONTHS. NEXT TIME I WILL LET THE BLOOD CLOT KILL ME. I HAVE NOT HAD A LIFE UNTIL THREEE WEEKS AGO WHEN THEY STOPPED THE BLOOD THINNER (XARELTO). I DO NOT TAKE BUT TWO DRUGS (BP AND THYROID). ANY DRUG TAKES A BIG NEGATIVE EFFECT ON ME… NOW I AM ON THE UP AND UP AND IN 10 YEARS IF I AM AROUND I WILL HAVE ANOTHER SURGERY IF NEEDED. THESE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS MAY FIX ONE THING BUT WHO KNOWS HOW MANY ORGANS THEY AFFECT NEGATIVELY. BOVINE MY FRIEND, BOVINE.

Neil Collins Hi Kristin, I'm 44 as well and will be having surgery in the next six weeks. I am going back and fort ... Read more

Neil Collins Hi Kristin, I'm 44 as well and will be having surgery in the next six weeks. I am going back and forth as well but between the Ross and mechanical. I should find out next week if I'm a candidate for the Ross and should get a feel for the experience of the surgeon. My "backup" is going to be mechanical so that I can move on with my life. Personally tissue hasn't been on my radar as I'm feeling that I'm going to wear the valve out quicker than I'd like. Good luck with the decision. In our 40's we seem too young for long term Coumadin use and also young enough to face a number of replacement valves in the future....

Jessica Rausch This is such a hard decision. You can read and research forever and still not find definitive inform ... Read more

Jessica Rausch This is such a hard decision. You can read and research forever and still not find definitive information. Go with your gut. I am 37 (36 at the time of surgery) and very active. Despite the Coumadin, I opted for mechanical because the surgery takes so much time and energy to organize your life and recover from it. I simply wanted to have longer without surgery. End of my decision. I was very lucky with an amazing surgeon and they were able to do a repair.

I hope you make a decision soon and then just try to relax and get a little break from worrying. Best of luck on your procedure.

Joan Forster Hi Kristin, I know how you must be feeling. Making a decision like this is very difficult. I'm 67 a ... Read more

Joan Forster Hi Kristin, I know how you must be feeling. Making a decision like this is very difficult. I'm 67 and I had my second valve replacement surgery 9 months ago. My first surgery was when I was 50. Both times I chose a tissue valve. I have to continue to be on Coumadin because of my atrial fibrilation. I was told by one of the doctors I saw that if I got a mechanical valve I probably wouldn't have to re-op again, but if something were to happen where I would have to go off the Coumadin, say another procedure, it could be very risky. I was told that with the mechanical valves, blood tends to pool around the valve. That made me a little nervous. I know that when you make your decision, you will be at peace with it. Best of luck to you.

Rita Savelis I'm sorry about many of the responses to your post which I find so unhelpful. I hope you will find s ... Read more

Rita Savelis I'm sorry about many of the responses to your post which I find so unhelpful. I hope you will find some peace Kristin. Every decision is a personal one.
You will find that in every aspect of your life, someone is there to tell you that you could have/should have done otherwise. Take care.

Donald Metzger Rita, how is telling someone not to have to take rat poison being unhelpful?

Patrick Brady Hi Kristin, like many people have mentioned, it's really difficult to get a single correct answer. I ... Read more

Patrick Brady Hi Kristin, like many people have mentioned, it's really difficult to get a single correct answer. I was 25 when I had my valve replaced. I made the decision to have a tissue (pig) valve put in due to my active lifestyle. I'm guaranteed to have several more surgeries, but being on another medication for the rest of my life didn't sound good to me. I'm already on blood pressure medication due to my risk for aortic aneurysm. Something you might think about doing, if your doctors will let you, is try taking a blood thinner before having surgery to make sure you don't have any negative reactions to it. That might make the mechanical route easier for you to choose if you're leaning that way.

My tissue valve has been great for the past two years. Like most people have said, there isn't really a correct answer for every person.

Sean Parker We live in a very interesting time right now. TAVR procedures are now quite common, used to be only ... Read more

Sean Parker We live in a very interesting time right now. TAVR procedures are now quite common, used to be only high risk, now there is data for moderate risk. What this means is, TAVR will only continue to become more popular. I would look up "valve-in-valve" procedures, and what they will be able to do when bioprosthetic valves wear out. If you are leaning toward a tissue valve, there are many more reasons to go that way than even five years ago. There are risks with both options, but I have been very happy choosing a tissue St. Jude Trifecta at 36. Call the Cleveland Clinic, most recognized heart institution in the U.S., and ask what they are using. :)

Jean Cook At 62, I chose a bovine mitral valve because of the coumidin factor if I chose Mechanical. I was told ... Read more

Jean Cook At 62, I chose a bovine mitral valve because of the coumidin factor if I chose Mechanical. I was told I would be on Coumidin for about 3 months then off of it. The thought of having to have another surgery scares me though. Now after almost 3 years, I am still on the Coumidin because I had a stroke 6 mo prior to my heart surgery. I have no residual from the stroke but no one will take the risk of getting me off Coumidin. it really isnt that bad. I get my blood tested one a month. It is just a finger stick. Had I known I would be on Coumidin forever, I might have chosen mechanical and avoided a second surgery.

Deanna Hamilton Hi Kristin! I am 31 and had my first heart surgery last year. I had to have an ascending aortic aneu ... Read more

Deanna Hamilton Hi Kristin! I am 31 and had my first heart surgery last year. I had to have an ascending aortic aneurysm repaired. I had also chosen to go with a tissue valve before my surgery, mostly because I hope to have more children and I knew that wasn't a possibility for me if I chose mechanical. Knowing this was my decision, my surgeon spared my valve because he thought with the aneurysm repair I'd have the same amount of time or longer with my valve compared to the tissue one. The tissue valve/leave my valve decision was an easy one for because of the future pregnancy factor alone. However, now that I am a year past my first surgery and know I have another (and possibly more) in my future the decision is starting to haunt me again already. I agree with Rita that with or out without medicine it was very hard for me to get over the fact that I would never just go back to being a "normal" person ever again. After your surgery your feelings and circumstances may change however, once you make a decision you should try to remember whatever you choose will be right for you in the time and circumstances that you choose it. Good luck with with everything!

Renee Lingo Hi! I had my AV replaced in 2001, when I was 49 years old. I opted for the Carp/Ed bovine valve. I ... Read more

Renee Lingo Hi! I had my AV replaced in 2001, when I was 49 years old. I opted for the Carp/Ed bovine valve. I knew the ticking would drive me as crazy as my heart bouncing did every night! Also didn't like the idea of the coumadin. Well, I'm 64, still ticking away, no A-fib no problems. My doctor told me he has a patient with a 21 year old bovine! Says I'm still looking good! Of course, I'm sure my time will come pretty soon, just keeping my fingers crossed!

Ned Lopez I had my ATR replace 5 months ago. I went with tissue for 2 reason I did not want to be in coumidin ( ... Read more

Ned Lopez I had my ATR replace 5 months ago. I went with tissue for 2 reason I did not want to be in coumidin (also known as rat poising) sorry but it is what it is and the second was the sound of it. I must said its a decision of an individual that has to be respected.

Debbie Norris I was in the same spot as you about 2 weeks ago. Everyone told me I had to make my own decision and ... Read more

Debbie Norris I was in the same spot as you about 2 weeks ago. Everyone told me I had to make my own decision and I did. I'm glad I did. I chose a mechanical valve due to the fact that I do not want to do the surgery thing again...mentally or physically. I have been taking blood thinners for a week with no problem but you have to do what is best for you. When you make that decision you will know it is right for you. Good luck.

kristin ott I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to write and share your stories! I trul ... Read more

kristin ott I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to write and share your stories! I truly appreciate all of you. Your all wonderful and also to thank Adam for creating this site for this very reason. Peace to you all

Jo Rizzo I had the same feeling about the Coumadin . I did chose the mechanical . I am 57 and I didn't want ... Read more

Jo Rizzo I had the same feeling about the Coumadin . I did chose the mechanical . I am 57 and I didn't want to go through that again . Or put my family through it . maybe they will come up with something in the future !

Tom McKinley Surgery 4/27/15. Chose bovine tissue. 1. Didn't want testing everyweek for ever. 2. Coumadin sid ... Read more

Tom McKinley Surgery 4/27/15. Chose bovine tissue. 1. Didn't want testing everyweek for ever. 2. Coumadin side effects become more troublesome as you age. 3. Didn't want to "wonder" about diet/greens forever. 4. Is surgery a bitch? Yes. But I do not recall the first 36 hours. After a week or two you are in total recovery mode. Tough but forgetful. 5. Odds are good that bovine will last more than 20 years. 6. By that time - maybe less invasive replacement procedure.

Regardless - the anticipation/unknown is worse than the reality.
Pick one. Stay positive. You will do great!

Ash Berryman Good luck tomorrow and best wishes for a seamless speedy recovery. Either valve is better than the on ... Read more

Ash Berryman Good luck tomorrow and best wishes for a seamless speedy recovery. Either valve is better than the one you have now. I'm a 46 yo commercial pilot with a Mechanical, no regrets. Advancements in the next 10-20 years will give all of us great options, choices and long lives... hear from you when you wake up. Cheers

Annette Corbett Hi, I had my bovine valve Dec 2013. It has been great. I really didn't have a choice as previous radi ... Read more

Annette Corbett Hi, I had my bovine valve Dec 2013. It has been great. I really didn't have a choice as previous radiation treatments caused permanent GI bleed and I could not be on coumadin. I hope there are easy access procedures by the time I need a new valve or that I have finished the race.

NIEVES VELAZQUEZ Kristin, what did you finally do? I wonder about you. I am doing fine with my "mad cow" valve. One ... Read more

NIEVES VELAZQUEZ Kristin, what did you finally do? I wonder about you. I am doing fine with my "mad cow" valve. One year and 5 mos. since surgery.