Lilly's Journal

On 2/20/2007, 17 years ago, I had my first open heart surgery due to an aortic aneurysm. It was called the Tyrone David procedure, a valve-sparing aortic root replacement using a Dacron graft. I wonder if this procedure is still being used today! Most people who had an aortic aneurysm have it fixed at the same time as their heart valve replacement. I had my heart valve replaced 7.5 years later.

Although my decision was to spare my valve, I don't regret it because I was not a good candidate for a bio prosthetic valve at that time. The downside was that I knew eventually I will need a second open heart surgery to replace my heart valve. Luckily everything turned out fine and I'm doing quite well today!

It's hard to believe that it was 17 years ago when I learned about my BAV! I'm 72, still quite active and so far haven't had any complications due to the 2 heart surgeries! I'm so grateful!

For those of you who are facing heart surgery, know that there's hope. With great surgeons and technology that continues to progress, we see much more success rates and recovery! I wish you all the best! If I can do it …so can you! Be well…you got this !

Hello Lionhearts!
Every year I announce the anniversary of my heart valve...my Valversary! It's my way of paying it forward and to inspire you that life can move on past heart valve replacement. I am a great example of that! 9 years ago today, I had my aortic heart valve replaced with an Edwards Lifesciences 23mm Magna Ease bovine valve! I'm still doing great and still grateful that I am doing so well!
At my last Echo, which was in January 2023, my mean pressure gradient was 9cm. My cardiologist said this is well below 40cm, which is his guide to know it may be time for a new heart valve, or TAVR. He also said my heart valve could possibly take another 10-15 yrs to reach 40cm. I was certainly happy to hear that!
On the other hand, I was also diagnosed with high blood pressure, 122/81, and high cholesterol, total 240. I have never had high BP or high cholesterol in my life. At 72 years old, I don't want to be reliant on drugs. I have not gained any weight! I'm working at finding ways to improve these numbers naturally and mindfully. In all fairness, the last several years were truly difficult. I attribute these numbers to anxiety, fear, and depression. My life has not come back to "normal" but I am working on it, and I will continue to live as fully as I can.
To those of you who are facing surgery, I wish you the best outcome, and a quick recovery! It's not easy, but definitely easier than you think. If I can do it, so can you! Walking is the best recovery process....I promise! even now, I continue to walk. I walk for my health, and I'm reminded how lucky I am!
I wish everyone a great holiday season! Take care of yourselves! You are #1! Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Good luck!   

I have some good news to share!
On Thursday, 1/18/2023, I met my new Cardiologist, Dr. Joe Aragon. He is affiliated with Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. It was time for my annual Echo, and to use my new Medicare Advantage Plan. I was quite impressed with the Cardiology Clinic and Dr. Aragon's level of expertise. After the EKG and the Echo were completed, I met with him to discuss the results.
After 8 years of living with my Edwards Lifesciences 23mm Magna Ease valve, he confirmed that I am doing great! My heart and my heart rhythm is normal. My bio-prosthetic aortic valve currently has a mean gradient of 9, which he explained this could mean I have many more years of life remaining on this valve! I was thrilled! He said that the magic number is 40, and that is when they start watching closely to determine when the heart valve needs to be replaced.
In addition, he mentioned that he recently worked on someone who required a TAVR. He installed a TAVR within the bio-prosthetic valve, and it went really well. This procedure, I believe, is also called valve-in-valve. He said we won't know until the time comes, but he was quite sure this could be done with my valve as well. I was happy to hear that, but the words "we won't know until the times comes" was not reassuring for me. But we shall see....I was never a good candidate for a TAVR.
I told him that my heart surgeon (Dr. Sharo Raissi), who installed the heart valve in 2014, performed a Manougian technique, which means he enlarged my aortic root to fit the 23mm Magna Ease heart valve in preparation for a future TAVR to be placed within my current heart valve. Dr. Aragon was very pleased to know that because there is a greater chance that the TAVR will work...when the time comes.
In the meantime, I wish everyone success with their heart valve replacements! It's a scary time, but well worth it, as you can see by my own experience. There were many anxious moments, and multiple panic attacks throughout the years, in addition to migraines, digestive issues, and tinnitus. But for the most part, I can honestly say, at 71 years old I am doing very well. I am so grateful!!
Take care of yourself....you are # 1!   

8 year valveversary!


It's Dec 10, 2022, and 8 years ago today, my aortic heart valve was replaced by an Edward Sciences Magna Ease 23MM bovine valve. I have never felt better after recovering from the surgery!

I have never had a good heart valve, and I didn't know about my BAV until I reached 55 years old. It was then I began to feel badly. I was out of breath, I was gaining weight because I was breathless when walking, I didn't know what was happening to me. I had chest pain, terrible chest pain. I saw my GP and she ordered an EKG. An abnormality was found! She ordered an Echocardiogram. Long story short, they found an aneurysm but mis-diagnosed me with a hole in my heart. I needed more testing.


I decided to get a 2nd opinion, which I did at Stanford Medical. They diagnosed me with BAV and a 4.8mm aortic aneurysm. They gave me 6 months to think about fixing the aneurysm. I said no... let's do it now...I didn't want to take any risks.

My first surgery was on 2/7/2007. My entire ascending aorta was replaced with Dacron which basically fixed the aneurysm. I felt better after the surgery, and I was told by Stanford I could live like this for another 10-15 years. But, no! that didn't work.

7 years later, I was doing very badly. My aortic heart valve was failing! just walking a few feet gave me chest pain. My chest hurt so badly! I needed a heart valve replacement, but not with Stanford Medical, because they wanted to give me a mechanical replacement valve. I decided to find an alternative.


On 12/10/2014, Dr. Sharo Raissi of St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, replaced my aortic heart valve with an Edward Sciences Magna Ease 23MM bovine valve. He did a beautiful job! he also watched over me for 3 months post-op via FaceTime and text messages after the surgery. He was wonderful! I never had an issue! I recovered very well, and to this day, I have had no problems at all. I'm so lucky! I feel very very grateful for my extended life. I am still here alive and well!


Nothing stops me from doing anything I want to do. Except for Covid! I'm so isolated but I've been walking, and sometimes I walk on Pismo Beach, CA.

Ocean Walks During COVID

by Lilly Black

In the blue where the ocean meets the sky

Calm tranquil thoughts, I’m finally at peace!

Embraced by the warmth of the sun and ocean breeze

The smell of the ocean, my toes in the water

Melts my sad heart!

My sadness is momentary and I allow it to take over me when I feel it. But on the other hand, I am still so grateful that I am well. I can still live a pretty decent life!

For those of you who are waiting for or recently had heart valve replacement, I know you will feel so much better once you have recovered! You may feel scared or worried... I did, but just know you will be OK, and maybe even better than ever. Many of us had the same surgery, and for most of us, we are fine.


My wish for you is that you have an excellent experience! Listen to your doctor, walk as much as you can....keep walking as much as you can! I still walk because walking saved my life.

Take time for you...listen to your body, and know that all we have is now!


Take care of yourself. You are #1! 😊🥰

Hi, Heart Warriors.
A shout out to all of you who are waiting for surgery or just had surgery. Wishing you a great experience and quick recovery! I had my first surgery in 2007 to fix my aneurysm, and my second one in 2014 to receive a heart valve replacement. BUT, there was no Covid then, and all the rest of the craziness that is occurring today. I can't imagine going through heart surgery amidst this craziness. My only advice or guidance is focus on you! turn off the TV and put away your phone if you are feeling stressed. Listen to some good music and meditate. Get enough sleep. Think of the good things in life and envision yourself fully recovered. I cannot stress enough how this has helped me. Walk, walk, walk....seriously! don't let anything stop you from walking. This was my saving grace! after my first surgery I swam 5 days a week. After my second surgery, I walked daily! you can walk in your house, around your house or around the block. Sooner than you think you'll be walking miles. It truly speeds up recovery....I promise!
Take care of you, you are # 1! good luck!

In 2007, my aortic aneurysm was fixed with a full sternotomy using Dacron. Then in 2014, I had a heart valve replacement with a Bovine heart valve during a full sternotomy. I'm doing well, but I'm concerned about Covid and have been since the pandemic began. I consider myself high risk due to these 2 heart surgeries. But is my concern valid? I know we are at risk for endocarditis if we develop an infection. In addition, doctors are finding that Covid causes heart problems! I have been isolating with my husband. We basically don't go anywhere except on our patio or local car rides by ourselves. We order everything online and have it delivered. (Dan has diabetes and asthma and is overweight). 1. Can anyone else relate? 2. Does anyone have any good information to share with the community in terms of how much at risk we are with our prosthetic heart valve? 3. Or is it a case by case basis? meaning, some of us are more high risk than others based on our health status. It's difficult to find good information, but I'm also learning that a lot is still unknown and we are learning as we go along. Not only that, getting Covid is a crapshoot....some get it, some don't... even when being fully vaccinated (we are vaccinated and boosted!) By the way, Dan's 3 kids who are in their 40s, are fully vaccinated but all of them got Covid and long Covid! I would love to hear your thoughts or experiences! Thank you! Stay safe! Lilly

Happy Holidays, Everyone! Today is my 7th year anniversary of my aortic heart valve replacement. On Dec 10, 2014, my natural heart valve was replaced with an Edward Lifesciences Magna Ease 23mm aortic heart valve. Previous to this replacement, in February of 2007, Stanford Medical fixed my 4.6cm ascending aortic aneurysm with a Dacron graft. At that time, my bicuspid aortic valve was working fine and didn't require to be replaced during the surgery. Today, at 70 years old, I am doing really well! No aneurysm, no chest pain and my prosthetic heart valve is doing great! I've been quite active. I walk several miles a week, and I don't let anything stop me from doing what I want to do...except for Covid. On April 23, 2021, I visited Dr. Liang of Stanford Medical, and he personally performed an echocardiogram. He confirmed my heart and prosthetic valve are doing really well and was really pleased with the echo. Needless to say, I was thrilled to hear it! Migraines have subsided, tinnitus has not subsided but I have learned to live with it. I typically eat a Mediterranean diet, mostly plant based, but I keep everything in moderation, including alcohol. I lost 40 lbs, and would like to lose another 15 pounds in 2022. I've learned to live with IBS, as well. Small meals and Fodmap has helped me a lot, but mostly constipation has been the culprit as I age. Fiber, exercise, and Aloe Vera has greatly helped! As long as I keep a close watch on my gut, I feel pretty good! My advice to you is to listen to your body, exercise, eat well and have some fun! Covid has placed a huge damper on my life, but I learned that depression is harmful to my body. I couldn't sleep... I was an insomniac! I was so scared of Covid. No matter what the circumstance, we need to find a way to enjoy our life! we need to find ways to enjoy each other safely! It's been a struggle and there are days that I still struggle due to Covid. Take care of yourselves...you are #1! Most of all, learn to relax, take time to meditate...it does wonders for your mind and body. Enjoy the holidays safely!

Tomorrow my husband and I are getting a Pfizer vaccine! Driving to Cottage in Goleta to get it, excited and nervous at the same time. Excited to be moving in a positive direction but nervous because we’re guinea pigs. We’ve been in isolation for so long! It’s time to move forward. Usually I’m concerned about my heart valve but at this point, I want that vaccine in my arm to protect us. I’m 69 and Dan is 73.....I’ll let you know how it goes. 😊 keep safe!!

Hi Everyone. I'm alerting you, you don't want shingles! I hope you never get it....I highly recommend the shingles vaccine so you don't. I will get it done as soon as I can! 2 weeks ago I came down with shingles on my head, my forehead and my left eye! it was horrible! but after reading other people's stories who got shingles in the same area, I can see that I was really, really lucky. I could have lost my eye sight. With the correct medication and eye drops, I am healed! I'm still super sensitive on my head, and forehead, but my eye has healed and the shingles rash is gone. The appearance of my eye was like conjunctivitis which is what I thought I had, but I was suspicious about it because of the itchy rash I got on my head and forehead. After 2 weeks of Doxycycline Hyclate hyclate 100 mg oral capsule for the sinusitis, ofloxacin ophthalmic 0.3% ophthalmic solution for my eye, and Valtrex for the shingles, Advil for pain, I am doing much better. It was hell though......the pain was unbearable, which also brought on migraines. I am resting this weekend, I have no more meds (thank goodness) and I'm feeling so much better. This is my first bout of shingles, and I hope my last..... :( My heart is doing great! no complaints there! :) Keep well, and keep safe! Take care.

Greetings Heart Warriors! Today is my 6th year anniversary for aortic valve replacement. Please click on my Journal and my story to read about me. I feel pretty good for 69 years old! I walk for 2 miles every other day, and I lost 35lbs. I still work full time at a very stressful job training clients how to use our software system. I am staying safe due to COVID and I wear a mask everywhere, and anywhere....but mostly because I live in California, I am quite isolated in my home with my husband, who is 73. My recommendation to you is keep walking, take care of yourself, listen to your body, and learn to relax. I was plagued with anxiety and panic attacks for several years because I was so scared of dissection or dying. But through meditation, learning to relax, CBD, and a healthy diet, I no longer have panic attacks. My anxiety, migraines and tinnitus have dissipated substantially. I take care of myself, because I want to be around for my family and it is important for me that my family is proud of me. Please take care of yourself because you are #1 !!!!!

I live in California, USA. I'm trying to make a decision! I'm still working full time and enrolled with my Employer's Cigna PPO plan. I have been receiving my SS benefits, working full time, but plan to work only 2 days a week when I reach 69 yrs of age in Sept, which means my employer will not provide health care coverage. Here's the question: Is there anyone out there who is enrolled in Medicare today but not enrolled in any Medicare Supplemental or Medicare Advantage plus? I'm asking because if I choose a Supplemental plan, that's $600.00 out of pocket for me any my husband. It would great not have deal with a Supplemental Plan. Cost of Medicare only is $288.00 for both of us. With the Supplemental, it increases the cost to $600.00 approx. So.....has anyone out there been able to receive heart care with only Medicare Part B (no Supplemental) and lives in CA? I don't have any other health issues that require regular doctor visits either. Thank you! :)

Greetings, Heart Warriors! I have some good news! I just had my Echo done, and my Cardiologist confirmed I am doing great! It will be 5 years this December since my heart valve replacement. I do have some regurgitation from my other valves but nothing to be concerned about as he says people my age typically have some regurgitation in all valves. I have no chest pain, no palpitations, no panic attacks, but sometimes I still have anxiety which will wake me up at night. I am learning to live with my tinnitus, and my Cardiologist also confirmed that it has nothing to do with my heart or valves. CBD, CBG and cannabis are my saving grace. As long as I can sleep at least 7 hours each night, the tinnitus is not intense. It's always there however, not one day of quiet! headaches and migraines have been greatly reduced. I lost 22 lbs and I'm working toward another 20 lbs. I am using the Paleo diet formula and it works really well! I am doing so much better than a year ago! I also want to share some really interesting information that I learned about from Bicuspid Aortic Valve Foundation and BAV....please read: Dr. Pickering, a research scientist, and Dr. Chu, an aortic and cardiac surgeon, have collaborated to study aortic tissue removed from human patients. They have published their findings, reporting on the existence and trouble caused by abnormal smooth muscle cells in the wall of the aorta. According to Dr. Pickering, these abnormal cells produce an enzyme that eats away at the tissue around them, destroying and weakening the aorta. Research Paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6562112/ Please take care of yourselves, listen to your body and keep things in perspective. You are #1! All we have is NOW! ALL THE BEST TO ALL OF YOU!

Hard to believe that today, Dec 14, 2018, will be 4 years since my heart valve replacement! My heart is doing really well, so grateful! thanks to my incredible heart surgeon, Dr. Sharo Raissi! Not so great news, 2018 has been quite a roller coaster ride! I've been preoccupied with a new problem. I’ve spoken about in my journals. My symptoms started out with migraines, pressure headaches as if my head was in a vice grip, pain on the left side of my head including left ear tinnitus, and panic/anxiety attacks that I thought were seizures. I thought my body was giving up! There were multiple symptoms, and I felt vulnerable and sensitive to everything. The tinnitus was freaking me out, causing major anxiety, and would get quite loud in my left ear. An ear plug in my left ear is helpful as I’ve become very sensitive to noise, which also causes the head pain. In the midst of all this, I went to 5 different doctors, my GP, an ENT doctor, 2 neurologists and a neuro surgeon. The 1st Neurologist took multiple tests, and basically found nothing! The 2nd neurologist found a benign meningioma tumor in my brain and about 10 punctuate microhemorrhages. He prescribed anti-depressants! But I refuse to take them. I am not depressed….I just want to know what is going on so I can fix it! He also said that the microhemorrhages are from the heart surgery, but the Neurosurgeon says that it is typical for an aging brain. I am 67 yrs old! The neuro surgeon recommended that I see him in a year with a new MRI to compare with the one from last year. And that’s all I can do for now besides maintaining my health by eating right, getting enough sleep on a nightly basis and exercising. After several months of frustration and devastation, sickness and generally feeling at a loss, I have finally come to terms with myself. It’s been difficult, but it could have been worse. So I dusted myself off, pulled myself together and put things into perspective! I also found a great formula that is working for me, keeping migraines and pressure headaches at an all-time low. I sleep better and I feel better. I meditate, walk more often, and eat healthier. My headaches, migraines, and symptoms were greatly reduced! CBD is my miracle medication. I take half a dropper under my tongue each night, and I vape a mixture of CBD, & CBG throughout the day. It keeps me calm, headache free, and I can sleep at night! No side effects whatsoever, so awesome! It helps with arthritic pain, inflammation, nausea, and mood. It also helps keep the tinnitus volume low. As long as I can sleep and manage my headaches and migraines, the tinnitus is more manageable! I am hanging in there! Back in July 2018, saw my cardiologist’s assistant, and all is great with my heart! I am due for an Echo next July 2019. My only problem is a bit of tightness in my chest when walking on an incline, but it doesn’t stop me from doing anything that I want to do. I am grateful every day for 4 successful heart years! I wish all of you the best experience. It is a journey that no one else can understand except for us, who have gone through it…..we are heart warriors! May you enjoy the holiday season…this too shall pass…..one day at a time!

My heart is doing well. No problems at all. However for the last 9 months, I have been suffering with Migraines and Tinnitus. My Surgeon authorized an MRI/MRA exam, which was completed at the end of April 2018. Before I get into further details, I want to share my most recent great discovery, which helped with my head migraines, stomach migraines, anxiety, insomnia, and heart flutter - CBD (Cannabidiol)! I have been using CBD Oil since May 2018. I place 1/3 of a dropper under my tongue, every night before I go to bed. After lunch, I take another 1/4 dropper under my tongue. CBD has reduced my migraines substantially, which also reduces the intensity of the Tinnitus. Now for the gruesome details....after seeing 2 Neurologists, the first one said I was normal no problems found. He took multiple tests: Carotid ultrasound, blood sedimentation test, EEG, and EKG and confirmed they were normal. So I asked him, so why am I still suffering? (this was before I started CBD) The 2nd Neurologist reviewed the MRI/MRA carefully. There were no aneurysms, however he confirmed there were multiple cerebral microhemorrhages due to the Cardiopulmonary bypass machine! He also saw a benign brain tumor situated in the front of my brain. Even while I am writing this, it's so hard to digest! He said the benign brain tumor is nothing to be concerned about. Really? He also said that 1 out of 20 people my age (66) have benign brain tumors. Hard to believe, but he is a Neurologist who studied at Harvard. QUESTION: can anyone on this site relate? have you been diagnosed with cerebral microhemorrhages? or benign brain tumor? In addition, the 2nd Neurologist prescribed anti-depressant medication called Amitriptyline. I have not taken it nor do I plan to. When I read the side affects, and risks, I called back his office. I have NEVER taken an antidepressant medication and I am scared to. At this point, I would love to hear back from you. Do you or do you know anyone who can relate to my brain problems? Thank you....I'm desperate. What can I say!? But I'm okay...trying not to panic, and will continue the CBD, which the Doctors confirmed it is fine to continue, since it is helping me. In addition, the 2nd Neurologist wants to see another MRI in a couple of years to keep an eye on the microhemorrhages and the tumor!!! I am hoping my brain will heal.

After 3 years of success with my heart, I am now not doing so well! I know it could be worse, but I have not managed to get any relief in terms of the migraines and tinnitus. Why after 3 years have my migraines returned, and now triggering tinnitus? I saw my family doctor and an ENT specialist. My family doctor was no help whatsoever. The ENT specialist saw nothing but he recommended to get my hearing tested. So I will go to that appointment on the 20th to rule out problems with my ear(s). I have been sad and depressed because these migraines and tinnitus are a roller coaster ride! I am concerned specifically because it happened suddenly one day mid-October 2017. I'm trying desperately to find out what happened and also trying everything in my power to stay healthy, have enough sleep so a migraine will not occur. I'm meditating, walking, and resting more than I ever did. The volume of the tinnitus is up and down, and driving me crazy! I do nightly tinnitus treatments by laying down, meditating, and listening to on-line Tinnitus treatments, which is basically listening to a variety of white noise. It absolutely is helpful but of course is not a cure. A lot of information is out there, and Doctors have different opinions. There are many reasons why tinnitus occurs, so basically I'm trying to find mine. I have become so desperate that I will reach out to my heart surgeon to find out if there is something going on in my brain; aneurysm, tumor, whatever! I plan to contact him on Friday when he returns from his travels. I want an MRI! Hopefully he can recommend one since I am prone to Aneurysms. If anyone reads this and has anything to share, please let me know :(

3 years have come and gone...and I know where the years went. I thought about my heart everyday, and tried to live as normally as I could and I didn't let anything stop me from living life fully! But I must say, the last 3 years were very difficult at first. I couldn't help but feel that I was alive, but living in someone else's body. I was traumatized and had major PTSD for about 1 year! I was living in a world that I couldn't make a connection with, and it was weird. With all that I have been through, I've become a pro with practicing mind over matter with meditation and visualization as I was preparing for surgery and trying to overcome pain post surgery. I may have unconsciously separated from my body. I was in a daze for a long time. I couldn't relate to anything, or anyone, and I didn't want to live. I felt like I came back to hell! nothing felt right...I was scared and I hated everything around me. Work, relationships, my house, everything felt so overwhelming to me, as if I didn't have the strength to cope or manage my life anymore. I was devastated, and just wanted to die! My son and my husband were here for me every step of the way. Fast forward to today, after working hard and trying to overcome the PTSD, I feel stronger than ever. "Time will tell", time is key! It takes time to heal, time to recover, time to build strength, time to feel confident and time to overcome problems. It also takes patience, especially when all you want is to feel better and make the pain and fear go away. Here I am 3 years later, I am happy to report that I had no physical complications whatsoever. My cardiologist diagnosed me last August with good health, and a strong beating heart! I have a good paying job which I work 100% remote, a wonderful family that loves me, and I love them so much! I'm happy!! My 3 year anniversary update: 1 I feel that my sternum has healed 97%, I have no more pain in my sternum and chest area. But when I move my right arm out and above my head, there is a small pain on the right side of my sternum. But I only feel it in this position. I'm not concerned. They cut through the sternum twice, once in 2007 and once in 2014....no wonder! 2 I have no chest pain, no shortness of breath, and I can walk on inclines quite well. 3 At times, I can feel what seems like are PACs or PVCs. They began occurring this year. They are far, few between. I'm not concerned, because I just saw my Cardiologist in August and he was not concerned. 4 My brain is doing so much better. I have had only one migraine related seizure in June and I think it was because I was on a red-eye flight and didn't sleep for 24hrs. My concentration level and memory has improved substantially. 5 PTSD has greatly subsided. I feel like I am connected again, and my attitude is so much better about life. This has a lot to do with my son and daughter-in-law moving closer to me, only a 40 minute drive. On a not so positive note and not heart related... 1. I am recovering from a recent bout of a virus that begun at the beginning of October that has caused persistent headaches, neuralgia, nausea and tinnitus. This problem has caused my migraines to return and I felt miserable. I'm still under Doctor care. 2. My son's Dad lost everything with hurricane Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. 3. My son's wife's parents lost everything in the Santa Rose fire. 4. My step-son in England and his girlfriend have a baby girl, and they are going through financial hardships, and almost split up. Lots of stress around me, lots of sadness, and the world is going crazy! But I manage to get through each day just being so grateful that my family is close by, and that we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the Country, the Central Coast of California. We eat fresh produce locally grown, fresh local fish, and meat, and my Cardiologists are nearby. I am working towards a full retirement once a few things are paid off. I am so grateful my heart was fixed and I'm doing so well. I'm so thankful for what I have! I have chosen to let go all of my grievances and to bite the bullet and "come back" to life, accept the things that I cannot change, and have the courage to move forward, and just be grateful. There is a silver lining! You may not see it through the clouds, but it's there. Take one day at a time, keep fighting, keep trying and you will make it! Take care of yourself, you are #1!!

What causes a Bovine valve to fail? I was told that my 23mm Edwards Sciences Magna Ease bovine valve has a shelf life of approx 18 years. What will cause the bovine valve to fail sooner or last longer? what are the variables? is it like a tire on a car whereby the amount of mileage you drive will wear out your tires, so the more active you are the more use on your valve? or is it the food you eat, or your blood type? My surgeon couldn't tell me the answer 3 years ago! Does anyone know? I will do some research as well to see if there is any current information I might find.

I've been trying to cope with head pain, and the buzzing and high pitched sound in my left ear for several days. I took myself to urgent care on Friday. They found nothing, but suggested to take Sudafed Congestion in case I may have congestion in my head and sinus area. The doctor also thought it may be migraine related, but the Sudafed will rule it out. Began taking the Sudafed since Friday then went to bed early cause I was miserable. Every sound hurt my head and ear! I did get a little relief but the tinnitus is still very bad. So annoying! It's been 3 days. On top of this, I have a huge CEP exam on Saturday which I am travelling 5 hours to the testing site. I hope this goes away and I hope this is not going to get worse, and that it is not related to my heart in any way. Has anyone on this site ever dealt with this issue and if so, what did your doctor tell you? I am currently seeking and ENT doctor to make an appointment.

Still going strong....still feeling very well after 33 months post valve replacement! The song that comes to mind regarding how I feel today for myself and for all of you who have shared your journey is "Rise Up!" And I'll rise up I'll rise like the day I'll rise up I'll rise unafraid I'll rise up And I'll do it a thousand times again And I'll rise up High like the waves I'll rise up In spite of the ache I'll rise up And I'll do it a thousands times again All we need, all we need is hope And for that we have each other And for that we have each other We will rise We will rise...... I know we will. We will do it every day in our trauma, our pain, and our fear! We have the strength and the courage to Rise Up! Thinking of all of you on my Birthday......I wish you all the best with your heart journeys! I feel so grateful to be 66 years old today!

I worry about antibiotics effectiveness and resistance. Been taking them for 10 yrs for dental visits, injuries and procedures .....mostly cephalex. Others have made me break out in hives but so far, so good! I would like to hear about your experience and what you've learned. Is there any thing that can be done to prevent resistance? 🤞

I was so mad! It was the last branch on my honeysuckle bush....I reached up with my right arm with the battery operated trimmer, whacked the branch off, lost my balance and grabbed the trimmer that was still running with my left hand!! Owwww....I ripped up my middle finger...blood was pouring all over the place. I was freaking out! All I could think about was, OMG, I'm going to get an infection! So here's what I did....and I'm only sharing this information to help others as well: My husband grabbed a clean large bowl and poured cold water in it. I put my hand in the water and soaked it until it stopped bleeding (30 minutes). Then I dried it off, applied antibiotic ointment and placed on the gash. I wrapped it up in gauze and took an antibiotic that I had in the fridge for dental cleanings. The next day, I went to Urgent care, and it was too late for stitches. Instead, the doctor, who was great, super-glued the gash! then strip taped it up, and put on a finger glove made of gauze on my finger. It felt so much better!!! He also gave me a prescription for more antibiotics. He recommended that I keep taking the antibiotics to eliminate any risk for heart infection. And that's what I will do.....wish me luck! :) I'm going to purchase leather work gloves so this will never happen again!

Hi Heart Friends. This is a quick update on something I experienced recently. After weeks of stomach pain and fatigue, I am happy to report that I am fine! I had an Ultra Sound on my stomach area to rule out Abdominal Aneurysm, and blood work to rule out anemia. Test results were negative, and blood work is normal...thank goodness! In the interim, I cut meals in half, stopped drinking wine, stopped all vitamins, supplements, probiotics, and aspirin. My stomach pains went away!!! I am now taking my daily aspirin, and will re-introduce the vitamins/supplements to determine if they were causing stomach pain. My research continues... What I have learned from this experience is that I'm constantly anticipating the worst! Fear, anxiety, nausea and worry are a vicious cycle for me. It also causes sleepless nights, which in turn heightens those feelings! Could be the result of going through life threatening surgeries! I contacted my surgeon, Dr. Raissi. He said it was very rare that someone who has TAD/BAV to also have an abdominal aneurysm. He asked me if the pain was going to my back, but it was not. He concluded by saying if the pain goes to my back, I should get a CT with contrast. My cardiologist, Dr. Bocchicchio, confirmed my heart and valve are doing great, however there is LVH (left ventricle hypertrophy), which I thought could be the cause of fatigue... he didn't think so! He added I should lose some weight as it is much harder on the heart to carry extra weight. I don't disagree, as I have put on some weight after this second heart surgery! continuous sitting all day at work, and stress on the job are the cause of my weight gain. He recommended that I push myself to walk 3 to 5 miles several times a week. It's difficult at 66 years old, but I will absolutely try my best. To all of you who are much younger - don't let your weight get out of control. Once you reach late 50s early 60s, it is much more difficult to lose weight. I have never had such a hard time getting back to a normal weight, and I get so down on myself...and that's not good either. I am so grateful for my second chance at life, and will continue to improve my health. All the best to everyone! Hang in there, be good to yourself, and don't let things get the better of you, as I did. :)

One of my journal posts, that I cannot find today, I was talking about my stomach upsets. I have been on Probiotics for several months, learned about FODmaps and have experienced some relief. However, I still continue to suffer with upset stomach. I found a new cardiologist and visited on May 1. He listened to me describe my symptoms as well as feel my stomach area for Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm, as I am susceptible to additional aneurysms. In addition, my dad has an AAA presently at 3.0cm. He is 91. My new cardiologist said he felt something when examining my stomach area and wants me to get an Ultrasound, which is now scheduled for May 15. I'm scared....so scared to find out!! But I need to know what the heck is going on and hopefully rule it out. I was reading some stories of people (not this site) who described their symptoms starting out with stomach pain, and digestive disorders and then later found the problems were due to the AAA. So my question is does anyone on this site have both an Ascending Aorta problem in addition to an Abdominal Aorta problem? (descending aorta) I would love to hear from you. I was once told that it was not possible to have both, but when reading these stories, it appears that people can have multiple types of aneurysms! I hope that I don't....I'm scared, but have hope!

It's been 2 yrs and almost 4 months post aortic valve replacement. I'm 65 yrs old. Still feeling quite well, and energetic. However, we've been quite busy at work which basically means speaking long hours at a time on the phone. I work at a software development company and support clients using our equity compensation web-based tool. I train staff members and help clients through data issues, devise solutions and guide them through the application. I speak and write a lot....all day. The busiest times are from November through mid-April as clients reconcile their expense and work on their YE financial disclosures. Lately, I feel exhausted, light headed and drained at the end of a work day. It scares me because before I had my valve replaced, I felt very limited in terms of the amount of speaking I was able to handle throughout the day. I usually can manage my job on a daily basis but I find lately that I can't handle back to back multiple calls like I used to. I'm trying to figure out what this means. Is it heart valve related? Anyone else experience fatigue after a lot of speaking? I do intend to bring this up to my doctor at my next doctor visit on May 1.

It's Dec 10, and it is my 2nd year anniversary of my aortic valve replacement, and I am still going strong! I am so grateful to be doing so well, and continue enjoying life with my family. I work full time and I don't let anything get in my way. There are certain things that I don't want to do anymore, like drive alone for hours and hours, but other than that, I can do what I want when I want it. The other day, I watched the movie "Cast Away" with Tom Hanks. After he was rescued, he said the following.... I knew exactly what he meant. Nobody could have said it better! This is exactly how I felt when I was facing my second heart surgery. "I had power over *nothing*. And that's when this feeling came over me like a warm blanket. I knew, somehow, that I had to stay alive. Somehow. I had to keep breathing. Even though there was no reason to hope. And all my logic said that I would never see this place again. So that's what I did. I stayed alive. I kept breathing. And one day my logic was proven all wrong because the tide came in, and gave me a sail. And now, here I am. I'm back. In Memphis, talking to you. I have ice in my glass... And I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?" Except for Memphis, and except for the ice in my glass, I knew I had no power and I was defeated. I was at my lowest low ever! Fast forward to today, and it's all behind me. I'm so grateful! There were no complications and life is moving right along and I can enjoy living it again! I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"

I continue to be so thankful and grateful for my second chance at life! Happy Thanksgiving to all. May you have a wonderful day giving thanks with friends, family or just by yourself chilling out at home! Take care.

Just thought I would share some good information for a healthy recovery! I received an early Xmas present from my husband Dan. It's the Gazelle Glider Freestyle exercise machine. The Gazelle provides low impact aerobic and cardio exercise. I love this thing! By the way, I also have a tread-mill and exercise bike, but when I want something that provides aerobic and cardiac exercise with no impact to my joints, this is it. I highly recommend it for us who have had to endure heart surgeries. Exercise is so important for complete recovery and maintaining good health. After a long day of sitting at my desk, I get on it and work-out. I love it, so easy and gives me the cardio workout I need on a daily basis. By the way, this is not an advertisement. We all have different needs based on our age, size and health issues, but this Glider has helped me so much already! Good luck and keep improving!

It turns out that my local Cardiologist (not my wonderful surgeon, Dr. Raissi) is now charging $100 a month if I want to continue seeing him. Otherwise, I can only see a Physician's assistant if I continue going to his office for care. Ludicrous! I have access to Dr. Raissi by phone or text, but he is situated in Santa Monica, which is approx. 250 miles from where I live. Do any of you know of an excellent Cardiologist, who has had many years of experience dealing with BAV and valve replacements? I am still at risk for aneurysm in my aorta, and infection in my heart, so I want to find a great Cardiologist close to me. Anyone know? Thank you :)

Echo results I'm ecstatic to report that yesterday I received my Echo results from my Cardiologist when visiting with him yesterday. I am doing really well! No problems, and no changes since last year's really positive Echo results. My bovine valve is working very well, and my heart is beating strong! yayyy! I'm so thrilled. Sternum pain The doctor concluded that the Sternum pain is due to the damaged nerves surrounding the sternum. It is not caused by the wires. The sternum can take a long time to heal. My chest was opened twice, first surgery was 8 hrs and 2nd surgery was 12 hrs. There is quite a bit of scar tissue, and nerve damage, which is causing the pain. Over the last couple of weeks, after some intensive nightly infrared heat lamp therapy, amazingly I feel an overall improvement. My doctor advised, as long as I am improving, this is a sign that the sternum is healing! My Lp(a) levels Unfortunately, I did not receive good news about my blood work. My Lp(a) levels are at 87mg/dl. I did NOT fast for this blood work.... maybe that is the problem, I don't know. However I have never had a cholesterol problem ever in my life time. So I was given 6 months to bring it down, or else I will need medication (ugh!). Believe me, this is just the reinforcement I need. I will do everything in my power to research and work at it to bring it down.....I don't want to take medication! My total cholesterol is on the border-line. I am struggling with weight gain after my second surgery.....this could be the cause of the cholesterol issue. My blood work was perfect (no meds) before my surgery! That is it....no other problems, no other issues. I have my work cut out for me. I am still ever so grateful for everything!