Lynne 's Journal

Grace Mason   Lynne,
You are obviously a very strong person, so concerned for your family's needs. Your fortitude will definitely be to your benefit. I think you will be surprised at how well you will be doing post surgery.
It will be nice for you to have your family close at home to help with things you should limit with sternal precautions, while you are in recovery, and for comfort. Don't forget to take this time to take care of yourself, too. Meditation, walks, a massage, or whatever brings you peace and calm. You will be well on Thursday.

Pamela Gregory  I agree with Grace. You are so thoughtful about your family which is a beautiful quality but make sure to take care of your body and soul too

Rose Madura  You are a very caring person.  Now is the time to take care of you so that you will be your best.  Godspeed. 

Allen Carkner  You are brave and I wish you a safe smooth surgery and recovery with minimal discomfort. We are in an age of excellent surgical knowledge and safety and I hope you find comfort that there are options for those of us that will need and have needed a bit of work done on our hearts.

Jan Findlay  Hi Lynne, Yes I think tissue replacement is the best choice for an active, good quality of life, without the complication of serious medication and the associated complications. Having the right tissue valve also means you can plan for future TAVR procedure which is less invasive. Good luck!!

Rose Madura  I'm also not from the UK but at your age, I'd highly consider a tissue valve.  They last a longer time nowadays due to advances so you may never need a redo but if you do, the TAVR is an option. But the choice is very personal, and only you can make it.  Godspeed.

chris Madden  HI Lynne. Not from the UK but, I am going through the same decision process with the exact same issue. Everyone on here is awesome and the best advice is to do your own research. Read the responses from my question yesterday just a few posts below.  

Robert Miller  I am not sure why you are asking for opinions in the UK. Are there some limitations on what you can get? In any case, at your age the general consensus is tissue valve replacement. It differs how long they last but it should be around 15 years. If that fail, they can do a minimal invasive surgery and put a new tissue valve over your existing tissue valve. That should give you another 10-15 years. At that time you will be 90 and who knows what new technologies they came out by then to avoid open heart surgery. You could go with a mechanical valve which should last 'forever' but you have to deal with wolverine (not too hard but still you need to consider it), the clicking, etc. Check out the learning center for more information https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Sue Lee  Lynn, I live in the UK and can confirm the Edward’s Inspiris valve is very much available and said to be excellent