Martha Kaczala - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2487 days ago

Just a quick update. My Surgery date was changed from February 21 to March 5th.

Phyllis Petersen Don't let the delay cause more anxiety. Plan some fun things to do to get you through the extra days. ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen Don't let the delay cause more anxiety. Plan some fun things to do to get you through the extra days.

Elaine Phares Agree with Phyllis. Enjoy some extra nights sleep, go eat an incredible dessert (which you might not ... Read more

Elaine Phares Agree with Phyllis. Enjoy some extra nights sleep, go eat an incredible dessert (which you might not have for awhile--even though I am not even pre-diabetic, my blood sugar went wacko in the hospital.) March 5 will be here before you know it!

Martha Kaczala Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I truly appreciate your support!

Martha Kaczalaposted an update

2519 days ago

Hello All, My aortic valve replacement surgery is scheduled for February 21, 2018. I am currently researching tissue valves vs. mechanical valves. I am definitely ...Read more

Hello All, My aortic valve replacement surgery is scheduled for February 21, 2018. I am currently researching tissue valves vs. mechanical valves. I am definitely leaning toward a tissue valve but because I am only 55, I have been told I should consider a mechanical valve. Does anyone have any insight/experience with mechanical valve replacement and post op life? I would really appreciate some patient feed back. Thank you so much! My thoughts and prayers go out to all in this community, especially those with upcoming surgeries! God Bless

Tim Murray I had a tissue valve at 49 (open heart) and last week at age 62 I had a TAVR procedure which is also ... Read more

Tim Murray I had a tissue valve at 49 (open heart) and last week at age 62 I had a TAVR procedure which is also a tissue valve. So I have a valve in a valve. Everyone is different and you are young but considering the ease of the TAVR procedure, I am grateful to have not been on blood thinners for the past 12 years and my recovery has been much easier this time. Who knows what they will be doing in 10-15 years from now....

Rita Savelis I had double valve replacement with mechanical valves in 2015, plus a third valve repaired at age 54. ... Read more

Rita Savelis I had double valve replacement with mechanical valves in 2015, plus a third valve repaired at age 54.
Because of the state of my valves, and my insides (damage due to childhood radiation therapy) it was decided that was my best option with a double replacement.
There are many patients here with mechanical valves who take anticoagulants, and after an initial period of getting used to them, they carry on as normal.

Martha Kaczala Thank you so much for the information. I truly appreciate it! I am so glad you are both doing well! ... Read more

Martha Kaczala Thank you so much for the information. I truly appreciate it! I am so glad you are both doing well!

Phyllis Petersen I was fortunate to have a repair, but had chosen a tissue valve (pig) should they need to replace, an ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen I was fortunate to have a repair, but had chosen a tissue valve (pig) should they need to replace, and my surgeon felt that was a good choice. I was 62 at the time (15 months ago). You still have time to research more and soul search for what you feel is right for you. Whatever your decision, I wish you all the best.

Martha Kaczala Thank you for your insight and kind words Phyllis. I hope all is well with you.
Martha

Phyllis Petersen Thank you, I'm doing great. Early post-surgery days take patience and hard work and lots of naps, but ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen Thank you, I'm doing great. Early post-surgery days take patience and hard work and lots of naps, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Toni Z Hi, I picked mechanical since I’m only 42. My surgeon also let me know I would not qualified for TA ... Read more

Toni Z Hi, I picked mechanical since I’m only 42. My surgeon also let me know I would not qualified for TAVR so that made my choice easier. I didn’t want 2 more OHS. It’s a very personal choice as I’m learning life with Coumadin and the little squeaks from my valve. I hoping for it to get quieter.

Martha Kaczala I have read that the little squeaks do lessen after a while or perhaps you stop noticing them. Thank ... Read more

Martha Kaczala I have read that the little squeaks do lessen after a while or perhaps you stop noticing them. Thank you for your thoughts. I hope all is going well for you!
You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Rita Savelis I've never had squeaks. I did hear my valves at the beginning especially if the room was very quiet ( ... Read more

Rita Savelis I've never had squeaks. I did hear my valves at the beginning especially if the room was very quiet (for example sitting on the sofa reading in a quiet room), but now I am unaware of them. At night I just hear my husband snoring.
There is a video on this site where one can hear an example, but everyone is different.

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2015/03/02/mechanical-valve-ticking-clicking/

I would have to say that of ALL the side effects of OHS surgery (and there are a few) the sound of valves was the least bothersome for me.

Linda’s Challenge: Can You Hear My Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement Tick?

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2015/03/02/mechanical-valve-ticking-clicking/

As patients evaluate their heart valve replacement choices, one question patients often have about mechanical valves is, "Will I hear the valve tick?" It's