Michele Poluka - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

522 days ago

I’m looking for advice my husband is having a redo on his aortic and mitral valve. He currently has bovine tissue valves. He is 69 years young on warfarin ...Read more

I’m looking for advice my husband is having a redo on his aortic and mitral valve. He currently has bovine tissue valves. He is 69 years young on warfarin and tikosyn to control AFib . The first surgery was done in 2013. He may need bypass. It will be conclusive once the catheterization take place the day before the 8/23 surgery. How can I get this message out to the community members. He was given a 60% chance of a successful maze procedure. But that also means longer time on bypass. Please help we are having a difficult time between mechanical or bovine valves. Am I posting in the proper place to get feedback? Thank you Shelly Poluka

Rose Madura Hi Shelly, I'm sorry your husband has to have a redo. I got a tissue valve at age 59 six years ago a ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Shelly, I'm sorry your husband has to have a redo. I got a tissue valve at age 59 six years ago and plan on a TAVR if I need one in the future. The valve choice is a tough one but one you and your husband has to make. My advice would be to do your research, discuss with the doctors and also get a second opinion. There are lots of videos on this site that should help you. Make a decision and then go with it. It will be the right choice for you. Please keep us posted. Godspeed.

Michele Poluka Thank you Rose. We got two opinions and we decided to go back to the original surgeon Dr. Craig Smith ... Read more

Michele Poluka Thank you Rose. We got two opinions and we decided to go back to the original surgeon Dr. Craig Smith New York Columbia Presbyterian NY. He has a little more than a month to go.

Marie Myers It is a tough decision whether to do tissue or mechanical valve. I know I went back and forth for wee ... Read more

Marie Myers It is a tough decision whether to do tissue or mechanical valve. I know I went back and forth for weeks! I was 63 at the time of my surgery and chose a tissue valve. So far, so good, but Only time will tell how long mine will last. Like Rose, I am hoping it will last for 10+ more years, and then have a TAVR. Keep us posted!

Louise Moore Hi Michele, I'm with Rose and Marie and... if you have a good discussion with your Dr. about the year ... Read more

Louise Moore Hi Michele, I'm with Rose and Marie and... if you have a good discussion with your Dr. about the years ahead and what to consider in the coming years, I think you'll be happy with the decision you make. I had a porcine mitral valve replacement at age 67 - choosing a tissue valve because I didn't think I could easily live with the sound of a clicking mechanical valve - AND- I was already on Warfarin because of a serious brain blood clot the previous year ( completely resolved on its own, yay!) AND in my later years it would be reasonable to have a TAVR if the tissue mitral valve needs replacement. You are with a great hospital and do take the time talking with your Dr. so you feel 100% on board with the plan! Ask questions and be content with your decisions, it will work out fine and we'll be happy to hear when your husband is in recovery, - Oh and try not to worry about time on the bypass machine these days - the staff involved in these surgeries are so experienced and professional - it's not like years ago and the talk of "pump heads" That really does seem like a thing of the past and I hope others pipe in if they have experienced otherwise.

Michele Poluka Thank you Louise for the encouragement.