Patrick Schweitzer - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

980 days ago

Timothy Andre, Rose Madura, Patsy Stewart reacted to this

Back home after TAVR Valve-in-Valve procedure. Only one day in the hospital. Compared to open heart this was a walk in the park. The staff at INOVA in Fairfax ...Read more

Back home after TAVR Valve-in-Valve procedure. Only one day in the hospital. Compared to open heart this was a walk in the park. The staff at INOVA in Fairfax were outstanding and I feel great. My only issue is a burning pain in my left inner thigh when I move in certain positions. The PA thinks it is either a muscle pull from working down there or she told me there are a bunch of nerve bundles through the same area that could have gotten nicked during the procedure. It hasn’t prevented me from normal movement or walking so just something to follow up on during my 5 day visit on Tuesday.

Carol Hughes I had major burning in my right leg and my skin couldn't feel my fingers touching my leg. So, regard ... Read more

Carol Hughes I had major burning in my right leg and my skin couldn't feel my fingers touching my leg. So, regardless of pain, I rubbed that leg until it was normal. Took months. Yours may clear up sooner, since you didn't mention numbness and said the burning was light. Try rubbing your leg. Good luck.

Carol Hughes Your recovery was fantastic. I was in for 5 days. Of course, I was 71 at the time and the oxygen tu ... Read more

Carol Hughes Your recovery was fantastic. I was in for 5 days. Of course, I was 71 at the time and the oxygen tube kept my breathing down, until it was removed. I don't know if you have/had AFIB but I did have one major attack in the hosp. I thought they doing construction in the next room. LOL Treat me with meds, took care of the shaking.

Rose Madura Glad you are doing well!

Carol Hughes Thanks.

Patrick Schweitzerposted a journal

1014 days ago

Met with the doctor who will most likely do my TAVR but he was looking ahead. He explained the at may have caused my original Trifecta valve to fail and is ...Read more

Met with the doctor who will most likely do my TAVR but he was looking ahead. He explained the at may have caused my original Trifecta valve to fail and is looking forward not only what could be done to fix the immediate situation but what knowing what is done now will have to prepare for a probable next valve 10, 15, 20 years from now when I’m much older (he keeps calling me young at 65). Bottom line I guess is that TAVR is the lead case a bunch of docs will consult to figure out the best long term plan. Open heart is still one solution so that has me a bit stressed. The last one was a bear to get over.

Marie Myers Sorry to hear that your valve needs replacing already. Did they have have any idea why the Trifecta f ... Read more

Marie Myers Sorry to hear that your valve needs replacing already. Did they have have any idea why the Trifecta failed ? Hopefully TAVR will be a good option for you. I know I would be stressed at the idea of another open heart surgery! Wishing you. All the best!

Patrick Schweitzer Surgeons stated that TAVR is reasonable given that the Trifecta valve is large. They also stated ther ... Read more

Patrick Schweitzer Surgeons stated that TAVR is reasonable given that the Trifecta valve is large. They also stated there will most likely be enough room for a second valve down the road but I’ll cross that bridge later. They did state that almost all the valve failures they’re seeing are Trifecta. It appears to be how the leaflets are positioned on the support stent that are causing the valve to fail.

Patrick Schweitzerposted a journal

1016 days ago

A month out from my TAVR surgery. I had to stuff a lot of tests in a couple of weeks. My home is VA but my work location is Houston. Was only planning on being ...Read more

A month out from my TAVR surgery. I had to stuff a lot of tests in a couple of weeks. My home is VA but my work location is Houston. Was only planning on being home for a week. Luckily everything I do is virtual lately so nobody missed me in the office. With all these tests I started to feel like a voodoo doll so it’s good that I have a month to heal up so they can stick some more needles in me. My blood pressure has dropped way down as well which is good because it had spiked along with the valve failing.

Does anybody have any data on Trifecta valves failing prematurely? I researched online and found some articles that pointed to about 8% having issues with the Version 1 valve that I think I have. My cardiologist told me at the time that was the top of the line valve. I’m also very active so I’m not sure if that had anything to do with it.

Patrick Schweitzer Completed all my prep work for TAVR yesterday. Only a Covid test on Monday left which kind of sucks s ... Read more

Patrick Schweitzer Completed all my prep work for TAVR yesterday. Only a Covid test on Monday left which kind of sucks since we were heading to see my daughter’s last dance showcase at Penn State this weekend and I think I can be careful for the performances but all the festivities before and after are too risky. My wife will go out and I get to stay in the hotel room. At least I know this is TAVR definitely now and the valve is large enough for a possible second TAVR down the road. Surgery is April 7th.