Paul Whitfield - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

678 days ago

Good day all.. New to the group and the world of severe Aortic Stenosis. I am a 50 year old male with a very active life style and have already met with two ...Read more

Good day all.. New to the group and the world of severe Aortic Stenosis. I am a 50 year old male with a very active life style and have already met with two surgeons here in South Florida. Both were fantastic but offered different views when deciding on a tissue valve vs. mechanical. I'm an avid mountain biker and play in competitive soccer leagues. Being on Warfarin doesn't sound like a good idea but longevity is the real goal, as I have two daughters. I would appreciate any opinions and success stories. I'm new to the group so hope I am doing this correctly. Thank you.

Rose Madura Hi Paul, and welcome to the site. It's a very difficult decision. At age 59, (5 years ago) I thought ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Paul, and welcome to the site. It's a very difficult decision. At age 59, (5 years ago) I thought I was sold on the Onyx valve until I talked with my surgeon about pros and cons and also my brother (a doctor). I landed on a tissue valve. It was a difficult decision. My advice to others is to do your research, make a decision, and don't second guess yourself. Whatever you decide is the right one for you. At age 50, it's possible that you would need two more valve replacements. They are doing so much with TAVR now and in 15-20 years, just think of the advances we'll have. Please keep us updated. Godspeed.

Mark Buttell Hey Paul, my first valve has lasted 19yrs and was a tissue valve. I spoke with my surgeon on Monday a ... Read more

Mark Buttell Hey Paul, my first valve has lasted 19yrs and was a tissue valve. I spoke with my surgeon on Monday and in my case I will be needing two valve’s this time. He stated that with two mechanical valves I would be on a much higher dose of blood thinners which means many trips to the clinic for blood check and also the worry of cuts,bruises,falls and breaks. However, they would be lifetime valves. I am 55yrs old and have made the decision to stick with tissue valves for the simple fact that technology is vastly improving and invasive surgery would be likely in 10-12yrs for replacements. This is a personal decision for you and which ever way you choose will be the correct one. Peace to you on your heart journey!

Marie Myers Hi Paul, Valve choice was the hardest decision I ever made. I went back and forth for months, eventua ... Read more

Marie Myers Hi Paul, Valve choice was the hardest decision I ever made. I went back and forth for months, eventually choosing a tissue valve. I was 63 at the time of my surgery, and I guess time will tell if I made the right choice. March will be my 6th anniversary. If I got 19 years out of this valve like Mark, I would be thrilled!!

Pamela Gregory Hi Paul, I am 55 years old and went with a tissue valve also October 17th. It was a very difficult de ... Read more

Pamela Gregory Hi Paul, I am 55 years old and went with a tissue valve also October 17th. It was a very difficult decision but in the end for me I decided that I wanted to live with no restrictions.