Randy's Journal

Alex Sagan  160 bpm?! I'm not getting there. :) I'm lifting (luckily can do skull crushers), walking, biking, and doing yoga. I do something every day. Heart rate during yesterday's bike ride was average 125 and max 149 (which is 90% of my age-predicted max at 56yrs). I use a Polar strap with Bluetooth during cardio.

Willie Radl  I think you are farther along in recovery than I am but my cardiac rehab told me I shouldn't go over 85% of max heart rate for a while. I believe max heart rate is 220- age. I'm 32 so my 85% limit is 160 and I've been keeping my HR down around 140 when exercising, but I think if you are feeling good working out and not over doing it you're good. You know how much you can handle more than anyone else.

Helen Daw  Mine goes up to 170-180 when I am hiking. I was told today by the Cardiac Rehab nurse that that is too high. I will try to hike at a slower rate on Sunday and see how that goes.

Amy Steele  Hi Randy! Welcome to the site. Your decision to have a mechanical or tissue valve is an important one. There is a lot of information out there on the pros and cons of both and the best part is that you get to have the final say in what you get. I've known all my life that I'd need valve replacement and I always knew that I wanted a tissue valve. I'm 52 and on the 'young' side of the recommendations for a tissue valve. My thinking is that the technology is changing rapidly and that I'd be a candidate for TAVR when my valve needs replacing again in 15 to 20 years. I also needed an aortic root repair, so I went with the Medtronic Freestyle stentless tissue all-in-one aortic valve and root. I am required to take a baby aspirin daily, but no coumadin (warfarin). I'm sure that many others from this site will weigh in with their experiences. Do your research and pick what is best for you and your lifestyle.

Bob Fessler  Good post Amy. It's an individual decision which can go a lot of ways. I'm 65 and know that because of my medical problems I will go with a tissue valve. It should last 15 years give or take at my age. The mechanical valve, I've read, will last 20 to 25 years give or take but you need to be on a anticoagulant like warfarin. Do your research and decide what is best for your age, medical condition and lifestyle.

Lynda Ruiz  I also do not want to take warfarin. I had an AHA moment when my sister talked about how the future of our medical system might really be like down the road where "older" people might not have options (like my 89.5yo dad did last week) to have valve replacements due to costs & government control. What I have read on this site is a tissue valve is 5+ years and at 66 I might need multiple TAVR procedures. I studied the Ross Procedure too on this site and see it is OHS, but still tissue valve but with longevity between the 2.

Bob Gillespie  This is exactly where I am in my road to surgery. The one mitigating factor in the pro mechanical camp is the reduced odds of a second surgery. That seems to be the only thing on that side of the scale. Anyone?

Bob Fessler  Lynda....I think the tissue valve has been lasting a lot longer than 5 years. Here is a link from the Cleveland Clinic that says they should last 15-20 years. At your age, it should last longer than a younger person.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/aortic-valve-surgery/treatment-options

Marie Myers  I am 63 and chose a tissue valve. I considered the On-X , but decided against Coumadin. I am hoping this valve lasts 20 years, then get a TAVR if needed. It was a very difficult decision for me.

Lynda Ruiz  Marie, That is exactly what went down at my first mtg with cardiac surgeon yesterday. Bovine tissue valve he said should be 12-20 years, then TAVR replacement after that. It will be OHS and with will need Warfarin, but only for 3 mos he said. 2 other procedures being done at same time.

Randy Hart  Good valve discussions folks! I had a bovine tissue valve sewed in last year because I didn't want to be on warfaurin, and I trust this valve will last 15 years. It truly is 'one day at a time', right? In the future, the technology will only get better. The surgeon said I could anticipate having the surgery again when I'm 79. So far so good, and I'm feeling strong. So thankful!