Travis's Journal

Duane Beeman  Nice job there, Travis. Six days ?? Wow. I'd still be looking for the remote control and trying to find some applesauce.

Mark Alafita  Travis, you are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing. Although I can't promise the same recovery time, it is worth striving for.

Bob M  Travis, welcome to our awesome Community! Your book is now on my reading list. I pray your second round will be better than the first. Do you know about the new valve in valve procedure for the second round? God bless and rise up again!

Nancy D  I hope and pray to get 10+ years out of my new bovine Mitral valve. If and when I need another one, hopefully there is an easier way to do it, but do it I shall-> although 20 yrs would be good too! LOL

Clay Rowe  Hi Travis, were you offered a TAVR valve-in-valve redo? Is that something you'd have opted for instead of mechanical...or are you just done with any additional procedures? I'm 47 and trying to decide on my first valve. Thanks.

Travis Slone  Hey Clay, my surgeon discussed that, but not as a primary option. With this being my second operation at 33 years old, he said i would likely still get only ten years out of the TAVR since its a tissue valve. Then I'd need a third operation by around 45 or 50. Im glad I picked the tissue valve first, but if a mech valve will last 3 times as long, I'll take it. Heart surgery is doable, but the full recovery process is no joke. If I need another valve after 60, Id go back to tissue at that time if it's an option. But for now I figure, I climb mountains for fun, what's a lab test now and then... Just another challenge. I'll be on the mountains again by this summer I'm sure, whether I'm ticking or not :-).

Mark Alafita  Travis, your attitude and spirit are infectious. Thanks for the uplifting outlook. I'm still contemplating what valve to get, and your story has me leaning toward mechanical. Either way, I wish you all the best at tomorrow's surgery. Let us know how it goes.