Hey Tyler,
My name is Ken Levine
I can speak of some experience about open heart surgery. I have had three open hearts when I was a young lad, surgeries were in 1968, 1972, and 1976. I am now 62.
The long and the short of it is that in 1976 I had a prosthetic aortic valve implanted. It did mean taking coumadin, and I will tell you that part is a PIA,
HOWEVER, I just had an echocardiogram (sp) and my cardiologist told me it is looking great......after 42 years! I have a Bjork-Shiley valve, and in 1976, very few surgeons had the training to perform the procedure.
And how far we have come in 40, 50 years.
I know you know how having your sternum opened up is hard, and I remember all three times it was done, (in those days I swear it was with a Sears saws-all!) but still being very healthy, biking and walking all over town in Vermont, it is good to know I am still good to go.
These decisions are yours to make my young friend. I am hopefully responding to your request for info, and not only am I glad you joined Mended
Hearts (the compassion is healing) I recommend you talk to your cardiologist which you have been doing.
Ken Levine
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ken levine
volunteer, retired
802-236-8186
kenpaullevine@gmail.comMiddlebury, Vermont
05753
United States of America
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-26-2019 02:12
From: Tyler Lynn
Subject: 29 y/o to get a valve replacement
Hello everyone!
I am glad I have stumbled upon this forum. I am looking for help and advice.
I had a bicuspid aortic valve that was repaired when I was 15 years old. They opened me up and repaired the valve with the pericardium. It has lasted me this long but now my Dr is telling me its time to replace the aortic valve due to it leaking again.
I am a very active person and plan to do a lot of traveling to more remote parts of the planet and I am trying to make the right decision. I do not like the blood thinner and the mechanical valve option, but I also would prefer not to undergo open heart surgery every 15 years. I am excited for the TAVR to advance but it seems as though neither bio-prosthetic nor the mechanical valve has progressed much in the last 15 years since my first surgery.
I was hopeful that by now there would be a better option and I am still hopeful for the future. I am now tasked with making the decision on what replacement valve to use.
Anyone?
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Tyler Lynn
Ivins UT
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