Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  TAVR

    Posted 08-02-2021 12:53
    Hi everyone,

    My name is Diane and I am a caregiver for my elderly mom who is 77. We found out November 2020 she has severe aortic stenosis in addition to uncontrolled blood pressure with medications. I would appreciate your feedback on your experience with the TAVR procedure. We're there any complications, how is the recovery and pain, can you walk normally. My anxiety and as well as my mother's has when high due to fear of will she survive, what will be the outcome is the procedure safe. Any feedback or input small or big will be helpful and much appreciated. Thank you 😊

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    Diane Diaz
    san Mateo CA
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  • 2.  RE: TAVR

    Posted 08-15-2021 13:39

    Hi Diane, 
    I don't have personal experience with TAVR,(yet) but I'm doing quite well after open heart surgery on an aortic valve that was failing due to stenosis and regurgitation. During open-heart my surgeon also did an ablation procedure known as the Maze treatment to prevent A fib. That was 10 1/2 years ago. The next surgery (to replace the bioprosthetic valve which wears out over time) will most likely be the TAVR, for which I am so grateful!  It is a much less invasive procedure with much shorter recovery time! I will also need an ascending aortic aneurysm repaired somewhere down the line, unless by some miracle it simply stops growing/ remains stable) 
    To alleviate anxiety- Keep talking / ask questions with your medical team, and read up to learn all that you can about different options, along with what your mom can do for her overall health to help with the surgery and recovery time  … 🤗 (example :  sitting is the new smoking… keep moving if possible!) 
    With kindness and well wishes, 
    Debi  



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    Debi Ries
    San Diego, Ca
    AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
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  • 3.  RE: TAVR
    Best Answer

    Posted 08-17-2021 07:58
    Dear Diane
    taking care of ill parents can be challenging.  Your mom is blessed having you in her life. You are also a great role model for your family.
    Please take good care of yourself too.  Please let your friends  help you.

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    Marilyn Rosenhouse
    Dallas Tx
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  • 4.  RE: TAVR

    Posted 08-18-2021 03:45
    Hi Debi,

    Thank you so much for reaching out to me. I'm so glad to hear your open heart surgery 10 1/2 years ago went well. I well keep asking questions as I'm still learning about the risks involved with open heart surgery or TAVR. I did receive 3 medical opinions and two doctors recommend TAVR yet they stated my mom has a complex root anatomy and the valve my get lodged in during the procedure so she may need open heart surgery. Luckily she is asymptotic so I'm still searching for other doctors who can provide advice. Thank you again.

    Sincerely,

    Diane

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    Diane Diaz
    san Mateo CA
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  • 5.  RE: TAVR

    Posted 08-18-2021 11:06

    Diane, 
    Sounds like you are on top of it! Good for you! Keep us posted! 

    hugs to you and your mom  🤗 



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    Debi Ries
    San Diego, Ca
    AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
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  • 6.  RE: TAVR

    Posted 08-16-2021 01:56
    Hi Diane,
    I have a healthy 89-year old relative who had a TAVR due to stenosis 6-months ago.  The stenosis had caused her to loose a lot of energy and slow down.  The procedure was routine and her recovery was smooth and uneventful.  She has been back to doing the things she loves to do and has her energy back also.  Your cardiologist should be able to give you the best assessment of risk in your moms case.  My understanding is that the procedure is pretty widely used now and outcomes have been good.  This is based on the few lectures/webinars I've attended that addressed the TAVR procedure. 
    If your mom is having anxiety that she finds troublesome or symptomatic, please don't neglect it.  It can be quite common in heart failure to have anxiety related to concerns about the procedure and/or the condition itself.  Have her discuss this with her pcp or cardiologist.  This can be medically treated and should be addressed. 
    Best wishes in navigating the journey you and your mom are on.
    Ed

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    Ed M
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