Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 14:01
From: Ed M
Subject: On-X mechanical valve
Glad to hear that things have resolved and you're doing well now! Welcome back!
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Ed M
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 12:24
From: Debi Ries
Subject: On-X mechanical valve
Hi Ed, I had a full sternotomy and spent 7 days in the hospital. No pain 3 weeks out from surgery! The pain meds got ahead of the pain when I used them the first 2 weeks. I could not receive any pain meds or anti-nausea meds in the ICU right after surgery because of some issues with blood gases. It was a horrible night but I'm doing great now! Just moving slow as I mend.
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Debi Ries
San Diego, Ca
AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 11:50
From: Ed M
Subject: On-X mechanical valve
Sounds like you had a good outcome Debi! Did you have a full sternotomy? If so, are you having any pain from the incision?
Hope you continue to do well!
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Ed M
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 11:01
From: Debi Ries
Subject: On-X mechanical valve
Thank you, Carlo. I'm now 3 weeks out from surgery (4/27/23.) I have the On-X valve and using Warfarin/Coumidin. The sound from the mechanical valve is more like a vibration in my neck/ear, rather than outwardly audible. We are still working on the proper dosage of Warfarin these early days. I too am happy with my choice. The aneurysm was also repaired … so I should not have to go through open surgery again in my lifetime!
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Debi Ries
San Diego, Ca
AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
Original Message:
Sent: 05-19-2023 05:55
From: carlo pinini
Subject: On-X mechanical valve
I have the On-X mechanical valve. I have never had any issues with the noise, as it is not loud enough to cause significant disruptions. The monitoring of the Coumadin is manageable; my cardiologist helps me keep track and I make sure to take my blood tests regularly. Overall, I do not regret my choice. Having the mechanical valve ensures that I will not have to go through open-heart surgery again, which was a major factor for me when making my decision.
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carlo pinini
Engineer
TDLS
Miami FL
Original Message:
Sent: 04-18-2023 10:49
From: Debi Ries
Subject: On-X mechanical valve
Thank you, Erin!!
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Debi Ries
San Diego, Ca
AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
Original Message:
Sent: 04-18-2023 08:41
From: Erin Feaker
Subject: On-X mechanical valve
Hello! I had OHS for bicuspid valve and thoracic aortic aneurysm 6 weeks ago. Valve was replaced with the On-x valve. I can tell you I do not hear a ticking but do hear a deep "drum" sound for lack of better term. I have not been bothered by it at all and it has not given me any issues when it comes to sleep. If anything I get nervous if I DON'T hear it lol. As for the warfarin, I was told at this stage the FDA has not approved any other blood thinner for mechanical valves besides warfarin so you may want to discuss that with your surgeon to be sure. I am on warfarin and it is a lifestyle but it is doable. I know they are constantly testing other blood thinners and trying to get them approved for mechanical valves but none have been yet besides warfarin. Good luck with your surgery!!!
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Erin Feaker
IA
Original Message:
Sent: 04-14-2023 13:05
From: Debi Ries
Subject: On-X mechanical valve
Hello All,
I'm scheduled for open-heart surgery next week, April 20 to re-do an existing 12 year old bovine tissue aortic valve. (stenosis/end of its term) The surgeon will also repair my ascending aortic aneurysm during surgery. Both my cardiologist and my surgeon are highly recommending a mechanical valve because of its longevity. Potentially never needing re-surgery again. I'm resisting that recommendation because I fear the noise will prevent me from sleeping. I'm quirky in that regard. There is also the issue of taking and monitoring lifelong blood thinners. These are Quality of life concerns for me.
My thought is to have TAVR when the next tissue valve expires. Most likely 2 more tissue replacements in my lifetime. I'm 67 years old, healthy and active otherwise.
Anyone out there with the On-X mechanical valve? Does the constant ticking bother you? Is the monitoring of your Coumadin cumbersome? Do you regret your choice?
Thank you ahead of time for any input!
Debi :)
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Debi Ries
San Diego, Ca
AVR / Open Surgery 2011/ TAAA 4.2 cm / Afib
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