I had my Aortic valve replaced and a triple bypass in July last year, 2023, aged 53, on the eve of my 54th birthday I had a heart attack, it didn't feel like a heart attack I just felt strange, my other half called the ambulance, all I remember was the tests the crew carried out on me, I asked if I had had a heart attack and they said I was having one, no pain or discomfort. By the time I got to hospital they had to defibb me back to life. I was rushed to the OR late at night and all I remember was someone saying "well done everyone, we did it" they gone into my heart, again, but this time through my left wrist and put a balloon into my heart because I had a leak that was causing backflow. If I had been alone that night I would have died. I love the clicking sound my heart makes now as it reminds me of how lucky I am to still be here. I hope everyone who's been through this treatment is doing well. Peace. Out.
Im 37 years old and just completed my mechanical valve procedure this weekend combined with a PFO closure and a reduction of an aneurysm. Thank you for this video. Cant explain how comforting it is to watch/listen to Allen's story
I had my aortic valve replaced in 1995 when I was 20 y.o. I'm 45 know I've been active and probably doing things people on Coumadin shouldn't. I also have the St Jude valve. In 2018 I had a Accending Aortic Aneurysm develop which I was told is common with young patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease. I had it fixed and has been doing well.
@@HeartValveSurgery , I'm a Certified Wound Specialist. I take care of pressure injuries, atypical wounds, Venous, Arterial, Diabetic, Surgical, and burns
I had my arotic valve replaced in2018 in appolo Chennai.i am 55now.so I am impressed by yours videos would you kindly made some videos on AVR mechanical valve patient's daily routine exercises
In 1995 at 32 years of age I had a aortic aneurysm repair with a Ross procedure. A month ago what I thought would be a routine cardiac appointment and a celebration of 25 yrs since my surgery turned to the Echo showing Moderate aortic insufficiency confirmed by subsuquent MRI. Although I'm so grateful for 25 years of Ross procedure success I'm so nervous for this waiting game for re surgery. Mine would include aortic artery reconstruction with implantation at root of a mechanical valve. Thank you so much for your story, it gives me hope.
Had mechanical heart valve surgery 3 weeks ago slowly getting better looks like it takes a bit of time funny though I can't hear my valves alot if anything sometimes but other people can even a few feet away so glad I had it done wouldn't have been here if anyone got to have it done don't worry you will start to feel better after now starting to walk a bit further each day
You're over the hardest part, it' was just coating for me when I had mine replaced 36 years ago. I was 25 and I felt sooo much better a couple of mouths after the surgery. Walking certainly helped.
My 14 year old son has a artificial mechanical mitral valve. They are getting ready to replace is aortic valve now. He has aortic stenosis and it is getting worse. I have been so worried. It is so reassuring to hear that someone else out there had both replaced and thriving! God bless you
@@amberdelligatti9635 My mother got her aortic valve replaced with the mechanical valve earlier in the month, and everything went OK thank God. The recovery process it’s slow but every day she’s doing a little bit better. We are adjusting to On blood thinners and diet and what not. But the cardiologist and the surgeon both said that she will feel so much more better when the soreness in the healing gets better. Don’t worry this procedure has a good prognosis and he’ll come out feeling better than before.
So happy for allen!! ☺️🌞That's amazing. I had in mitral valve replacement in 2018- they used the pig's valve. After 2 years, the infection came back and needed to get a second Valve replacement surgery. I had a mechanical valve the second time, and aside from taking Coumadin everyday and going through the regular INR testing, I'm feeling great! I'm 34 years old now & regularly think about how long I will live now that I've gotten a mechanical valve, but this interview gives me great hope!!! 🙏 Thank you both, God bless!! :-) :-)
I just had open heart surgery last month. I also went with a mechanical valve. I'm only 41 yrs old. I ended up having a heart attack and stroke in the same month. I was diagnosed with a bicuspid valve. Never new this whole time. I had severe regurgitation and calcification of the valve. I also had to holes in my heart as well. I ended up needing a pacemaker placed about a week after my valve surgery. Obviously I'm still in the recovery stage. I am excited to see how much more better I will feel after healing. I was very fortunate to get the best of the best surgeons at UCLA. I truly believe he saved my life.
Great to hear that the team at UCLA was able to help you Shannon! We're curious.... Who was your surgeon? We've see a lot of patients in our community have great results with Dr. Richard Shemin.
I'll be going in for a mechanical avr in the next few months. My av was damaged due to a staph infection. I'm 55 and currently asymptomatic. Thanks for sharing your experience.
If you go with the mechanical valve (I have the On-X valve), it should be a one time surgery and a long term fix. They suggested for me to get the mechanical valve because I am young (24 Y.O) and I'd benefit from it not having to do it again in 5-10 years
I'm 28 years old just had my first It's called st jude mechanical heart valve Tuesday morning and hopefully I go home soon and enjoy spending what I love doing
I got mine done when I was 25. That was 36 years ago. Mine was St Jude also (the best) After a couple of months I was back doing what I did when I was 20
Hey Chris! We remember you! Sorry to hear about the failing aortic valve. Do you have a surgery date yet scheduled to replace the aortic valve? Thoughts are with you!
Thank You so much for this wonderful Informative and useful Interview. I can relate with Allen to 100% I also have a St. Jude Aortic Valve replaced 35 years ago and did/doing most of the time great in my life, I also received 3 days ago a Pacemaker due bradicardia! Again Thank You for this Interview and wishing you both loooooong healthy and happy life!
Hi Miraf, Wonderful to hear that you have had your St. Jude Mechanical Valve for 35 years!!!! We're hopeful the pacemaker helps keep you in rhythm. Keep on tickin!!!
Hey Alan. I live in ST Augustine fl ,Age 57 . Had a mechanical aortic valve replaced almost 2 years ago. I love golf ...... Would love to meet you.... I'm happily married to my wonderful wife for 22 years. Little younger than you but would love to meet you. Moved h re In st aug 26 years ago.
Thank you for this encouraging informative video. I am about to join this "Keep on Ticking" community (two weeks out maybe sooner). I am an overall healthy 52-year-old woman that has just learned I have a bicuspid aortic stenosis. I was always told I have a heart murmur but that was the extent. recently started feeling occasional pounding, pressure, shortness of breath, etc., especially when I was at the gym. My doctor said, "Have you been reading the manual on symptoms?" I've been told I am in a grey area because of my age to go with either mechanical or pig valve. I think I am leaning more toward the mechanical valve but have been experiencing anxiety over taking a lifetime of Coumadin. I see Allen and I have hope that can be me 37+ years in the future. Thank you again and someone out there please keep me in the most faithful of prayers and optimistic space.
I'm 38 years old that had a heart root anuerism 16.08.23 and they did a bentalli procedure on me whit replacement of valve plus graft. Its saint jude valve graft(or at least i hope it is coz noone can confirm 😂) . Thank you Adam and Allen for inspiring story. I hope i will have same life as allen, long one! Greetings acros other side od ocean from bosnia and herzegovinia
I recovering from avr from other side of continent...I would request you to make more of such videos .it will be helpful .thanks a lot for your effort.
Some inspiring stories here from valve recipients. How are people doing now? Would love to hear back from some of the 20, 30 + year recipient's to see how they're doing. I've had my St Judes mechanical valve a year.
Wow, this man’s history is very similar to mine. I got a mechanical aortic valve in 1997, had to get a pacemaker 2021 and had an ablation in 2023. I am 75 and mow lawn, ride bike and walk as much as I want. Oh, the pacemaker and valve are St. Jude’s!!
I am currently 48 years old, I had a pig valve put in 2017 due to aortic stenosis, it only lasted 6 years . On October 12, 2023 I had a mechanical valve put in. So far so good. Yes I am on blood thinners, but its been easy to manage.
Thank you for this informative channel. I'm 64years old woman from Japan and had a mitral valve replacement on 1974 when I was 14. So my Björk-Shiley mechanical valve is working for 50yrs since then, and still working good. Recently I'm getting to worry about, " Will this valve last for the rest of my life? for 10, 20yrs more? Or when will I have to have the re-replacement surgery? it is said the second time surgery is riskier than the first time, moreover, getting older physically.... "
Kinda nervous... Just was told my aortic valve needs replaced and they are putting in a mechanical valve. Surgery is scheduled 30 days from now. I'm not sure what to think. Currently 24 years old
Hi Lance, I can understand how you feel. To help educate and empower patients, I started HeartValveSurgery.com that might help calm your nerves. You may want to check it out. Thoughts are with you!
i’m 18 years old and just had an operation replacing my valve and ascending aorta with the on-x 2 weeks ago and still recovering. it sucks and is moreso shocking, but overall it’s such a relief once it’s done and you’re on your way recovering.
I got my arotic valve changed to st jude valve last year . I'm enjoying my life I go to gym work out but, there are certain limitation in lifting weights and also i have to be on blood thinners which are not that big of a deal😉
I had a St Jude valve replacement in 1992 still going great! Once a year I have an echocardiogram, 30 years of blood testing at least once a month depending how stable I am!
I'm having my mitral valve replaced on October 26th after having my mitral, leaking, valve repaired back in February 2007; I recently visited the surgeon and chose the tissue valve for my second surgery. Now, I'm having second thoughts and have the mechanical valve as a replacement, and I don't think my body could handle a third heart surgery in another ten to fifteen years. I'll be 63 to 68 years old at the third surgery.
@HeartValveSurgery I did have my mitral valve replaced with a larger pig valve, which I know I'll have a third heart surgery in probably ten years. Which valve to choose i don't know, but the surgeon talked about a TVAR vvalve.
This I am interested in in case my 2021 Bovine aortic has to be replaced in future. Was bicuspid. 67 years, was like concrete surgeon said. Thanks for posting
How annoying is the ticking sound of the mechanical mitral valve? Is it audible? Does it like ring in your ears with every heartbeat? Is the sound level different with different makes?
Mine sounds like a pocket watch tick tick tick tick, when it's quiet my wife or whoever can hear it tick, I just had the on-x put in February 26th, had a stroke couple hours after surgery,so I'm still recovering
I had my aortic and mitral valve replacement since 1998 . St Jude's machanical valve.After 22yrs Doctors adviced me for Redo DVR .I am 44yrs old.My INR 2.12.What I do now?
Hi, This is a great and challenging question to answer due to all the variability of each unique patient - including health, age, lifestyle, risk factors, etc. That said, you may to discuss this specifically with your medical team.
Hey my name is Rohit From India,and I m 26years old..i have congenital BICUSPID AORTIC VALVE now,I had severe AR..and doctor suggested to me AVR....I m confuse between on-X valve and st. Jude valve..plz help me ..and tell me which is better...
I have a mechanical heart valve , I wouldn’t recommend it to any one sensitive to medication. The blood thinner has giving me a lot of side affects I would prefer Quality over Quantity of life , I’d actually look forward to another heart surgery so I can go SKIN valve next time.
Sir what are the side effects of the mechanical valve or blood thinner .bevz Dr also said to me that I need a heart surgery operation beczuse my one heart valve is tight or stenosis .m unmarried age 32 .m so worried all the time . please mention the blood thinner side effects .
@@romaraj2492 it all depends on what valve they are replacing I really don’t have a choice because of the type of valve I had replaced the warfarin gives me headaches raises my blood pressure and I’m tired a lot . I’ve actually been in hospital the past 3 weeks because the graph that was put in with my new valve got infected some how it’s been the sickest I’ve ever been and they want to open me up again to replace everything again except the tissue around the graph is to infected to do anything right now so I have to hope for the best at this point.
@@WilliamGK1924 brother I ll' pray for you that God heal your body .or you will be recover soon, how old are you bro .where are you from .m from Pakistan Punjab
I just had my yearly echo, my bicuspid valve has moderate regurgitation with LV distolic dysfunction. LVEF has dropped to 46% from 53% last year. My aortic root is 4.2. I'm Asymptomatic other than flutters occasionally. 46yrs old, how soon could i expect a valve replacement?
I will be getting my mitral valve replaced shortly. Not sure which they are using yet except it will be mechanicle. I am curious though, how do they work? Is it pressured based?
I'm 32 now at the age of 30 I got my new aortic valve replacement through open heart' surgery and now I'm doing better ....God gave me everything dono why did he gave my aortic valve bad one .......one fine day everyone must step in to god's feet but I think I'll go earlier than others ......anyway thanks God and thank you doctors ,
@@HeartValveSurgery i request everyone to share there watsapp numbers we will make one group we will discuss how to survive by taking healthy food ls and wat all vitamin k food vegetables and green leaf should be avoided we will discuss
Only think i Hate is Warfarin..10 mg daily.. I have had Over 40 transfusions the first 4 years . Alot of Stomach bleeds.. The last 2 years, doing better, Warfarin is still effecting me . But, I thank God for The last 2 years, no Hospital over stays .
Dear sir which is the best valve to replace mechanical or bioprosthetic when patient earlier bioprosthetic value is infected with infective endocardities TEE showing degenerated value with vegitation Age 63 female S/p mvr bioprosthetic perimount magna ease ppi in 2012
Hi Jash, You raise a really great question. Unfortunately, as a patient advisory group, we are not trained or capable of providing specific medical advice. That said, we would strongly encourage you to discuss this question with your medical team. If you are not getting information that you are comfortable with then perhaps you should get a second opinion to validate and support next steps in the treatment process. We are sorry that we cannot be of more help to you. We hope you can understand!
This is a great medical question. We would encourage you to ask your medical team and ensure they know you are on blood thinners if you need a surgery.
@@HeartValveSurgery already done fistula surgery... They stopped blood thinner 4 days before surgery and started after 3 days..thanks for reaply....i was just curious how long patient can go without blood thinner based on cases...
Hi Ginger, We just contacted Abbott, the company that manufacturers the St. Jude mechanical valve. According to Abbott, yes the St. Jude mechanical valve can be used to treat aortic stenosis. So you know, the newest model of that mechanical valve is the Regent mechanical valve. Here is a link to learn more about that valve - www.structuralheart.abbott/products/mechanical-heart-valve/regent-valve-masters-series-mechanical-heart-valve. Hope that helps!
Bicuspid aortic valve , 2 1/2 months Bovine valve. At day ninety will be off blood thinner. Week by week feel better, regulAteing blood pressure and heart beat . Hada collapesed lung , about 1 1/2 months before finally able to breath due to expelling lung mucus.
1 st aortic valve was bicuspid, I was 23 (2005)when they found it. I went with a tissue valve ( bovine) and had no problems. When they was doing the first operation I had to have an aneurysm repair with a graft stent. My tissue valve held until I was 33 and was replaced with no issues. I am now 40 and have my third surgery which I am waiting on in about a week away. I am getting an onnex valve put in. Due to possibly not needing a 4 surgery. These valves are meant to last. My point is anything can come up but find a Cardiologist your comfortable with. He will lead you to a good surgeon. Do research to your specific condition. I hope this helps, the medical community does these operations all the time with great success!
@@jimmymaynard4782 thank you for the feedback have breathing issues putting it off till summer over my last to summers I didn't get to enjoy at all from family members passing away think mechanical but not sure
I also have aortic valve leakage..mild grade 2 AR..doctor said 10 years after surgery and not now..Iam using METXL TAB..is really mechanical valve works long time
Yes, AFib is a key consideration for patients. Here's a link to more information about AFib and heart valve disease - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/atrial-fibrillation/.
I have had my Bjork Shiley aortic valve for 42 years and am 70 yrs old doing great. Never thought I would still be here but am so grateful!
Fantastic!
In 78 aortic tissue valve. Replaced in 83 with mech. valve. next month will be 40 years. Amazing!
I'm 65 years old.
How do u feel now? Is the valve working fine ?
That is... AMAZING!!!!
I had my Aortic valve replaced and a triple bypass in July last year, 2023, aged 53, on the eve of my 54th birthday I had a heart attack, it didn't feel like a heart attack I just felt strange, my other half called the ambulance, all I remember was the tests the crew carried out on me, I asked if I had had a heart attack and they said I was having one, no pain or discomfort. By the time I got to hospital they had to defibb me back to life. I was rushed to the OR late at night and all I remember was someone saying "well done everyone, we did it" they gone into my heart, again, but this time through my left wrist and put a balloon into my heart because I had a leak that was causing backflow. If I had been alone that night I would have died. I love the clicking sound my heart makes now as it reminds me of how lucky I am to still be here. I hope everyone who's been through this treatment is doing well. Peace. Out.
We appreciate how you appreciate the ticking sound. :)
Im 37 years old and just completed my mechanical valve procedure this weekend combined with a PFO closure and a reduction of an aneurysm. Thank you for this video. Cant explain how comforting it is to watch/listen to Allen's story
Great to hear that Allen's story inspired you. Hope all is well after your mechanical heart valve replacement!
I had my aortic valve replaced in 1995 when I was 20 y.o. I'm 45 know I've been active and probably doing things people on Coumadin shouldn't. I also have the St Jude valve. In 2018 I had a Accending Aortic Aneurysm develop which I was told is common with young patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve disease. I had it fixed and has been doing well.
Just to add to it I've been a nurse now since 1998. I started nursing school 4 months after my first open heart surgery.
Great to hear Michael!!!
@@MichaelWilliams-if4qk That's great. What type of nursing do you specialize in?
@@HeartValveSurgery , I'm a Certified Wound Specialist. I take care of pressure injuries, atypical wounds, Venous, Arterial, Diabetic, Surgical, and burns
I had my arotic valve replaced in2018 in appolo Chennai.i am 55now.so I am impressed by yours videos would you kindly made some videos on AVR mechanical valve patient's daily routine exercises
In 1995 at 32 years of age I had a aortic aneurysm repair with a Ross procedure. A month ago what I thought would be a routine cardiac appointment and a celebration of 25 yrs since my surgery turned to the Echo showing Moderate aortic insufficiency confirmed by subsuquent MRI. Although I'm so grateful for 25 years of Ross procedure success I'm so nervous for this waiting game for re surgery.
Mine would include aortic artery reconstruction with implantation at root of a mechanical valve. Thank you so much for your story, it gives me hope.
Good luck! If you can give us an update once you get out of the hospital. 🙂
25 years with a Ross Procedure! That's pretty darn good. How are you doing now?
Had mechanical heart valve surgery 3 weeks ago slowly getting better looks like it takes a bit of time funny though I can't hear my valves alot if anything sometimes but other people can even a few feet away so glad I had it done wouldn't have been here if anyone got to have it done don't worry you will start to feel better after now starting to walk a bit further each day
You're over the hardest part, it' was just coating for me when I had mine replaced 36 years ago. I was 25 and I felt sooo much better a couple of mouths after the surgery. Walking certainly helped.
Very interesting indeed. Here's a fun and quick video about the ticking sound - th-cam.com/video/2cAa_WeOEFU/w-d-xo.html.
i had my aortic and mitral valve replacement and tricuspid repair in 2004 when i was 32, taking blood thinner, healthy. Thanks GOD
Wonderful to har that you are doing well and feeling healthy!!!!
What is blood thinner?
@@jariabegum5655 to make sure that no clotting will take effect... Because of course, its foreign to your body. :)
My 14 year old son has a artificial mechanical mitral valve. They are getting ready to replace is aortic valve now. He has aortic stenosis and it is getting worse. I have been so worried. It is so reassuring to hear that someone else out there had both replaced and thriving! God bless you
@@amberdelligatti9635 My mother got her aortic valve replaced with the mechanical valve earlier in the month, and everything went OK thank God. The recovery process it’s slow but every day she’s doing a little bit better. We are adjusting to On blood thinners and diet and what not. But the cardiologist and the surgeon both said that she will feel so much more better when the soreness in the healing gets better. Don’t worry this procedure has a good prognosis and he’ll come out feeling better than before.
I was 22 when I had my AVR
43 years later and ticking
Amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Are you on blood thinners
Hi Holger r u on blood thinner , need to know endurance level of exercise we can do with dilated LV and AVR
Did you opt to have the mechanical valve ? Or the tissue valve?
Dear Holger you also got the arotiv valve replaced.
My heart valve is 36 yrs old now,me too had rheumatic fever at 7 yrs old ,the at 27 yrs had the heat valve put in....stiil going strong...cheers
Do you have the mechanical one or the tissue valve? :)
Cyber Bruise you also got the arotic valve replaced.
pls help me as I am going to be operated in Oct 24 for AVR, damaged by Rheumatic Fever. I am worried & alone
from India
Whoa! Your mechanical valve is 36 years old. Amazing.
So happy for allen!! ☺️🌞That's amazing. I had in mitral valve replacement in 2018- they used the pig's valve. After 2 years, the infection came back and needed to get a second Valve replacement surgery. I had a mechanical valve the second time, and aside from taking Coumadin everyday and going through the regular INR testing, I'm feeling great! I'm 34 years old now & regularly think about how long I will live now that I've gotten a mechanical valve, but this interview gives me great hope!!! 🙏 Thank you both, God bless!! :-) :-)
Hello I was just trying To reach to people that has a valve replacement?? How do you maintain diet
How did u get infection. My dad has had 2 and maybe need 3
Fantastic update! Thanks for sharing EJB! Hope all is well with you!
I just had open heart surgery last month. I also went with a mechanical valve. I'm only 41 yrs old. I ended up having a heart attack and stroke in the same month. I was diagnosed with a bicuspid valve. Never new this whole time. I had severe regurgitation and calcification of the valve. I also had to holes in my heart as well. I ended up needing a pacemaker placed about a week after my valve surgery. Obviously I'm still in the recovery stage. I am excited to see how much more better I will feel after healing. I was very fortunate to get the best of the best surgeons at UCLA. I truly believe he saved my life.
Great to hear that the team at UCLA was able to help you Shannon! We're curious.... Who was your surgeon? We've see a lot of patients in our community have great results with Dr. Richard Shemin.
I am 2 months post mechanical valve replacement. I’m 27, and can only hope for the best. Cheers to science!
I had my valve replaced when I was 25, some 36 years ago, doing just fine. 2 months after surgery I was 100%
I'll be going in for a mechanical avr in the next few months. My av was damaged due to a staph infection. I'm 55 and currently asymptomatic. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Wont you try the less invasive procedure? My mom is already 69 and doctor says she is to undergo the same... procedure.
@@JB-xm8qi I sure like the idea of less invasive, but Doctors recommend the mechanical valve.
If you go with the mechanical valve (I have the On-X valve), it should be a one time surgery and a long term fix. They suggested for me to get the mechanical valve because I am young (24 Y.O) and I'd benefit from it not having to do it again in 5-10 years
@@lance307 my mom is 46 which mitral valve is good pls tell me
Great to hear this video was helpful for you. How did your mechanical aortic valve replacement go?
I am 34 years old I had Ave surgery 14 years before and I am going good
Great Suresh!
Vai plz give your number
Are you taking blood thinner medicine or not .
Aap india se ho
My daughter was 3 when she got her mechanical mitral valve. She’s 5 now.
Great! Here's a post about a new valve for children - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2018/03/08/smallest-heart-valve-fda-approval/.
I'm 28 years old just had my first It's called st jude mechanical heart valve Tuesday morning and hopefully I go home soon and enjoy spending what I love doing
How do you feel now?
@@b2creations107 I feel great and much better
@@rockstarpenguin16 how is your medication... and tests
I got mine done when I was 25. That was 36 years ago. After a couple of months I was back doing what I did when I was 20
I got mine done when I was 25. That was 36 years ago. Mine was St Jude also (the best) After a couple of months I was back doing what I did when I was 20
Great video! I had a Ross in 2012 and need a new aortic valve 8 years later. I'm leaning towards the ON-X valve now.
Hey Chris! We remember you! Sorry to hear about the failing aortic valve. Do you have a surgery date yet scheduled to replace the aortic valve? Thoughts are with you!
Thank You so much for this wonderful Informative and useful Interview. I can relate with Allen to 100% I also have a St. Jude Aortic Valve replaced 35 years ago and did/doing most of the time great in my life, I also received 3 days ago a Pacemaker due bradicardia!
Again Thank You for this Interview and wishing you both loooooong healthy and happy life!
Hi Miraf, Wonderful to hear that you have had your St. Jude Mechanical Valve for 35 years!!!! We're hopeful the pacemaker helps keep you in rhythm. Keep on tickin!!!
Hey Alan.
I live in ST Augustine fl ,Age 57 . Had a mechanical aortic valve replaced almost 2 years ago. I love golf ...... Would love to meet you.... I'm happily married to my wonderful wife for 22 years. Little younger than you but would love to meet you. Moved h re In st aug 26 years ago.
Do you know if that same valve can be used for aortic stenosis?
I hope you long happy life
Is the sound of valve audible??
@@Mscoolgurl88mine was stenosis and I have the St. Jude's for 36 years now
Thank you for this encouraging informative video. I am about to join this "Keep on Ticking" community (two weeks out maybe sooner). I am an overall healthy 52-year-old woman that has just learned I have a bicuspid aortic stenosis. I was always told I have a heart murmur but that was the extent. recently started feeling occasional pounding, pressure, shortness of breath, etc., especially when I was at the gym. My doctor said, "Have you been reading the manual on symptoms?" I've been told I am in a grey area because of my age to go with either mechanical or pig valve. I think I am leaning more toward the mechanical valve but have been experiencing anxiety over taking a lifetime of Coumadin. I see Allen and I have hope that can be me 37+ years in the future. Thank you again and someone out there please keep me in the most faithful of prayers and optimistic space.
Great to hear you are getting educated Maria about your valve disease and your treatment options.
I'm 38 years old that had a heart root anuerism 16.08.23 and they did a bentalli procedure on me whit replacement of valve plus graft. Its saint jude valve graft(or at least i hope it is coz noone can confirm 😂) . Thank you Adam and Allen for inspiring story. I hope i will have same life as allen, long one! Greetings acros other side od ocean from bosnia and herzegovinia
Thanks from the kind words!! And, all the way from Bosnia!!!
I recovering from avr from other side of continent...I would request you to make more of such videos .it will be helpful .thanks a lot for your effort.
Will do. Thanks for the kind words about these videos!
Some inspiring stories here from valve recipients. How are people doing now? Would love to hear back from some of the 20, 30 + year recipient's to see how they're doing. I've had my St Judes mechanical valve a year.
Great idea! And, congrats on your successful heart valve operation with the St. Jude mechanical valve.
Wow, this man’s history is very similar to mine. I got a mechanical aortic valve in 1997, had to get a pacemaker 2021 and had an ablation in 2023. I am 75 and mow lawn, ride bike and walk as much as I want. Oh, the pacemaker and valve are St. Jude’s!!
Wonderful!
I got st jude 23mm aortic valve replaced just 1 week ago using mics procedure at Apollo Bangalore...33 year age...doing well....
Can u share some info about apollo banglore about avr
@vjk how to contact u
@@vikramjk8999brother how are your valve doing and is there any low stamina in your life ?
How r u now brother
Great to hear you are doing good Vikram!
Thank you so much for this video. It was excactly what I needed...
Great to hear!
How it went can you provide an update
I am currently 48 years old, I had a pig valve put in 2017 due to aortic stenosis, it only lasted 6 years . On October 12, 2023 I had a mechanical valve put in. So far so good. Yes I am on blood thinners, but its been easy to manage.
Great to hear you are not having any issues managing the blood thinners and INR!
Thank you for this informative channel. I'm 64years old woman from Japan and had a mitral valve replacement on 1974 when I was 14. So my Björk-Shiley mechanical valve is working for 50yrs since then, and still working good. Recently I'm getting to worry about, " Will this valve last for the rest of my life? for 10, 20yrs more? Or when will I have to have the re-replacement surgery? it is said the second time surgery is riskier than the first time, moreover, getting older physically.... "
Amazing story. As the valve has performed so well, let's hope the valve does not need to be replaced.
Kinda nervous... Just was told my aortic valve needs replaced and they are putting in a mechanical valve. Surgery is scheduled 30 days from now. I'm not sure what to think. Currently 24 years old
Hi Lance, I can understand how you feel. To help educate and empower patients, I started HeartValveSurgery.com that might help calm your nerves. You may want to check it out. Thoughts are with you!
Best of luck, you'll be fine!
@@charlessachetta6391 thank you.
i’m 18 years old and just had an operation replacing my valve and ascending aorta with the on-x 2 weeks ago and still recovering. it sucks and is moreso shocking, but overall it’s such a relief once it’s done and you’re on your way recovering.
@@bradybuzzard846 I'm glad everything went good for you. I'm hoping mine will go the same.
I just had my mitral valve replaced August 26 last month.
R u taking blood thinner?
I got my arotic valve changed to st jude valve last year . I'm enjoying my life I go to gym work out but, there are certain limitation in lifting weights and also i have to be on blood thinners which are not that big of a deal😉
What limitations do you have at the gym?
I had a St Jude valve replacement in 1992 still going great! Once a year I have an echocardiogram, 30 years of blood testing at least once a month depending how stable I am!
@@shirleyrichards1597 which type of vavle you have.
@@venkateswararaobandarupall8695 st.Jude
Great update!
I'm having my mitral valve replaced on October 26th after having my mitral, leaking, valve repaired back in February 2007; I recently visited the surgeon and chose the tissue valve for my second surgery. Now, I'm having second thoughts and have the mechanical valve as a replacement, and I don't think my body could handle a third heart surgery in another ten to fifteen years. I'll be 63 to 68 years old at the third surgery.
Kenneth, We hope you had a good conversation with your doctors about valve selection before your operation. How did it go?
@HeartValveSurgery I did have my mitral valve replaced with a larger pig valve, which I know I'll have a third heart surgery in probably ten years. Which valve to choose i don't know, but the surgeon talked about a TVAR vvalve.
How many years mitral valve mechanical replacement works for patient 29 years ? Pls explain
The mechanical heart valve are designed to last forever. However, they do not always last due to infection, etc.
I replaced my Aortic valve to Mechanic Aortic valve in 2020 I'm doing well but facing lack of stamina
This I am interested in in case my 2021 Bovine aortic has to be replaced in future.
Was bicuspid.
67 years, was like concrete surgeon said. Thanks for posting
This I am interested in in case my 2021 Bovine aortic has to be replaced in future.
Was bicuspid.
67 years, was like concrete surgeon said.
how are you doing with taking blood thinners and the ticking?
@@kassandragarcia5663 good but facing little bit complications
Thanks for the update! Has the stamina returned?
How annoying is the ticking sound of the mechanical mitral valve? Is it audible? Does it like ring in your ears with every heartbeat? Is the sound level different with different makes?
Mine sounds like a pocket watch tick tick tick tick, when it's quiet my wife or whoever can hear it tick, I just had the on-x put in February 26th, had a stroke couple hours after surgery,so I'm still recovering
Here's a video you may want to watch about the mechanical valve ticking - th-cam.com/video/2cAa_WeOEFU/w-d-xo.html.
I had my aortic and mitral valve replacement since 1998 . St Jude's machanical valve.After 22yrs Doctors adviced me for Redo DVR .I am 44yrs old.My INR 2.12.What I do now?
Hi Imran, Great question. What are your doctors telling you about next steps? Are you thinking about getting another mechanical valve?
Now you good
I had 2 valves replaced with mechanical heart valves. What are my survival rated
You got any information about that?
Hi, This is a great and challenging question to answer due to all the variability of each unique patient - including health, age, lifestyle, risk factors, etc. That said, you may to discuss this specifically with your medical team.
Hey my name is Rohit From India,and I m 26years old..i have congenital BICUSPID AORTIC VALVE now,I had severe AR..and doctor suggested to me AVR....I m confuse between on-X valve and st. Jude valve..plz help me ..and tell me which is better...
Hi Rohit,
From which hospital are you getting the surgery done and for which valve you decided. I am also from india.
th-cam.com/video/gRApwP3ktNs/w-d-xo.html
About the ON-X valve
@@prashantnagar3921 medanta Lucknow
@@thebiologyacademy6323 did you get your avr replaced now.
@@prashantnagar3921 no still waiting b,coz dr. suggest me for bentall....😭
I have a mechanical heart valve , I wouldn’t recommend it to any one sensitive to medication. The blood thinner has giving me a lot of side affects I would prefer Quality over Quantity of life , I’d actually look forward to another heart surgery so I can go SKIN valve next time.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us William.
Sir what are the side effects of the mechanical valve or blood thinner .bevz Dr also said to me that I need a heart surgery operation beczuse my one heart valve is tight or stenosis .m unmarried age 32 .m so worried all the time . please mention the blood thinner side effects .
@@romaraj2492 it all depends on what valve they are replacing I really don’t have a choice because of the type of valve I had replaced the warfarin gives me headaches raises my blood pressure and I’m tired a lot . I’ve actually been in hospital the past 3 weeks because the graph that was put in with my new valve got infected some how it’s been the sickest I’ve ever been and they want to open me up again to replace everything again except the tissue around the graph is to infected to do anything right now so I have to hope for the best at this point.
@@WilliamGK1924 brother I ll' pray for you that God heal your body .or you will be recover soon, how old are you bro .where are you from .m from Pakistan Punjab
@@romaraj2492 I’m in Canada and I’m 42
I just had my yearly echo, my bicuspid valve has moderate regurgitation with LV distolic dysfunction. LVEF has dropped to 46% from 53% last year. My aortic root is 4.2. I'm Asymptomatic other than flutters occasionally. 46yrs old, how soon could i expect a valve replacement?
Great and important question that would be best answered by your medical team.
The huge downside is the INR and blood thinners when it comes to a mechanical heart valve.
Yes, patients need to manage their INR.
I will be getting my mitral valve replaced shortly. Not sure which they are using yet except it will be mechanicle. I am curious though, how do they work? Is it pressured based?
Great question. We will do our best to learn more about this!
@HeartValveSurgery have already had it. I think they are. Honestly still not sure. But it seems to be working. Cardiologist is pleased
@@208212jmhl Great to hear the cardiologist is pleased. That is key!
I'm 32 now at the age of 30 I got my new aortic valve replacement through open heart' surgery and now I'm doing better ....God gave me everything dono why did he gave my aortic valve bad one .......one fine day everyone must step in to god's feet but I think I'll go earlier than others ......anyway thanks God and thank you doctors ,
Great to hear you are doing well!
@@HeartValveSurgery i request everyone to share there watsapp numbers we will make one group we will discuss how to survive by taking healthy food ls and wat all vitamin k food vegetables and green leaf should be avoided we will discuss
Thanks 👍
Very much amazing and blessed human
Thanks for the kind words about Allen's story!
Im 29 and about to have mechanical valve surgery in 4 days im nervous i put all my trust in god im going to be great . Just nervous 😩
We hope your mechanical valve surgery went well!
Only think i Hate is Warfarin..10 mg daily..
I have had Over 40 transfusions the first 4 years .
Alot of Stomach bleeds..
The last 2 years, doing better, Warfarin is still effecting me .
But, I thank God for The last 2 years, no Hospital over stays .
Sorry to hear about all the transfusions! Sounds like the past 2 years have been much better!
I have a surgery for repair next month
How did your heart valve repair go?
That's incredible
Yes, a great heart valve success story!
Dear sir which is the best valve to replace mechanical or bioprosthetic when patient earlier bioprosthetic value is infected with infective endocardities TEE showing degenerated value with vegitation
Age 63 female
S/p mvr bioprosthetic perimount magna ease ppi in 2012
Hi Jash,
You raise a really great question. Unfortunately, as a patient advisory group, we are not trained or capable of providing specific medical advice.
That said, we would strongly encourage you to discuss this question with your medical team. If you are not getting information that you are comfortable with then perhaps you should get a second opinion to validate and support next steps in the treatment process.
We are sorry that we cannot be of more help to you. We hope you can understand!
It’s my story, Rheumatic Fever at 10 years old, now I am 63 and I am told now it had to be replaced,
Hi Serena, Sounds like you and Allen had a lot of similarities leading up to your heart valve replacement.
@@HeartValveSurgery not had it yet but I have been referred to the surgeon
Anyone on mechanical valve have to stopped blood thinners due to some surgery etc...and how long you was without blood thinners?
This is a great medical question. We would encourage you to ask your medical team and ensure they know you are on blood thinners if you need a surgery.
@@HeartValveSurgery already done fistula surgery... They stopped blood thinner 4 days before surgery and started after 3 days..thanks for reaply....i was just curious how long patient can go without blood thinner based on cases...
Can the St. Jude Mechanical valve be used for aortic stenosis?
Hi Ginger, We just contacted Abbott, the company that manufacturers the St. Jude mechanical valve. According to Abbott, yes the St. Jude mechanical valve can be used to treat aortic stenosis. So you know, the newest model of that mechanical valve is the Regent mechanical valve. Here is a link to learn more about that valve - www.structuralheart.abbott/products/mechanical-heart-valve/regent-valve-masters-series-mechanical-heart-valve. Hope that helps!
Wow ...wow..Thanks God
Thanks for watching Robert! Glad you liked learning about Allen's mechanical heart valve replacement success story!
Question are you taking warfarin??
Yes, Allan has been taking warfarin since getting his mechanical valve to avoid any clotting on the valve.
Bicuspid aortic valve , 2 1/2 months Bovine valve.
At day ninety will be off blood thinner.
Week by week feel better, regulAteing blood pressure and heart beat . Hada collapesed lung , about 1 1/2 months before finally able to breath due to expelling lung mucus.
Great to hear you are feeling better Archie!
Still doing well? Having procedure done on Tue.
I need Aorta and mirtal value replaced another Dr said all I need is Aorta I'm scared to death any feedback would be great
1 st aortic valve was bicuspid, I was 23 (2005)when they found it. I went with a tissue valve ( bovine) and had no problems. When they was doing the first operation I had to have an aneurysm repair with a graft stent. My tissue valve held until I was 33 and was replaced with no issues. I am now 40 and have my third surgery which I am waiting on in about a week away. I am getting an onnex valve put in. Due to possibly not needing a 4 surgery. These valves are meant to last. My point is anything can come up but find a Cardiologist your comfortable with. He will lead you to a good surgeon. Do research to your specific condition. I hope this helps, the medical community does these operations all the time with great success!
@@jimmymaynard4782 thank you for the feedback have breathing issues putting it off till summer over my last to summers I didn't get to enjoy at all from family members passing away think mechanical but not sure
Here is link to many articles about aortic aneurysm repair - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/search.php?q=aneurysm. Hope that helps!
Can you use the catheter process to replace a mechanical valve ?
Hi, Great question. A mechanical valve can not be replaced using a catheter process.
@@HeartValveSurgery
How long mechanical valve meximum last for.
I would like to know please let me know.
Mechanical Valve should in theory last a life time.
My had also Avr in 2019. when i was 32 .but I have no problam .I'm fine .but I m useing blood thiner.and doing regular blood test .
Mera bhi valve change Hona hai..me bht tension me Hu..ki kya Hoga..plz mam ap mujhe call kar sakte hai Kuch poochna hai apse...9027261566
I also have aortic valve leakage..mild grade 2 AR..doctor said 10 years after surgery and not now..Iam using METXL TAB..is really mechanical valve works long time
@shruti jain please share your number.
@@thebiologyacademy6323 hi aap tans mai kyu hai
@@thebiologyacademy6323 aapka Valve change ho gya kya ?
He was young when he had surgery, it's a little different when your older. A.fib gets worse with age and the drugs make you tired all the time!
Yes, AFib is a key consideration for patients. Here's a link to more information about AFib and heart valve disease - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/atrial-fibrillation/.
i have 36 yrs also same valve
Great to hear you and Allen have that in common!
👏👏👏👍👍👍
my mitral valve replaced 3 years before. me is blessing of ALLAH good and fine
Muhammad, Great to hear you are doing well after your mitral valve replacement!