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I'm 8 mos. post-surgery (avr) and wondering if anyone is completely heart medication free after having surgery? I was so happy when my cardiologist reduced my metropolol from 50mg to 25 mg daily. However, I started having frequent migraine auras - something I hadn't had in years. Saw a...

Had my post-op check-up w/ surgeon yesterday. (was a bit disappointed that he no longer had the picture of my quadracuspid valve that he took on his blackberry during surgery - I really wanted to see it.) Went back to work today (desk job) and felt pretty good. I still have shortness of breath...

I am 4 weeks post-op tomorrow. I had an AVR with median sternotomy. My incision looks pretty good, except for a slight swelling right at the top. Is that normal? How long will it take to go away?

My recuperation has been great and at this point I'm basically independent. Haven't needed pain meds since Day 2 and finally got a few hours sleep in the same position last night. The one thing I'm still noticing is that some things don't taste the same to me. I can no longer drink my favorite...

Day 3 Post-op. Went into a-fib last night and both then and tonight I can't fall asleep because I can feel my heart beating. Anyone had something similar? How long did it last? Waiting for some sleep medicine right now. Chris

Well I'm on the other side. Still continue to be nauseous, but they are giving me meds for that. No pain medicine, though. Can't wait to get these chest tubes out. I was hoping for a repair, but had to have a replacement. My aortic valve had 4 leaflets, only the second time my surgeon has...

Well I'm off to Philadelphia to have my AVR, MV ring and who knows what with the tricuspid valve surgery tomorrow @ UPenn. I feel as prepared as I can be thanks to all of the advice on this forum. I truly appreciate all of your help and will report back as soon as I'm able. Chris

Just went for my pre-op today at UPenn. I was surprised to learn that if I need a replacement rather than a repair (and I have chosen tissue), it is advisable to no longer take calcium supplements. Those of you with tissue valves, have you been given this advice?

Trying to decide whether or not to have a flu shot before my surgery on Oct. 27th. Any advice? Do I need to ask my dr? (Have had so many other questions for other ailments I really don't want to call again!!) Chris

My AVR and mitral ring is scheduled for October 27th at UPenn with Dr. Bavaria. (waiting so long because I want to enjoy a wedding in Las Vegas and HS reunion at beginning of Oct) Last night I tossed and turned with pain in my upper left abdomen. Wound up going to emergency room, thinking...

I have scheduled an AVR, but then saw on the heartvalvesurgeon database that a Dr. Bavaria at UPENN does aortic valve repair. Has anyone out there had a repair or know of someone who has. Just want to know some particulars. I am trying to get an appt. with him, but his schedule is very busy.

I have been to 2 different surgeons and can't decide which one to go to for my AVR. Other than moderate-severe regurgitaion, I have no other issues. My doctor recommended Leonard Girardi @ NYP/Weill Cornell. Liked him and he told me he does about 350 valve surgeries / year. He spent about 1/2...

Is the Davinci system being used for aortic valve repair/replacement? I've only seen articles on mitral valve.