My *VERY* Diseased Former Aortic Valve

[StretchL]

Goodness... I couldn't believe this when I saw it. This is my diseased aortic valve just after Dr. Stelzer removed it from my heart.

Looking at this, I can hardly believe I was alive with it, much less that I wasn't more symptomatic than I was! Good thing I got the surgery when I did.

If anyone needs definitions of bicuspid, stenotic, or calcified, this is it.

More to follow...

 

[geebee]

Wow - you are right - hard to believe it was working. The body can be an amazing machine with its ability to overcome limitations.

Glad that valve is in the picture and no longer in you.

 

[tobagotwo]

Likely better'n mine. The surgeon said it was so calcified that it literally crumbled to pieces in his hand. I really wanted it in a jar, but they absolutely won't let you keep it, as it's against state laws. Wish I had a picture.

Best wishes,

 

[geebee]

Likely better'n mine. The surgeon said it was so calcified that it literally crumbled to pieces in his hand. I really wanted it in a jar, but they absolutely won't let you keep it, as it's against state laws. Wish I had a picture.

Best wishes,

I wonder why it is that you can keep explanted mechanical valves but not your own "birth valve". Or is it that those of us who got their mechanical valves were breaking the law.

 

[StretchL]

I wonder why it is that you can keep explanted mechanical valves but not your own "birth valve". Or is it that those of us who got their mechanical valves were breaking the law.

Dr. Stelzer told me it was because it would have to be preserved in formaldehyde, and the formaldehyde's poison, so they can't send it home with anyone... there may be more to it than this, but that seemed logical... at least as logical as hospitals and governments usually are...

 

[Phyllis]

Thanks for the picture, Stretch. Like, Bob, Dick's was so calcified it was practically crumbling too. He said that Dick's case was very similar to the video he has on the Brigham website of an aortic valve replacement. Looking forward to your videos.

 

[Karlynn]

That is a pretty nasty looking valve. Seeing it, and knowing that it's now out of you probably made you feel even more well now.

 

[StretchL]

Ya, Karlynn... I'm very, very glad that thing's outta there.

Phyllis, they're actually still pictures...

 

[AlonnolA]

Wow

Wow

That valve looks amazing (ly bad)! I got a little twinge in my chest when I saw it! Thanks for sharing.

 

[debster913]

Yup, that's a nasty sight, but evidence that your surgery was definitely right on time! Glad to hear you're doing well!

Debi

 

[aussigal]

Great piccy!...
We must have different laws in AUS regarding taking ones own surgically-removed bits home , 'cos I got to take my BAV home in a little jar.

 

[michellep]

Wow! It just goes to show the need for us to take our medical cases in our own hands and push these doctors. I can't imagine that valve lasting much longer.

 

[WayneGM]

Amazing. A picture is worth a thousand words. Glad you got your surgery.

 

[AlonnolA]

My Italian-American wife says it looks like Calamari

 

[StretchL]

Ya, Alon... that's exactly what the photographer told my friends after the surgery!

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Thanks for sharing. How did you get them to agree to send you all of the visual records rom your surgery? Usually for reasons of malpractice....they will not do so.

PS. They used the term of my valve "falling apart" when it was removed. Wonder if my mitral was calcified?

 

[Lynlw]

I wonder why it is that you can keep explanted mechanical valves but not your own "birth valve". Or is it that those of us who got their mechanical valves were breaking the law.

Justin has his old pacemaker too, he says when he meets the special girl, he will say i give you my heart and hand her his pacemaker

 

[Lynlw]

Thanks for sharing. How did you get them to agree to send you all of the visual records rom your surgery? Usually for reasons of malpractice....they will not do so.

PS. They used the term of my valve "falling apart" when it was removed. Wonder if my mitral was calcified?

I believe he had alot of red tape, BUt actually got permission for one of his friends/photographers to be in the OR and photograph the whole thing

 

[StretchL]

Thanks for sharing. How did you get them to agree to send you all of the visual records rom your surgery? Usually for reasons of malpractice....they will not do so.

PS. They used the term of my valve "falling apart" when it was removed. Wonder if my mitral was calcified?

I made arrangements for a colleague of mine in NYC to photograph my surgery. The photograph is his.

 

[StretchL]

Justin has his old pacemaker too, he says when he meets the special girl, he will say i give you my heart and hand her his pacemaker

Now THAT's Class!