D
Dawn-Marie
Hi-I was wondering if anyone else in my situation has had a successful replacement of their aortic valve. My doctor said i will be very high risk because i've been paralyzed from the upper chest down since 1981. Therefore, i cannot cough at all and will be at risk for both pneumonia and for getting off the ventilator. Also, since i have pressure sore issues, so i cannot lay on my back at all. I have to turn from one side to the other every 2 hours and when i'm up i have to do what is called pressure relief, where i push on my armrests and lift my body up in the air and hold it for 1 minute. I have to do this every 15 minutes. I've read some of your posts and have heard you say that you cannot lay on your side. Is this because of pain, or is it because it will harm you? My doctor does not explain much of anything to me...all he says is that it will be very risky. I'm really scared right now. He thought i'd be a good candidate for the percutaneous aortic valve, but i called nearby Cleveland Clinic, and they told me i wouldn't qualify for their Partner Study since i am only 56...they're currently only doing it on people 70, or older. So, i guess my only option is to go with the aortic valve replacement, no matter how risky it is. I would appreciate it very much if anyone else who's been in my situation could let me know how it went for them. Thank you very much!