Recent content by MRiordan29

Sorry if I gave that impression. The surgeon I met with said that TAVR would not be a good option due to questions about valve longevity - he is not associated with the TAVR program at the hospital. The surgeon that I met with that oversees the TAVR program said that OHS mechanical would be the...

Tom, I have a bit of arthritis in one of my knees and in my feet/toes. It's not bad now but I expect that it will continue to progress as I get older, as arthritis tends to do. What do you mean you can't take the good arthritis medications? Can you elaborate?

understood ... I see you have not mentioned aneurysm yet ... that's something that's on the cards for us congenital bicuspid valvers. In my case it was a primary driver for my third OHS (although the valve was becoming incompetent again anyway). Apparently my aorta appeared a little large on...

Hi All, This post is somewhat of a combination between valve selection, waiting room, and new advancements. I could write quite a bit here but I am going to try to give you the short version (I use that term loosely) for now. I am 37 y/o and had my first OHS at 24 y/o to replace a bicuspid...

Hello All, I am looking for a new cardiologist in NYC. Preferably located in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Anyone have a recommendation? Thanks!

I had an AVR with a bovine valve at age 25 (will be 29 next month). My cardio recommended a mechanical valve and thought I wouldn't get more than 10 years out of a tissue valve. My surgeon said that he had a son my age and he would recommend a bovine valve for his own son. He also thought...

Eva, I'm in pretty good shape but not that good. My resting heart rate is usually in the low to mid 60's and my cardio said that during my EKG it was much lower than it usually is. In addition I've been feeling lethargic, weak and lightheaded lately which is definitely not normal. The only...

Not sure if I had a fever but I did have some body aches, stomach issues and went back and forth between having chills and feeling hot. It probably lasted about 48 hours. They haven't done an echo yet. I'm supposed to see the doctor on Tuesday for the results of the blood cultures and to...

Hello Everyone, I had a BAV that was replaced in 2006 with a CE bovine tissue valve. Had been doing well for the last several years and maintained an active lifestyle. Lately though I've been feeling rundown and occasionally even lightheaded. I went to my cardio yesterday for an EKG and...

I'm 28 with a bovine tissue valve implanted about 4 years ago. I've been taking the full dose 325mg aspirin daily since surgery and was told by both my surgeon and my cardio that I would have to continue this for life - my surgeon said i could go a few days at most without it. My understanding...

Yes, I'd like to participate

I am a little older then your son but somewhat similarly situated - aortic valve replacement in June of '06 as a 24 year old male (6'6" 195lbs). I currently live in Westbury but had my surgery in NYC. I entered the hospital on June 9th, went home 6 days later and was able to return to school...

weightlifting weightlifting NOMAD, I have a bovine tissue valve and also lift weights regularly. My cardiologist told me weightlifting is okay but not to lift more than 70lbs - the surgeon on the other hand said that I can lift whatever I want. There have been a few weightlifting threads...

Born in Bronxville, NY Raised in Yorktown, NY North Easton, MA (1.5 yrs of college) Binghamton, NY (2.5 yrs of college) Jamaica Estates, NY (1st year of law school) Westbury, NY for the last 2 years

Alex, My understanding is that heavy weightlifting causes an extreme increase in BP and that is why it is considered unsafe. Straining resulting from other activities such as vomiting or bowel movements does cause BP spikes but they are not nearly as drastic and not so dangerous. However...