Recent content by Odie

It was clear within days that a 2nd surgery was in my future. Leading up to the 1st I had severe regurgitation. While the cause was suspected to be because I had a BAV, imaging had picked up some unusual tissue that might be playing a role. While the plan for the 1st OHS was a mechanical valve...

I have an On-x. Surprisingly, I love hearing the sound it makes. Perhaps if I had an arrhythmia I'd feel differently, but as it is I find the steady tick to be very comforting.

I got an On-X in 2019. The only thing that came with my valve was a card identifying the device.

None at all. I knew soon after my first surgery that I would need another. My only concern about Dr. Dewan's age was that he might retire before I was ready for #2.

My first surgery was in 2014 and was a repair, the 2nd surgery was last November. By the time I started interviewing surgeons for the first surgery I had already determined that mechanical was the right choice for me. The decision for make and model of mechanical valve was left entirely up to Dr...

I've had two OHS done by Dr. Stephen Dewan. Both surgeries were done at the Heart Hospital of Austin. If I had to do it all again, I'd choose the same surgeon and location.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. Absolutely. I'm not second guessing that situation at all. I selected my surgeon for his knowledge and experience. I'm confident he would not have attempted the repair without a high probability of success. In fact, I'm going back to the same guy for #2. I...

At 50, I learned I had a bicuspid aortic valve and severe regurgitation (no stenosis). I was fit and asymptomatic. Rather than wait for symptoms I opted to immediately replace my BAV with a mechanical valve. During surgery the potential to repair the valve, rather than replace, suddenly became...

Thanks Steve. Already done.

I received a letter from my hospital. The letter states "there have no reports [presumably from my hospital] of patients who have developed this infection to date". Coincidentally, I am working with my doctors to understand the cause of a recent bout of arrhythmia and chest pain (among other...

I just watched a documentary, called Inspired to Ride, about the inaugural Trans Am Bike Race (TABR) in 2014. The winner of that race completed the 4,200 mile (6,800 km) course in less than 18 days. I do hope you are planning for a more leisurely pace. I'm sure it was a suffer-fest for the...

For what it is worth: I hid my scar from the sun for the first summer after surgery. This summer I'll rock my scar proudly... though it is hardly visible.

I remember being fascinated by the OR as they wheeled me in. I was trying my best to get a look around, to figure out the roles of the people and equipment. One fellow introduced himself to me, "I'll be your bartender". That was my last pre-op memory.

I was given an incentive spirometer at my pre-op visit too. I was taught how to use it and after a few practice attempts I was told my "baseline" -- though I found it took a lot more practice to develop the proper technique to record my true baseline. I don't recall my exact numbers but I do...

I'll echo what others have said. Talk to your doctors as soon as possible. Headaches can be a side effect from medication. If that is the problem then simply switching meds will eliminate the pain you are feeling. I get killer migraines from hydrocodone. Fortunately I figured that out years...