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Hi all, I have read several times that tissue valves last longer in older patients (my cardiologist does not seem to know why other than statistically, it seems to be the case). Does anyone know why? Could it be that older folks tend to be more sedentary and don't stress the heart as much? I...

Yesterday was 12 weeks since my AVR! I am feeling pretty well but last week travelled to France for work. Upon arrival, I exercised 4 days on an exercise bike. I started having chest pains and finally went to a pharmacy to ask for advice. The pharmacist gave me some aspirin/lycine which...

I keep hearing and reading that tissue valves tend to last longer in older patients than in younger patients. Is this an "urban legend" or is there some data that explains this theory? Could it be older patients are more sedentary, therefore, less hard on their tissue valves?

I am 5 weeks post op and had an appointment with my cardio yesterday. My surgeon had told me the sternum heals in two months. But, I've heard a lot of people on this forum say three months. So, I asked the cardiologist his opinion. He seems to be very conservative, he said it takes a full...

Does anyone remember what pain meds they needed for the first couple of weeks after surgery? Today is my 1 week anniversary since the surgery. I have been taking vicadin every 4 hours which seems to work ok. Today, though it has been 7 hours since I took it and I don't seem to need it yet...

I made it! My surgery was scheduled for Friday, the 10th but the doctor called on Wednesday afternoon and asked if I would mind doing it Thursday instead. So, the last thing I remember, it was 2pm Thursday. Next memory I had it was 9am Friday and I was struggling with the tube down my throat...

My surgeon's nurse called yesterday and asked me to move the surgery from Friday to Thursday. She said there was an emergency they needed the operating room for on Friday. My first thought (cynical side) was the surgeon wanted a three day weekend..... Anyway, I happily agreed just to get it...

Hi all, I visited my surgeon on Tuesday the 17th to discuss replacing my leaking aortic valve. Because I take virtually no drugs at all (just aspirin), he suggested a Bovine tissue valve. I am sixty and will likely have to have it replaced as my family tends to live til the late 80s or even...

I would like to visit two surgeons in my area. Does anyone know if health insurance typically will cover getting a second opinion? My first is tomorrow. Thanks!

Hello all, Reluctantly, I am a new member of this club, I guess! I just turned sixty in June and was an avid jogger. I am in the middle of building a vacation/retirement home, mostly by myself. In the last few months, I have occasionally gotten dizzy for just a very short period so my family...