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Hi, everyone, well, as sometimes happenes I encountered some "bumps" in the road. I expected a routine straight forward TAVR. Then my Doctor added a Basilica procedure. Still nothing too exciting. They started my 1 hour replacement at 6:30 as planned but didn't finish until 2:00. The...

I posted a note a few weeks ago that I was back in the process of working up to a TAVR now that my Edwards Magna is failing due to calcification pretty much as my native valve did 10 years ago. After I learned that my prosthesis was failing, I assumed that everything would proceed in a regular...

Hi, everyone, I am back after several years away. Currently, my Bovine Pericardial valve is failing after 9 1/2 years which is most disappointing. I started feeling a little short of breath about 10 months ago and when it didn't improve I finally had to admit that it had to be valve failure...

Already available in Europe, the "Sorin Perceval S" valve has begun trials in the U.S. Its first use was announced on 15 January, 2014 at the Heart Hospital of Austin...

Greetings, for those of you who don't know me, my valve replacement took place 4 and a half years ago. Everything went wonderfully well and by the time I completed Cardiac Rehab, my life had pretty much returned to normal. The one persistent problem I had to deal with, however, was that I had...

One of the topics people have asked me about is after a valve replacement "How long does it take to heal?" I've come to think that the question is misleading in that it presumes there is a date by which one is finished healing but this has not been my experience. Instead, I think it is better...

In answer to a query about pillows, Here is a photo of the pillow my friend, Susan, made for me. Actually, she cut down a larger square pillow that got in the way as I was driving. The square pillow got in the way of my arms and was moved by the steering wheel. Also, the square pillow laid...

I can't believe I forgot to post this reminder yesterday. My only excuse is that I was busy and didn't think about it until this morning. For those of you who are interested, here is a link to what is still one of the best articles available about the history of valve replacement. It includes...

Well, today is the autumnal equinox and the 2nd anniversary of my own AVR. Tempus fugit, indeed. I met my Doctor this morning for a review and things are pretty good. The valve is working well, the diastolic dysfunction is improving as my left ventricle continues to change and my pressures...

Here is a link to this new study of the benefits of Cardiac Rehab derived from following 12,169 cardiac patients. I've copied the Conclusion statement. http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/whc/archive/evidence/06%20rehab/Prediction%20of%20prognosis%20by%20VO2%20in%20CR-Circ%202002.pdf...

A few days ago, I told you about coming to the realization that I was once again experiencing the symptoms of uncontrolled Sleep Apnea. Today, my Doctor received a copy of the report of the Sleep Study performed last week. It confirms that my old settings are, indeed, no longer able to control...

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Ten years ago, just before I learned that I had a stenotic valve, I also discovered that I experienced Sleep Apnea. Eight months after my AVR I began having several small problems that my Cardio attributed to my left ventricle stiffness. Over the last couple of month, however, these "minor...

Here is the progress of my scar. I am a little sad to see it fade but I am also beginning to look forward to the day when I don't see it unless I think about it. I think if I had not shaved off the chest hair for the 1 year photo it would have been even less obvious. Larry

Here is the progress of my scar. I am a little sad to see it fade but I am also beginning to look forward to the day when I don't see it unless I think about it. Larry

Tomorrow, my heart valve completes its first year. In the course of doing a little research, it turns out that tomorrow is a day we can all celebrate. On 21 September, 1960, Dr Albert Starr implanted the first successful artificial heart valve to replace Philip Amundson's failing mitral...

Hi, everyone, on Tuesday it will be exactly 9 months from the date of my AVR. It has been some time since I posted an update so it seemed like a good time to do it now. I've been back at work since last November and for some time have done whatever I feel like doing. In case anyone is...

Hi, everyone,

We talk a lot about the different minor problems we encounter after surgery but I have a question about an unexpected improvement. My AVR took place on the 22nd of September, 2009. Normally I have needed antihistamines every day during the spring and autumn and even then, a lot of the time...

Well, gang, today there is a new twist so I am wondering if anyone else has experienced a very slow pulse rate? Actually, I've been feeling a little sluggish for a couple of weeks but today it was more pronounced and I've been really dragging. Today, I am seven months post op and for the most...