Hi All, thank you for all your good advice on getting the surgery done sooner rather than later. I am now scheduled for AVR on 10 December 2008. I'll have a heart catheterization to check whether I need any bypasses (I'd be shocked, but ya never know) on the 8th of Dec. Regarding the issue of another surgery in 10-15 years, my cardiologist said that the organic valves have improved considerably in terms of longevity and he is skeptical I would need replacement. He advised against a mechanical valve because of the need to take blood thinners and that my age suggests that an organic valve is better for me. I'm having my surgery at Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, MD. The heart institute there does 800-1200 open heart surgeries a year and is the best in my county. My surgeon is Dr. Militano, and he has been doing AVRs for many years and has excellent stats. So, looks like it's a green light and it's all about waiting until the 10th.
Dave
Dave