While I dont have any advice or experience with this, I do know that I hope for the best for you and a positive outcome!!

 

+1. That's got to be a big decision to be presented with, but as folks say the procedure itself is not at all irregular these days.
Good luck with the whole thing.

 

Randy,

Best of luck with your situation. I would echo what many have said here re. having a good talk with both your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon. I am not a cardiothoracic surgeon, but based on your age, a mechanical valve is the more certain bet. You don't want to be having your chest cracked when you're 70-80, primarily for post-op recovery and complication issues. You may also want to do some research on mechanical heart valves, since there are different designs and materials depending on valve location and patient factors, and surgeon preferences. Keep us up to date on how you're doing....

 

hey randy my prayers are w/ ya on whatever the route you choose... i like terry's statement... "once" sounds better to me too. This area of medicine never ceases to amaze me.

good on ya dude. you remind me. we gotta' enjoy our lives @ work & play.

 

Randy, thoughts are with you. Glad to hear that you have a few options.

 

Randy, my mother is 65 now and had a heart valve replacement two years ago. The doctor who performed the surgery is the best in Michigan. He recommended the mechanical heart valve to her. The surgery went perfectly. She is very healthy and has no side effects from the surgery. She is on coumadin (blood thinner). This is probably the biggest issue. You have to watch your diet and make sure there are no interactions with other medications you may be on. Alcohol, such as wine, and foods that contain Vitamin K are a big problem when on coumadin. You have to eat a consistent diet in order to keep your coumadin levels stable. You can have a glass a wine here or there, or some spinach (high Vitamin K). However, if you splurge one night on drinking or eat a lot of food containing Vitamin K, your coumadin levels will be impacted. My Mom's doctor said the key word is consistency.

Best of luck.

 

An educated descision is always the best. Your buds here at Rennlist will be thinking good thoughts for you. I am sure you will make a fast recovery knowing what a treat you have waiting for you in the garage. Please keep us posted and all the best!

 

Randy,

I certainly have no sound advice as this is not my field. I just want to send you, and your family, the best and trust that your medical team provides you the best results possible.

Health is the most improtant attribute in life. May you keep yours for a great quality of life.

Our thoghts and prayers are with you and your family. Best.

CP

 

Hi Randy,

My office manager (45) had this done 14 months ago (her heart was damaged by an infection). She opted for the bovine valve as she (says) she is not one to stick to a regiment of a daily drug prescription (I was surprised as she is so fastidious in all other areas). She was also a bit concerned about side effects. FYI, she recovered beautifully and we take a hard hours walk most days of the week during lunch.

Best of luck to you, Randy.

 

From my cardiology buddy,--


"he should definitely have a mechanical valve and must take coumadin unless there is some life threatening issue about his inability to take coumadin."


Good luck!

 

Randy, God bless and good luck. There is a guy on the 997Turbo forum named Chris, who is a surgeon. Nice guy from what dealings I've had with him. Why don't you PM him { TT Surgeon} and ask him. If he is not a heart surgeon, he will at least set you in the right direction. All the best.

 

First, I want to thank everyone for their insight into this situation. I am out of town right now on business and I plan on PMing a few of you when I return on Sat. This is why I love the 993 board...all your thoughts and words have really helped me with this "news" and I appreciate all of you. BTW, it is the Aortic valve that is rapidly going south. Your personal stories have taken some of the worry out of this for me.

 

I wish you the best of health, Randy. I know you have had some health issues in the past.

 

Just like an engine rebuild - open it up once and do it right!

Good luck and best wishes for a quick recovery.

 

One of the most important issues is to the best institution and surgeon to do the work. There are very big differences in outcomes of surgury depending on who does it and where it is done. Ask your Dr. his rate of complications for this type of work and find out how it compares to the average. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get multiple opinions. Valve replacement surgury has been around for a long time, so docs are good at these, lots of practise.
Phil