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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis

Member Since: March 23, 2017

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Debbie Wood posted an update

4 years ago (April 18, 2022)

Hello, feeling nervous..had piggie valve inserted 5years ago. Just found out, it is deteriorating quickly, and needs to be replaced. I am 58 years old female, and am afraid to go thru open heart surgery again. Sure could use some advice and or encouragement

Martin Smith

Sorry to learn that. First off: Allow yourself some time to feel the disappointment and the other negative emotions that accompany unwelcome news like that. Express your feelings to someone strong enough to listen and who won't give you a knee-jerk reaction of reassuring you with comforting solutions. Then try... Read more.

Thomas Brusstar

My understanding is that replacements of implanted valves might be able to be inserted through a trans-arterial rather than open-heart procedure. So just place a â€œvalve in valveâ€ instead of going full open heart. Obviously your surgeons will k or about that, but Iâ€™ve been told if my repaired mitral... Read more.

Rose Madura

Hi Debbie. I'm sorry to hear about your news. I agree with Thomas. You may be able to get a TAVR this time around. It's worth discussing options with your cardiologist and surgeon and getting a second opinion is always a good idea. Best wishes. Please try not to stress... Read more.

Sandy Harvey

Gosh, that is difficult. I know my surgeon specializes in redos - Dr.Katherine Harrington. She's a good surgeon - no fuzzies. If you were looking to get another opinion, you may want to try her.ðŸ™ðŸ¼

Debbie Wood posted an update

9 years ago (May 6, 2017)

Good Morning...4 1/2 months post op valve replacement. Has any one else experienced fear and "feeling of fragility" in their chest wall I feel great, but am nervous about my chest.

Marie Myers

Big surgery is unnerving. I still feel a little nervous about things. And I was very cautious to follow directions to let my sternum heal. Only started sleeping on my side this week- what a relief! Worrisome things cross my mind occasionally, but I try to not dwell on them.... Read more.

Robert Harris

I can relate. I've been very cautious since my AVR. I think it's a normal reaction to feel fragile. After all, it's a big event and change in your life. I have found that setting and working toward small obtainable goals is helpful. Best wishes to you!

Rita Savelis

Oh yes. I felt and feel fragile. It's a feeling I've gotten used to and I live my normal life but the different feeling is there. I distinctly remember thinking that at some point after OHS I wouldn't "feel" my sternum anymore or have that fragile feeling. Now I know... Read more.