Home > Community > Patient News Feed > Don Taylor

Don's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: June 1, 2016

Send Don a Note

My Posts

Don Taylor posted an update

2 months ago (March 5, 2026)

Still no date for surgery. They think I have an infection in the valve that was replaced in 2016 or in the heart itself. Been on antibiotics all week and so far so good. I still need the surgery to replace both valves. They removed over a liter of fluid... Read more.

Fidel Martãnez Ruiz

Hey Don. I had an infection on the mitral Valve and spent 1 month of intravenous antibiotics and was solved but in three months under programmed surgery I underwent a mitral replacement. Now, more than two years after I'm O.K. So, cheers up in your way 👍

Don Taylor posted an update

2 months ago (March 1, 2026)

After 10 years now at age 70 im in need of replacing my aortic again. This time itâ€™s much different. Im at St Louis Barhns hospital my surgeon is Dr. Kotkar. Ive got a lot going on and long story short im going to have the Commando Procedure. Surgery is... Read more.

😂 Rose Madura reacted to this

Rose Madura

Wow, I'm sorry you must go through another surgery and this one sounds very complex. Prayers to you on this journey. Please keep us updated as you can.

Ana Brusso

Lifting you up in prayer for a successful surgery and recovery. God bless you ðŸ™â¤ï¸

Robert Miller

I haven't heard of the "Commando Procedure" before but it sounds a bit complex after asking google. The good thing is, you are getting it done, you will be better off after recovery and you have nurses and doctors looking out for you 24/7 while in the hospital. I wish... Read more.

Douglas Arnberg

When I need to have my Aortic valve again, I'm doing the TAVR https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698 unless there's a newer procedure that's better.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) - Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, also called TAVR, is a type of heart valve surgery. It's done to replace a narrowed aortic valve. This is a condition called aortic valve stenosis. A doctor inserts a flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel and guides it into the heart. A replacement valve made of cow or pig tissue goes through the tube to the specific area in the heart. A balloon on the catheter tip inflates to press the new valve into place. Some valves expand on their own.

Dan Fouratt

Good luck it sounds like a complex surgery. My thoughts are with you

J Alexander Lassally

Best of luck - was the Commando the only option presented to you?

Don Taylor

Yes, so far

Douglas Arnberg

I only had one option at the time of surgery.. The crack of the sternum surgery. Hmph

Don Taylor posted an update

8 years ago (December 30, 2017)

It's been july of 2016 since my surgery, a surgery I almost didn't survive because of the aneurysm problem during surgery. It seems like a long time since that surgery. I just had a checkup with the heart doctor at St. John's in Springfield Illinois and all is good and... Read more.

👍 Shannon Gray and Barbara Wood reacted to this

Anna Jones

Thank you for sharing your happy news. I'm glad to read that you are enjoying your retirement in good health.

Marie Myers

Maybe there is somewhere you might like to volunteer? It is a hard transition to retirement for some people. Best to you in 2018!

Anna Jones

Marie, I read in a book that people need to think of retirement as "retiring TO something" rather than thinking of "retiring FROM something". It is all about having something to look forward to in our attitude toward retirement. You've come up with a great idea. Learning new things and... Read more.

Kim Shuba

Cities and County's are always looking for volunteers for the local food banks, or even your church if you belong to one are also always looking for volunteers. Maybe this is something you can look into, keeps you busy while helping others.