Garrett's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: October 3, 2023

Send Garrett a Note

My Posts

Garrett Payment posted an update
1 year ago (April 17, 2025)
Well ... i go for surgery today, having my sternal wires taken care of / removed. wish me luck😊
Wishing you the best. Hopefully this will relieve your discomfort.
Good luck! Hope you are feeling more comfortable with no wires soon.
I had 3 broken / dancing wires. Im sore after removal and they wanted to discharge me but i insisted against it as it is still bleeding and in pain plus i live a hr away.. this website and the friendships and support i have received are a invaluble resource... Read more.
Wow! Hope you’ll be feeling much better soon! 🙏🏼💞 Btw…your gown is so much nicer than the gowns we have at our hospitals in San Diego. ☺️
Yikes! It's no wonder they were bothering you. Glad you are advocating for yourself. Hope you are feeling much better soon.
Geez no wonder why you were hurting. That sounds horrible like a flailing robot. I wouldn’t have gone home either.
Garrett Payment posted an update
1 year ago (October 21, 2024)
Almost the full 2 years post op, and am having alot of discomfort and random sharp deep pain in the center of my sternum when i say pull heavy things like doors or wrenches... is this what a non union feels like or is it wires?
❤️ Garrett Payment reacted to this
I didn't have this issue after my first surgery but have it after my second surgery. No issues at all at the beginning but after maybe a year I started to get this sting, especially when doing physical work but sometimes also otherwise. I think it's related to the wires... Read more.
Garrett Payment posted an update
2 years ago (February 21, 2024)
So my question is this.. i was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, my surgeon discussed mechanical valve with me but if the opportunity to repair my own valve was given to try that first, anyways my question is what is the life expectancy of a repaird human valve vs... Read more.
❤️ 🥰 Grace Mason and Garrett Payment reacted to this
Thats a good question. Because if he repairs, can a tavr be done in the future if it fails?
C W
This week, there was an episode on the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast that talked about this a little. They said 91% of repaired valves were “still working” 10 years after surgery. They said repaired valves that fail usually fail in the first 18 months — so if it makes it that... Read more.
C W
You’re welcome… those are the notes I took for myself because I seldom hear info about repaired valves and I need to absorb it all.
C W
I would be interested in learning how that info jibes with what others here have learned / experienced…

Upcoming Surgeries

Jane Schappell
Aortic Stenosis
May 13, 2026
Margaret Devenney
Aortic Stenosis
May 14, 2026
Chris Freyer
Mitral Regurgitation
May 15, 2026

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.