Nancy's Posts

I had to gargle the numbing agent, three times - no spray. It made it difficult to swallow after. They then knocked me out w/propofol and did their thing. I did have a sore throat but had had OHS 3 days prior so that could have been the vent. Sorry you had a rough time with it. We all react in different ways.

Nancy - I'm sorry you had such a terrible experience. My throat numbing agent was administered in a mist. I remember, it wasn't the best tasting, but it was tolerable. Like Marie, I had propofol and was completely out for the TEE. Most importantly, I had a fantastic nurse who was by my side from start to finish who calmly talked me through each step. I was incredibly relieved when it was over and happy to hear my cardiologist say that he was certain I'd be getting a repair rather than replacement of my leaking mitral valve. Stay positive - this experience is not indicative of what your upcoming tests will be like. ❤

Several people on here have had TAVR. I am sure one of them will chime in if they see your post. For those of us who had other pathology to correct like ascending/ root aneurysm, TAVR is not an option. I am hoping for a TAVR when my current bovine valve wears out. I have a 100 year old friend who had TAVR 4 years ago and did well with it.

Yes, the aneurysm was discovered by accident and was then followed with echos for a number of years. I had the surgery a week after my 50 birthday. I was told that I was backwards, that usually they have to replace the valve first. The bicuspid has lasted another 13 years; it looked pretty good, which is why they didn't do anything with it at the time, although I did get a CABG while they were there. ;o)

I was part of a clinical trial test for low-risk patients at the Methodist Hospital in Houston and had the TAVR procedure in March of last year. I had to stay a day longer than expected, but, other than one bump in the road, everything went smoothly. I, too, am able to have future valve-in-valve placement. Just a few months later, the FDA approved TAVR for low-risk patients. I feel very blessed to have been able to participate in this program.

Sounds like it's kind of up in the air. The reason I asked is I'd like to be able to tell my ride when to come. I don't have any family here, so I'm having to impose on friends for my rides. I'd much rather give them a plan than just say, "I'll call when I need you.". But apparently, like so many things in this situation, it's beyond my control. Like, I know I'm having surgery, but don't know when or what kind, yet. *sigh* Serenity NOW! Lol Thank you for responding!