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AVR / Aortic Root Replacement
Met with my surgeon today to review the results of a recent MRI scan. I may cover my history in the blog section shortly but was recently looking at an aortic valve replacement, had a repair when I was 10 (now 38, although i don't belive that can be right, never sounds right when I say it)
Anyway I was looking at either Ross or Mechanical (On-X preferably although surgeon uses Sorin)
Results are in, can't have the ross as the Aortic annulus is too large, but, and this surprised me, its 32mm!!!! Think this means they can either use a mechanical valve or Speedfit plumbing! The surgeon said its not an abnormal size (in relation to my heart) as my pulmonary is the same size. Anyone else up here with me?
Also need a root replacement, sort of had this in the back of my mind, but was hoping i wouldn't. This is fairly new to me so I don't know a huge amount about it, for example i'm not sure if this may mean a limited lifestyle...i don't exactly have this now.
He's recommend a re-scan in 6 months (no symptoms) before proceeding.
Any thoughts/comments welcome.
Views: 33
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Graeme on -
Hi John
I had an emergency aortic valve replacement (27 mm St Jude mechanical valve) along with root replacement (it was 4.2mm at operation..) and ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement (acute type A aortic dissection) in March 2003. Now 7 years ago - and still going strong// I certainly don't have a 'limited lifestyle' - warfarin sometimes is a pain in the backside with my INR jumping around if I take antibiotics but I have learnt how to vary my warfarin dosage if taking other drugs..Also I don't ski blacks anymore or indulge in contact sports but still run a bit, walk a lot, enjoy a glass of wine and a good party...
So bottom line - go for it..!my dry clinical medical report is here - my personal blog on my operation is here.
cheers
Graeme
r
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Permalink Reply by Richard Deal on
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hey John,
I am not sure how large my aortic root was when they operated on me but they stated that it was "extended" - I will dig around for my hospital discharge report and see if the measured it. I assume that my normal root diameter should be around the 27mm mark as that is the diameter heart valve that they implanted, so 32mm doesn't sound too critical at the moment. Graeme I think meant 42mm, not 4.2, so he was definitely somewhat extended.
With regards to limitations of lifestyle, I guess it is what you make it - you can choose to change radically or to carry on almost as normal. One thing that you will have to do is incorporate the pills into your daily routine, but that is almost no real trouble considering the alternatives.
Take care,
r
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Permalink Reply by Graeme on
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Opps..Yes - Richard has picked up on that..my AR was 42 mm not 4.2mm !
cheers
Graeme
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Graeme Archer said:Hi John
I had an emergency aortic valve replacement (27 mm St Jude mechanical valve) along with root replacement (it was 4.2mm at operation..) and ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement (acute type A aortic dissection) in March 2003. Now 7 years ago - and still going strong// I certainly don't have a 'limited lifestyle' - warfarin sometimes is a pain in the backside with my INR jumping around if I take antibiotics but I have learnt how to vary my warfarin dosage if taking other drugs..Also I don't ski blacks anymore or indulge in contact sports but still run a bit, walk a lot, enjoy a glass of wine and a good party...
So bottom line - go for it..!my dry clinical medical report is here - my personal blog on my operation is here.
cheers
Graeme
r
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Permalink Reply by John Norfolk on -
Thanks for the replies guys, surgeon has now suggested waiting another six months as nothing much has changed for a couple of years. see what happens in six months I guess. I actually had a full pre-op for the Ross procedure which was then cancelled the same afternoon! He'll of a roller coaster this lark!
Graeme Archer said:Opps..Yes - Richard has picked up on that..my AR was 42 mm not 4.2mm ! cheers
Graeme
============================
Graeme Archer said:Hi John
I had an emergency aortic valve replacement (27 mm St Jude mechanical valve) along with root replacement (it was 4.2mm at operation..) and ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement (acute type A aortic dissection) in March 2003. Now 7 years ago - and still going strong// I certainly don't have a 'limited lifestyle' - warfarin sometimes is a pain in the backside with my INR jumping around if I take antibiotics but I have learnt how to vary my warfarin dosage if taking other drugs..Also I don't ski blacks anymore or indulge in contact sports but still run a bit, walk a lot, enjoy a glass of wine and a good party...
So bottom line - go for it..!my dry clinical medical report is here - my personal blog on my operation is here.
cheers
Graeme
r
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Permalink Reply by Graeme on
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Hi John
Sounds about right..As I said below my root was 42mm at my dissection operation so 32mm does not seem out of the question... anyway im 7 years on and enjoying a lovely summer - riding my bike, walking, swimming and away on hols next week to Rhodes for 2 weeks - life is good 7 years on!
cheers
Graeme
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Permalink Reply by John Norfolk on
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Hi Graeme
Yeah I guess the limited lifestyle was a bit of a loaded question. I took up skydiving a number of years ago but test results showed things were getting worse. As a result the consultant and GP strongly advised against it as it would put too much pressure on my heart. The reduction
in oxygen at altitude and the physical exertion means your heart rate gets quite high.
It's by far my biggest disapointment and may influence my choice of valve if there is any possibility of jumping again.
Would be very interested if anyone has any experience?
John
Graeme Archer said:Hi John I had an emergency aortic valve replacement (27 mm St Jude mechanical valve) along with root replacement (it was 4.2mm at operation..) and ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement (acute type A aortic dissection) in March 2003. Now 7 years ago - and still going strong// I certainly don't have a 'limited lifestyle' - warfarin sometimes is a pain in the backside with my INR jumping around if I take antibiotics but I have learnt how to vary my warfarin dosage if taking other drugs..Also I don't ski blacks anymore or indulge in contact sports but still run a bit, walk a lot, enjoy a glass of wine and a good party...
So bottom line - go for it..!my dry clinical medical report is here - my personal blog on my operation is here.
cheers
Graeme
r
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Permalink Reply by John Norfolk on
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Hi Graeme
Yeah I guess the limited lifestyle was a bit of a loaded question. I took up skydiving a number of years ago but test results showed things were getting worse. As a result the consultant and GP strongly advised against it as it would put too much pressure on my heart. The reduction
in oxygen at altitude and the physical exertion means your heart rate gets quite high.
It's by far my biggest disapointment and may influence my choice of valve if there is any possibility of jumping again.
Would be very interested if anyone has any experience?
John
Graeme Archer said:Hi John I had an emergency aortic valve replacement (27 mm St Jude mechanical valve) along with root replacement (it was 4.2mm at operation..) and ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement (acute type A aortic dissection) in March 2003. Now 7 years ago - and still going strong// I certainly don't have a 'limited lifestyle' - warfarin sometimes is a pain in the backside with my INR jumping around if I take antibiotics but I have learnt how to vary my warfarin dosage if taking other drugs..Also I don't ski blacks anymore or indulge in contact sports but still run a bit, walk a lot, enjoy a glass of wine and a good party...
So bottom line - go for it..!my dry clinical medical report is here - my personal blog on my operation is here.
cheers
Graeme
r
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Permalink Reply by saz123 on -
I am very fresh from my surgery(its 7 weeks now). I got my surgery done at Bristol (BHI) which I would undoubtedly say as a centre of excellence with regards to Cardiac procedures.
I was admitted with a severe aortic stenosis regulation and dilated ascending aorta. I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve but never had any major symptoms. Apart from few mild pains which I always ignored and carried on with my normal routine.
I am having 21mm Sorin and 30mm Decron fro the root, fortunately everything went very well like most of us in this forum. I had a checkup done after almost 5 weeks now and the team is very pleased with the results.
I am 32, which makes means my obvious choice as mechanical valve, also I never had any other health issues which means I can take warfarin without much of a fanfare.
With warfarin I am a bit struggling now, my INR stays in between 2 to 3.2 and that makes me change my dose between 5.5mg - 6.5mg . I get blood tests done on a weekly basis now.
I am also thinking about buying CoaguChek machine as I love traveling different countries and I want to control my warfarin even when I am away on a holiday.
I want to start eating regular green specially before the test so that I know if amount of greens are fine for my regular diet.
I would only suggest you as to be positive and everything will be just fine. For me I started driving after 4 weeks and work after 6 weeks (though from home) but half a day from office within 7th week. Its 7 weeks complete for me and I can drive without any issues...
Trust in God!!!
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