Decision made.

[sannyrut]

I have to have an Aortic valve replacement and double by-pass before Christmas.The Surgeon who will be one of the operating team suggested a mechanical valve,but mentioned that ,because of my age it was a borderline choice.My mother has had the same valve replaced and has had terrible problems with having to take warfarin to make sure her mechanical valve does not clog up.Even though the mechanical valve is supposed to last a lifetime,assuming it does not fail,and the pigs valve lasts between 10 and 15 years,I have decided to have the pig's valve.I assume that after 10 years or so,that if I require further medical intervention,an advanced valve and procedure would be available.
Still waiting for the postman to deliver appointment for the Jubilee Hospital,Clydebank as I want to get out for Christmas dinner,and a Pantomine at Motherwell,all booked.Finger's crossed.

[Supacabby]

Best of luck with this, look forward to hearing of the success soon after & take it easy for a while!

[Scunner]

I'm sure you will be at the panto Alec, with this all "behind you"! - Good luck with everything and as Supacabby says - take it easy.

[Diverbaz 1]

My Father had the pig valve fitted in 1982 when he was 61, it lasted 11 years before it started to leak, he was then 72, he wanted the pig valve fitted again and the surgeon was against it, he said that in another 10/12 years he may not be fit enough to undergo the operation again, so he had the mechanical one fitted, he was 83 when he died and it was not because of his heart, that was still doing fine.
It sounds like there has not been many advances in the technology for the past 30 years as it is the same 2 choices.
Good luck, after my fathers first op he was fitter and more active than he had been for many many years.

[SteveJ]

Those pig valves are great - just remember to put on plenty of oinkment. Best of Luck  

[heatherhanum]

Good Luck Alec it's a good time to have surgery as you can rest up over the winter months and look forward to the summer. You will be fine xxxx

[Colwyn]

I had a tissue* aortic valve replacement and single bypass on the 10th August this year and am now just about at the end of my recovery period. It all went very well (after a initial delay of a few days because by sodium levels were too low). I was discharged from hospital 5 days later (they don't keep you hanging around in bed these days). If your health authority run Cardiac Rehab classes for exercise sessions and cardiac information I recommend you take them. I have found them very useful and motivating. Your surgeon will probably tell you that you have had major surgery and you will need all of three months to gain recovery. Believe him/her and be prepared for two steps forward, one step back. But it has been much better than I expected and I wish you good luck and - soon - good health.

* Actually the tissue is calf not pig these days but the surgeons still think about it in the old terms.

[SteveJ]

Actually the tissue is calf not pig these days
 
Colwyn - did you have to re-veal that?

I'll get my coat

[Colwyn]

Another couple of pointers.

I was discharged from hospital on 15th Aug and was fir enough to go to my niece's wedding on 2nd Sept. After the wedding we all stayed at a very pleasant country house hotel for the night and I made sure I had an early night. Unfortunately, the next morning it had all proved a bit too much and many of the guests were concerned because I was tottering about worse than usual.

A second thing. Most of your family, friends and well-wishers will tell you to "take it easy". Your nurses will not have any truck with such nonsense. They will want to exercise every day and to increase your efforts day-by-day and week-by-week. You "work" your way out of this thing - not "rest" yourself along.

[puma]

best wishes you will be better off having the surgery and enjoy a better life