Hi! I discovered I have aortic stenosis when I had my 2d echo done way back in 2007. The opening of my aortic valve was 1.1cm2 then. I do not feel any of the symptoms. It appears that my aortic valve is bicuspid instead of tricuspid. I was advised by my doctor to have a valve replacement but until now have not had the suggested valve replacement. I followed the medication prescribed by my cardiologist. In 2011, I decided to have regular acupuncture performed by a Chinese Eastern Medicine doctor. I also took herbal tea which their clinic provided. I stopped taking the tea after 2 years. Three years ago, I began to feel shortness of breath when I climb the stairs and when I have long fast walk. I stop carrying heavy bags. I easily get colds and cough. When I have cough, sometimes it takes 3 to 4 weeks before it is gone. I have difficulty breathing when I cough. Recently, I had the 24 hour dopler test. The doctor was worried that in several instances, my heart stop for 6 seconds but I was asleep when it happened. He told me to consider valve replacement. I asked my cargio how long will I live if i do not have the valve replacement and the answer was 2 years, and during those 2 years, I may not be as stable as I am now.

Im praying for guidance if I should go for it. There is a non-invasive replacement now that will not involve open heart surgery and recovery period is shorter than the open heart surgery.

I am now 66 years old. Pls help me decide. Thanks.

Divmercy

Hello, I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic stenosis last september. At that time my cardiologist wanted to do open heart immediately but i got another opinion from a well know university of wisconsin cardiologist. She did her own tests and said i was moderate borderline severe and am going back for another echo next month. Anyone have the surgery and what type? Also needing to decide which type of valve is daunting. Im looking for others who might offer their experience. Thank you so much

I had surgery at Mayo for Aortic Aneurism and also had my Aortic Valve replaced on Feb 7. All went well and I am back home doing good. I chose the Natural (Pig) valve because it gives more flexibility to travel and does not require Coumadin after six months. The artificial valve, while long lasting, cramps your life style, in my opinion. It is a personal decision and mainly depend on whether you are willing to accept some life style changes ---go for the artificial and if you want more flexibility to travel etc---go for the natural. Good luck.

Hello,
I have a similar diagnosis as you two. Aortic Stenosis, Moderate to Severe. I'm 51 years old and have a Bicuspid Aortic Valve. It was diagnosed in 2005 when I had an Aortic Aneurysm. The Aneurysm surgery was all that was fixed at that time. Essentially the Doctors indicated replacing the valve was too risky making the procedure too long and risking paralysis and other life debilitating risks. The Head Surgeon, Was Dr. Safi, Second was Dr. Estrada. Surgery was performed at Memorial Herman in Houston Texas. Dr. Safi was 70 yrs. old then, he is probably retired by now.

I was in the hospital for 21 days before being suitable for release. Another Doctor on the panel was Dr. Perot. He was at the time heading up the Robotic Surgery program it Memorial Herman. He advised me to not get in a hurry to replace the valve as the industry was moving towards valves that could be inserted like a stint.

Fast forward to 2017, I see my Cardiologist every year and the valve performance seems to be the same(moderate to severe). I take my BP meds and keep the pressure under control.

If you can wait it out and do the stint type replacement, I would suggest that. I've had two chest openings, first in 1978 for a Coarctation of the Aorta, and then in 2005 as above to repair the Aortic Aneurysm. For me, the major issue I deal with today is the excessive scar tissue my body is creating. It , coupled with my left lungs lack of reflating from the surgeries has left me with 45% lung capacity. The scar tissue that grew between surgeries was so bad that my Aorta was grown into my esophagus. I'm losing about 1/3 of my lung capacity every 10 years doe to scar tissue growth.

Morale of the story, avoid having the chest opened. See if there are any robotic or insert valve options. Avoid the scar tissue and side effects of having your chest opened.

Best to you both.

Bruce
Texas

There are certain requirements for that surgery (TAVR). You should definitely have some type of surgery.

Hello Divmercy, My story is as follows: I was seeing a cardiologist for a long while and asked him for a catherization as i wasn"t feeling great. I didn"t want a stress test. He said i was fine but showed me a drawing with my aortic valve damaged and said "no problem".
well, i was 73 and didn"t want problems later when my heart was damaged . I made an appointment with my Surgeon who did my open heart(double coronary bypass in 2005} surgery and he said"Frank you won"t last two or three years and it will be limited". I want you to see Dr.. x for a second opinion. they tested me and i had a new aortic valve inserted thru my femoral artery and was home at 1pm the next day. please,if you are still in good shape have it done. they can do the aortic and mitral valve thru the artery. I hope this short story will help you make a wise decision.

Hello @redhawk,

Welcome to Connect. Thank you so much for sharing your story; I'm sure @divmercy will appreciate your supportive words. In fact, we'd love to hear from you, @divmercy; how are you doing? Did you have the procedure to correct aortic stenosis?

@redhawk, I'm glad you are feeling well; may I ask the reason for undergoing aortic valve replacement? Did you have any valve regurgitation or stenosis?

I would not hesitate to have the surgery, especially if I qualified for the TAVR surgery. Just my opinion.

Hello Kanaaz,i had severe stenosis in my aortic valve. I had it replaced in July of 2016.I had the Direct Flow valve,which incorporates a polymer frame which is expanded using saline then polymer once in place. no metal. it is a double ring design. Frank

WHAT requirements and why??