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Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR: What is it like?

Posted by karen1945 @karen1945, May 17, 2021

I am 75 years old with severe aortic stenosis. My doctor has recommended a valve replacement with the TAVR procedure. I had a heart catheterization two weeks ago that precipitated a “brain attack” that was terrifying. I spent that night on the neurology floor, and was released the next afternoon after completely recovering from the stroke. Now I am terrified of having them going into my arteries and heart again, for fear of another stroke that could leave me permanently incapacitated, or even kill me. I’m scheduled to have a CT cardiac angiogram exam to see if the TAVR approach is even possible. I don’t know whether to take my chances with the stenosis and let nature take its course, or risk the procedure. Before the stroke I was okay with it, but now it seems that I could be cutting my life short, rather than being able to enjoy what time is left. I cry a lot and pray a lot. I simply have no idea what I should do. My symptoms are mild. I was chalking them up to old age before I was told I had severe stenosis. I’m told the risks of the procedure are small, but if it affects you, it’s 100% 😞

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grands08 | @grands08 | Jul 11 7:36am

This is Jan. I too have Severe Aortic Stenosis with scheduled TAVR surgery scheduled mid September at Mayo Clinic Rochester. I have been in a watching and wait situation since 2019. I turn 74 in August. My mother died from Severe Aortic stenosis but had bone cancer complications 20 years ago. I had conflicting evaluations of how severe it was until a stop Rochester figured out I had a low flow Moderate Aortic Stenosis. So now it’s time to decide. An Interventional Cardiologist I SC whom my children know in SC feels that I may be able to wait a year as it’s a serious operation and I am ASymptomatic. Current valves last 10/15/20 years. Praying I make the best decision I have confidence in Mayo Clinic Rochester but have asked for an Interventioal Cardiologist who has performed the most TAVR surgeries Good luck

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junenisbet1 | @junenisbet1 | Aug 6 12:00am
In reply to @swaimm1 "Hi. Iam 70 and had stenious of the aortic valve. Had been indicated for years with..." + (show)
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Hi. Iam 70 and had stenious of the aortic valve. Had been indicated for years with an observed murmur. No Stockton’s other than that. Regular test indicated that the stenious had worsened to a state requiring replacement. Was originally planned to do tavar. What a relief to me avoiding ohs. Well in the work up it was discovered I need bypass so the tavar was waved off in place of the ohs. My surgeons indicated that given my relative young age (haha) and good health I was a great candidate for ohs and that ohs was a much better route for value replacement. More precision in the placement of the new valve and complete removal of any calcium and just anniversary better outcome. I was so disappointed to not have the simpler TAVR for the BIG deal OHS. I had a great team at wake forest Baptist hospital in WS NC. Turned out the surgery went terrific thanks to the terrific team and not as big a deal as I had feared. Home in 4 days, hit the road walking and getting stronger every day. Please don’t over worry whatever you may choose. Go for the best outcome for you !!! Good luck and God bless !!!

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Hi
I need Aeortic valve replacement

I keep hearing about TVAR, but I don’t know what this is?

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Aug 6 9:04am

I had the TAVR procedure 2 years ago. I had been observed for a few years but didn’t develop symptoms until 2-3 years ago. I experienced worsening of shortness of breath- even when moving around in my home.
The description above from Mayo Clinic is correct.
The procedure went well and I stayed overnight.
I developed a fairly common problem- left bungle branch block. I did not have any symptoms and I did not require a pacemaker. I wore a monitor for one month not showing any further abnormalities.
It was a wonderful feeling not worrying about becoming short of breath.
I was referred to cardiac rehab where I was exercising while being monitored.
I’m now back playing tennis and walking my dog without any problems. I am 81 years old.

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