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Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR: What is it like?
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Nov 28, 2023 | Replies (58)Comment receiving replies
I’m sorry to hear this! Did he have open-heart surgery or did he have the TAVR procedure? There are always risks to any surgery, and however slight they may be on paper, they aren’t slight when they happen to you. You’re right, the choice is not easy and the risks have to be weighed against the potential benefits. I certainly didn’t expect a stroke to be a by-product of my catheterization. It’s given me pause to think about whether the TAVR is right for me right now, or if I should wait until I have symptoms that are life-changing before I submit to it. My heart goes out to you and your husband.
Replies to "I’m sorry to hear this! Did he have open-heart surgery or did he have the TAVR..."
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Yes, he had modified open heart surgery (6 inch incision) almost 4 years ago. He did not qualify for a TAVR procedure at that time. He is now 82. The doctors recommended he have the surgery before it became an emergency. We could prepare for the surgery by making sure he was physically strong. He usually rode bike 5 miles once per day but increased to five miles two times per day as well as exercises to strengthen his core (stand up from sitting without using arms). While recovering in the hospital he was able to ride exercise bike in PT and was just thrilled to be able to ride again and so soon!!