← Return to Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR: What is it like?

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@chud2

I had a mini stoke in Dec 2019 and had a lot of diagnostic imaging done at the local hospital. After some discussion they told me I had "some blockage" in a carotid artery and they would "keep an eye on it" . My primary MD looked at the images and suggested I go to the Mayo in JAX (I had been there before for something unrelated) for further diagnosis. I did so and a whole batch of new tests were done and the diagnosis was "significant blockage in the right internal carotid" and it was suggested I have a stent put in immediately which was done by Dr. Tawk at the Mayo. He said after the surgery I had over 90% blockage. In late 2020 I was feeling tired and enervated much of the time. Again my primary suggested I see a cardiologist when I went for my stent follow up. They did the testing (angiogram, etc) and said I needed a new aortic valve and suggested TAVR as opposed to open heart procedure. I had the TAVR procedure on Dec 2 and it seemed to go well. I was released on Dec 3 and that evening in the hotel I felt very tired and week and was readmitted to the emergency room at the Mayo that evening. The next day I experienced a seizure and my heart "blocked" for about 30 seconds - basically it stopped. The staff decided I needed a pacemaker and put in a temporary one that evening, Dec 4. The next day Dr. McLeod put in a permanent pacemaker and I was released Dec 6. I have not had a problem since and feel great. I owe my life to the doctors and staff at the Mayo and feel I got the best care available anywhere. All this may seem convoluted but I hate to think of the results if I had not gone to the Mayo. They are the absolute best. The TAVR procedure is quite routine now and certainly better than the alternative. BTW I am 84 years old and in generally good health for my age. I think you are in the best possible place. Charles

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Replies to "I had a mini stoke in Dec 2019 and had a lot of diagnostic imaging done..."

Thank you so much for that, Charles! From what you said, it sounds like staying in a nearby hotel for a night after being released is a good idea. I know from previous major surgery at Mayo in Jacksonville that they are the absolute best place for me to be for this surgery. I had a liver transplant there in 2018. I hope that after my angiogram and consult with the surgeon that I can have more confidence in this procedure. Hearing positive stories like yours is very helpful! Thank you again. Karen

Hello @chud2 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for joining the discussion to share your experience with both the TAVR procedure and Mayo Clinic. What fantastic news to hear that you have had no issues and have only good things to share.

What were you most impressed with looking back on your surgery?