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Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR: What is it like?
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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I have aortic valve stenosis. I hear there are 2 ways to fix this. Does anyone know how they determind which way to fix it either TVAR or open heart? I am 70 years old.
Hello @susankvan,
I merged your discussion with an existing discussion titled:
"Aortic Valve Replacement with TAVR: What is it like?"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-valve-replacement/
Many members have discussed both the TAVR as well as open heart options like the SAVR. @hikerguy62 broke down some of the differences in detail. @rknee and @forserco shared their recovery experience. @bitranch shared why the TAVR method was not a good fit for them and how treatment can depend greatly on your individual situation.
@susankvan, have both options been suggested to you as potential treatments?
Dearest Karen,
I have been a cardiac patient since birth and it is really hard sometimes knowing what to do. I don't know if you've asked your doctor what it would be like if you didn't have the procedure done and what your life expectancy would look like. That might help you make your decision. It seems to me that the mind game is always one of the biggest problems when dealing with cardiac issues. I had a Saint Jude's valve since 1990 and I'm now 62 years old and have been on a blood thinner all that time I was the first woman to have a baby with an artificial heart valve in 92 that was unplanned. I was also a nurse who dealt in critical cardiac care so that has helped me along the way. Had a very stressful year and come to find out my tricuspid valve is starting to have moderate regurgitation. I have outgrown all my doctors in the state of Montana and I'm looking for someone and someplace to do a TTVR. What you were talking about but instead of the aortic valve the tricuspid valve. I also had a stroke when I was 19 years old.
It's my understanding they do a echo especially for you to see if you are a good candidate for what they're doing and they continue along until they find out whether or not it's a good fit for you. And you are right most the time things go pretty well And sometimes something doesn't go just right and you have to be prepared for that but you get all the information you can and get a good team behind you and a positive state of mind and you could feel way better than you have in a long time and live out your normal life! Be blessed and I hope you are able to come to a good decision!
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3 ReactionsHi @susankvan
I just had a TAVR at Mayo Clinic Rochester in January at age 75. They gave me a choice of Open Heart Surgery or TAVR. You need to be relatively healthy to get the OHS option, if you are too feeble to withstand that they will only offer TAVR. They also do a CT scan a week before the surgery to make sure your femoral artery is big enough to a TAVR and also to get the exact measurements to size the new valve. I opted for TAVR because of the much shorter recovery time and risk factor, I don't like the idea of having my heart stopped and being put on a heart-lung machine and having the pain and long recovery associated with OHS. I was conscious during my TAVR and only needed Tylenol for a few days after it for the pain in my groin area. I live alone and was able to recover at home with not issues. I do recommend cardiac rehab though, that has been great in building my strength back up.
I am now just two months out from ohs to replace my aortic. Was original planning a tavar but due to a blockage in my lad and mineral good health at 70 I was convinced to do the ohs. All went terrific but still recovering to get my energy level back. Suspicious of a couple drugs they may be holding me back. I agree with you on the cardiac rebab. It’s very important and helping me. Good luck to you !!!
So happy that it worked out for you! I with you on recommending cardiac rehab. It is great to build your strength back up, but equally important is that, with a good cardic rehab team, it helps you determine what you are capable of doing, ...and maybe what you shouldn't do.
Wishing you well on continued recovery.