Update - All tests for TAVR complete and I passed!

So, it's a go for TAVR if I choose to go that route. I have seen the cardiothorasic surgeon, had a CT Cardiac and pelvic scan (checking for CAD &  my femoral arteries). No CAD or other issues and everything is a go. I still have to see the interventional cardiologist before the procedure is schedulled. I've been gouging my eyes out reading up on the latest research between TAVR and/or SAVR.. If you haven't been following, or read my bio, this will be a valve in valve procedure as I had a tissue valve implanted about 16 years ago. It is now failing - miserably :) Anyone else been down this road? A quick search didn't reveal very much. The surgeon told me that the TAVR valve would be the exact same valve that would be surgically implanted, but without the sternotomy, stopping the heart, breathing machine, long recovery ect..Also, my surgery, if I choose SAVR would be a slightly higher risk do to scar tissue. But, if TAVR doesn't work out, she can explant it and surgically implant another valve with about the same risk. So, I guess it all comes down to how much recovery do I want to deal with. If I stay with the tissue valve option, and with God's grace, I may have to do this once again. I've read that they can do TAVR in TAVR at least twice.. decisions, decisions... 

4 Comments

May God guide

by Lavender - 2023-04-29 10:57:04

For those unfamiliar-TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) and SAVR (surgical aortic valve replacement)😉

Your post made me think about how we can go from not thinking there's much use in fixing our body further when we get discouraged by having even the pacemaker procedure.  Once we're stabilized and feeling more hopeful-we go on planning other repairs and upgrades to keep on keeping on!

Very small example is that before my heart failed me, I was on a path to see why my ankle hurt all the time. I consulted with specialists...did physical therapy, had two injections, and also tried iontophoresis. (Iontophoresis is a process of transdermal drug delivery by use of a voltage gradient on the skin. ). Nothing helped and they wouldn't operate on the ankle due to my heart stopping during gallbladder removal. 
 

Ok so I have lived with the ankle using a lace up brace and rest, ice, compression and elevation for going on three years. Since then, I got the pacemaker. Now that the heart is stabilized... I went to a different orthopedic/sports medicine specialist and he is going to try a different steroid injection with ultrasonic guidance. 
 

When the heart kept making me faint-there wasn't any hope in trying to help the ankle. I thought I was a goner. 
 

I am glad you have hope. It's wonderful having options to consider! You can improve things and are okayed to proceed!  Awesome. May God make you feel confident in the decision you choose. 

Lavender

by USMC-Pacer - 2023-04-29 12:44:58

Thank you for the great response - For whatever reason, I/we were dealt this hand, all we can do is our best to play it out and "keep on keeping on." 

I wish you well whichever procedure you choose

by Gemita - 2023-04-29 15:23:02

USMC-Pacer, it is good to have options but too many can leave us feeling confused and sitting on the fence for too long, can't they.  Once you make a decision, believe in it and don't look back (like me). 

I think the TAVR is a good first choice option and it seems to me that you have been investigated for this and it could well be the best solution for you.  TAVR is minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure and the first-line therapy for severe aortic stenosis patients who cannot withstand or prefer to avoid an open-heart procedure.  You have clearly been cleared (accepted) for this procedure, so that is already in your favour.  I know two members who have had a TAVR procedure and doing well.

I note that both types of valves are tissue valves, but that the SAVR valve is a fixed stent with an approximate life span of 15 years, while the TAVR valve, which expands and contracts, has an uncertain life span.  However with the TAVR procedure you will be walking around right after the procedure and discharged in a few days, so that would be a bonus.

Whichever way you go, I wish you all the very best and hope that your recovery is swift and your procedure is complication free and highly successful

Gemita

by USMC-Pacer - 2023-05-08 00:59:19

@Gemita

My TAVR will be a valve in valve procedure. So, I will be keeping my existing prosthetic valve along with it's fixed stent. I'm not sure yet if they will "fracture" that stent to implant a larger valve and make room for future procedures. This Wednesday I see the interventional cardiologist so these are questions I will ask him.

I'll report back as usual.

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In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.