hello community, I wanted to thank everyone for their support and feedback regarding my bicuspid aortic valve replacement surgery. As an active 27-year-old, I opted for the Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve. The valve was not offered by my Cardiologist as an option because long-term research is not available. It has been used in Europe for about 6 years and was approved in America in 2018. I am very grateful to the community for bringing this option to my attention. The animal research is quite promising particularly for young patients where calcification happens much quicker in tissue valves. Watch this webinar youtube.com/watch?v=0__V1hM...
We spoke with the company at length that manufactures the valve. They were patient and answered all of our questions. The mechanical/biosynthetic decision may have actually been more stressful than the surgery. Whatever you decide, be at peace with your decision and have faith that is the best for you.
The surgery lasted about 3.5 hours. The surgical team called my parents with updates when the surgery was underway, when I was off the heart machine, and when they closed me up. I don't remember much except being very thirsty after surgery. The pain was not that bad. The tubes were very annoying and it was really nice when they were removed. I had surgery on Tuesday and went home Friday.
There were a few things that I needed when I got home... lots of white washcloths (felt good on my forehead and for cleaning up), ice chips, a straw that bends so you can drink water lying down, lip balm, slanted pillows to support back and to sleep on ab incline, urine container with lid (took from hospital) - really handy at night, blood pressure reader, thermometer and scale. Medicine daily organizer so you don't have to think. Low salt soup, bottled water and chocolate milk were my go to on the first days home. Round the clock family care was nice too, especially in the hospital. My back, shoulders, and groin are achy, but otherwise, I'm feeling really good. Blessings to all.