One week after open heart - valve replacement with Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve.

[Twentysomething]

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...(Not working as expected?)

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.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Glad to hear it went well. When I recommended the valve initially I was concerned in case you got a negative response. Remember to pace your recovery doing a bit more each day and resist the temptation to overdo it - you pay the following day. All the best...

[Nic25]

Hey Twentysomething. So glad to hear you're successfully out the other side and on the road to recovery. Michael is right - take things slow and steady. I found the main issue for the first six weeks or so was intense fatigue, so just listen to your body. But having had the Inspiris myself in December I'm finding it's great so far (though early days in the scheme of things I appreciate). Onwards and upwards! Good luck with everything and so glad for you. Nic x

[Chea_]

Hey Twentysomething - really glad to hear your surgery went well. I was desperately looking for a post surgery update on your original post so happy to stumble across this one.

I'm 29 and facing the same decision myself. Meant to be speaking with my surgeon today for the first time by phone (not sure if that is the best way to do it - just not in the city at the minute). My strong feeling is the inspiris resilia would work best for me because I really want to avoid blood thinners and the possible ticking sound that comes with the mechanical. I've suffered from health anxiety since I first discovered my BAV at 22 and I think the ticking won't do anything to help that.

What was the deciding factor for you in the end in terms of getting the inspiris? And did you face much resistance from the surgeon team on having it? For some weird reason I'm concerned my team will push back strongly on the inspiris (not sure why I feel that) which is a horrible feeling given I presently feel so strongly it is the right choice for me.

Best wishes,

[Pefki]

Hi. As it is hard to find any other active twenty somethings who have had aortic valve replacement, just wanted to see how you are after 4 years. I'm only 5½ weeks post op mechanical.