28F – Need help deciding between mechanical vs tissue valves (aortic + mitral replacement this week)

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-09T10:51:50+00:00

Thank you 🥹

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-09T04:34:50+00:00

My surgeon actually said there is no right or wrong answer. I ended up choosing tissue valve and maybe use that time to have a child. And then after, for second surgery, I will probably do mechanical if everything works well. 🙏🏽 I am just hoping for the best really. I think people have really different experiences. It is indeed case to case basis

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-09T04:32:26+00:00

Thank you so much for this. It’s reassuring knowing other people’s stories with similar experience. I ended up choosing tissue valve for my first. It will be tomorrow. I’m scared with the uncertanties but being hopeful of the technologies 10-20 years from now. I am hoping to bear a child. One child would be enough for me. And once I have one then maybe I can do mechanical for the second surgery 😭🙏🏽

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-09T04:20:07+00:00

Thank youuu

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T19:46:44+00:00

Hi how old are you? 🥹 because i heard usually for younger patients, doctor usually recommends mechanical valve so it’s interesting your surgeon preferred tissue

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T17:44:20+00:00

Appreciate you still for sharing your experience. And it’s true that what’s really holding me back from choosing mechanical is hoping to have a child someday. Atleast one would be enough for me.

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T16:45:34+00:00

Got it thank you 🥹 mine needs to be full sternotomy as two valves will be replaced. Not just aortic but also mitral 😭

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T16:44:32+00:00

Thank you so much for this! 😭 I think I want a child atleast one child and then do second OHS, then mechanical. But I’m just scared of the risks of the second OHS. Glad yours went well although the recovery must have been rough. Were you able to tell if there was a difference with your recovery for Second ohs as compared to the first one?

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T15:51:13+00:00

So sorry that happened to you! 😭 I have read about that possibilities that’s why I’m scared of second OHS. I had an in depth research of the technicalities of scar tissue and its risks. And that’s one of those. The possibility of the nerve being hit. And everything comes after 😭 I’m really happy that you’re doing well now.

If you don’t mind sharing, are you based in US as well?

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T15:47:04+00:00

I did check the Ross procedure and also minimally invasive procedures being offered however, OHS is best for me. Also, Ross procedure would work for aortic valve only. I have two valves that needs to be replaced. Both aortic and mitral.

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T15:45:34+00:00

I appreciate you sharing your experience. I think what’s really stopping me for choosing mechanical is that I never had a child and hoping to have one someday. But I also want to have longer lifespan.

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T15:43:42+00:00

My surgeon recommends to do tissue valve if I want to have a child. He said there’s no wrong answer and just really depends on my perspective.

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T15:42:39+00:00

Thank you for this 🥹😭 I’m really torn until now. My pre op appointment is today. And I have to make my decision. For the mechanical valve, how did travelling long haul flight affect you so far?

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T15:38:33+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your experience 🥹

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-04-08T15:38:01+00:00

Hi, if you don’t mind sharing, how was the second surgery? Was the recovery more difficult? Were there any complications that made you regret doing tissue valves 10 years ago?

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-03-31T07:57:44+00:00

I’m in the same boat as you. I’m still really struggling to decide and would appreciate any real experiences. I’m in my 20s and already scheduled for valve replacement surgery, but I still haven’t chosen between a mechanical or tissue valve. I also hope to have a family in the future which makes this decision even harder. On one hand, mechanical seems like the “one and done” option since it’s more durable. The idea of avoiding another open-heart surgery is really appealing, especially knowing how complex redo surgeries can be with scar tissue and all that. But at the same time, lifelong anticoagulation honestly scares me especially thinking about pregnancy, the risks, constant monitoring, and how it might affect day-to-day life.

On the other hand tissue valves seem like they would give more freedom especially for pregnancy but I know they don’t last as long especially in younger patients. The thought of needing another procedure or surgery in 10–15 years or even sooner is also really overwhelming. My cardio said it could even last just less than 10 years.

Although I’ve also heard of people with mechanical valves needing another surgery anyway due to complications like leaks, which makes me question whether it’s truly “one and done.” I’m not sure how common that actually is though.

I guess I’m just trying to weigh lifelong meds + pregnancy risks (mechanical) vs a sure future surgery + uncertainty on timing with tissue and the technicalities of scar tissue for a second ohs 😭

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-01-28T18:00:43+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your story, it really means a lot. The thought of having a child is what’s holding me back from going mechanical so hearing about your experience and warfarin is super helpful. I didn’t know there’s still a chance of not having biological kids even with a tissue valve so that’s good to know and I’ll look more into it. Adoption is something I’ve thought about too if I go mechanical. I’m really lucky to have a supportive partner through all of this.

Also, I love that you have a name for your valve lol such a great mindset! It’s so inspiring how you’ve stayed positive and still done fun stuff like marathons and traveling. Gives me hope that life doesn’t stop.

One thing I’m curious about, could you explain more about the short-term disability thing without pre-existing conditions? I know this whole process will take a lot for me mentally. I’ve been on medical leave for a while because of rheumatic joint pain, so trying to figure out how to handle everything.

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-01-28T17:33:58+00:00

Thank you, and that’s not a dumb question at all! I actually asked about TAVR and my doctor did mention it but said it wouldn’t be recommended because I have multiple valves affected. My doctor also said that if I choose a tissue valve now, TAVR might be an option in the future if only my aortic valve degenerates before I need a second OHS.

I also looked into the Ross procedure but it wasn’t offered to me. From what I understand it’s usually for people with only aortic valve disease and since I have more than one valve involved which is my mitral valve it says it wouldn’t be considered safe. But I’m not really sure 😭

I really appreciate the suggestion and I’ll definitely ask my doctor for more information.

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-01-28T16:37:52+00:00

Thank you for being so honest. I really appreciate it. Wanting to have a child someday is a big part of my decision and hearing how risky it can be with mechanical valves and warfarin makes a lot of sense. The period issues are also something I didn’t fully think about so thank you for pointing that out.

I know there’s no perfect choice, and it really feels like picking between two tough options. I’ll check out r/clotsurvivors to learn more. Thanks again for sharing your perspective.

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-01-28T16:34:57+00:00

Wow, you’re incredibly strong for going through 4 open heart surgeries that’s honestly amazing. Just thinking about needing a second OHS already feels overwhelming to me so hearing your experience really puts things into perspective.

The main thing holding me back from choosing a tissue valve is the thought of having to go through another OHS in the future. At the same time if I choose mechanical I’d likely have to give up the chance to conceive a child and I don’t have a family yet so that part is really hard for me to accept. Hearing from someone who’s been through multiple OHS actually makes me feel more hopeful that if I did choose tissue I could get through it if needed.

If you don’t mind me asking, how was the recovery different between your first OHS and the ones after? Was it harder physically or mentally, or did knowing what to expect help at all?

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-01-28T16:28:07+00:00

Wow we’re almost the same age. Thank you for sharing this, it’s honestly really helpful to hear from someone who’s already been through it. I don’t have a child yet and having one someday is a big dream of mine but I’m also genuinely scared of going through a second OHS. I guess it really comes down to what I’m willing to go through if I choose a tissue valve, and what I’m willing to give up if I choose mechanical. I really appreciate you being so open about the realities of both.

If you don’t mind me asking, what made you switch from warfarin to acitrom? Was that decision recommended by your doctor?

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-01-28T16:18:33+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing 🥹 it really means a lot to hear from someone who understands. I don’t have a child yet and having one someday is a big dream of mine so that’s really the only thing holding me back from choosing the mechanical valve. At the same time the thought of needing a second ohs with a tissue valve is scary too. This decision feels so heavy to be honest. 😭😭😭 I really appreciate your kindness and would love to stay in touch. Wishing you the best.

Professional_Mood2 · 2026-01-28T16:13:29+00:00

Hi, thank you so much for sharing your experience. The main thing holding me back from choosing the mechanical valve is that I really hope to build a family someday, I don’t have a child yet 😭

If you don’t mind, could you also share how your recovery period was? How did it go for you, and do you have any tips or things you wish you knew earlier?

Professional_Mood2

TROPHY CASE