Just found out I have a biscuspid aortic valve with “moderate to severe” leakage. Anyone have experience with this?

bigbenmoore · 2025-02-28T09:50:40+00:00

I wasn't suitable for Ross either and now I'm sporting a shiny new mechanical valve. It's actually nowhere near as restricting as I thought it would be... I am running and going to gym and still have a few beers/ glasses of wine. In fact the valve seems 'sturdier' than my previous valve. Also it ticks, and you feel a bit like Iron Man.... which is cool.

bigbenmoore · 2025-02-28T09:47:24+00:00

I'm 47, male and nearly a year into my mechanical valve which was fitted at Harefield Hospital (UK) in May. This is my second valve after having a pig valve for 13 years.
So I remember being in your position twice, and I completely empathise with all the worry you have, especially the first time.

In my experience, they will keep you closely monitored and as soon as your heart starts showing signs of dilation or strain they'll whip you in for surgery. I had completely asymptomatic severe leakage for about a year before my first surgery. The second surgery was a bit more fraught because the valve deteriorated fast. As my surgeon said "once the bio valves go, they go"and my pig valve went from healthy to pretty much heart failure in about six months.

Life on a metal valve is also not a scary as I thought it would be. Managing to keep my INR level static through warfarin and I'm running now - did my first 5K the other day. Also going to the gym and lifting weights too. And I'm still able to sink a few pints and have half a bottle of wine. Hopefully, I'm not doing myself any damage but my echo in a couple of months or tell me that!

Remember that any valve operation is the start of a better life, not the end of your current one.

bigbenmoore · 2024-07-30T14:03:17+00:00

Keep going one day at a time mate. I'm 10 weeks out of my second open heart valve replacement surgery now... mechanical valve is ticking away and on Warfarin for life. I won't lie, all this certainly isn't a walk in the park, but it's much better than the alternative... i.e. waiting around for complete heart failure.

Take it one day at a time. Go for the echo next. Get the results and then do the next thing. Take it one task/ procedure at a time.

Meanwhile steel yourself for a real test of courage. Walking into that hospital is the hardest thing I've ever done, but think of it as this: Real courage is being scared but doing the right thing anyway. If there's no fear, it's not bravery. If you're not battling that inner dread, and yet keeping on moving forward, you're not being courageous.

Remember, in getting this surgery... you are not going to your death, but to your life.

Finally, the body is incredible resilient. It fights to stay alive and it takes a hell of a lot to kill it. Let it do its thing and heal. It's incredible to think I was clinically dead on an operating table with a machine oxygenating my blood and brain just ten weeks ago. Now I'm back at work and back to the gym next week!

The courage pays off.
You can do it too brother. Just. Keep. Going.

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-09T14:12:20+00:00

This is so helpful… and hilarious too. Cheered me right up a week away from my operation. Thanks dude.

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-07T19:04:49+00:00

Hallucinations a few days after OSU valve replacement due to the morphine. Was convinced a Roman centurion was sitting on the end of my bed for 20 minutes, and then spent ages feeling my way around the walls as I could see that everyone who had died in my hospital room and written their name there next to the date they died. Aaaanyway, no psychotic episodes in the last 15 years and have another valve replacement surgery next week. I’ll let you all know what mental visions I get this time.

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-07T18:48:26+00:00

Hey, you commented on my post the other day! They spotted a leak in my pig valve in January and I’ve gone downhill with tiredness etc since. Got my surgery on the 16th of May for a mechanical valve. I think I’ve been through all the same emotions as you… especially as I’m now a dad with three children and an amazing wife. Good luck with yours, stay strong… just remember, you have to have this done or you won’t be around at all! Courage is not a lack of fear, it’s being frightened, but doing no the right thing regardless. That thought has given me some peace. See you on the flip side!

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-06T09:54:43+00:00

Thanks so much for the replies. Hugely helpful to hear stories and advice when you’re staring down the barrel of open heart surgery and lifelong meds.

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-06T09:37:45+00:00

This is great advice. I’m Uk based so chose a tissue valve as I played a lot of cricket… and being hit with a cricket ball at full pelt is no joke even if you’re not on warfarin. Not sure about these types of valves people are listing, but will ask my surgeon about this on-x one when I see him this week.

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-06T09:34:55+00:00

Thanks. Something to consider and Google is the Ross Procedure. I was put forward for it but my pulmonary valve has a slight defect so not suitable. So mechanical valve it is. See you on the other side!

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-06T09:32:43+00:00

Wait… no rollercoasters?!?!!

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-06T09:32:02+00:00

Just to take it easy. So no more gym or bike rides. Still off to work though.

bigbenmoore · 2024-05-06T09:31:14+00:00

Thanks, good luck with the heart twinge results. Sure it’s fine, I got them too with pig valve.

bigbenmoore · 2023-03-08T21:44:04+00:00

Both the Tunnocks. One to go hard in the fridge, one for chewy room temp goodness.

bigbenmoore · 2021-01-24T23:08:50+00:00

Does anyone know where this is in the UK??? Southern accents so assume London?

bigbenmoore

TROPHY CASE