I haven't had it done but the things they can do now is amazing. Success percentage is so much higher. My mom had a pacemaker installed at 95, they check it every 6 months through wifi and she will be 101 in May with a strong heart. Will be thinking of you Rick then and wishing you the best.

A friend of mine had it done a number of years ago.  Apparently he had a valve defect from birth but it didn't show up until he was in his fifties (or forties?  can't remember now).  He was walking into Tims one day and felt really weak, had to sit down.  He then went to the hospital where they found the problem.

He had the surgery, which went well, and in no time was back to living life as usual.  All these years later he hasn't missed a beat, still works on his cars, runs a shop on the side, and just retired from his main job this year.

All the best to you!  I'm sure you'll be back up to snuff in no time at all!

I had a replacement in 2016. No problems but be prepared for follow ups periodically to insure every thing looks ok. Basically watch your diet ,& follow the doctors orders  (maybe just listen to the other half) !! exercise and live as normal.

have fun and good luck!!

Dale

Rick , My son (38) just had a mechanical valve replaced just 3 weeks ago . It was his aortic valve that was replaced along with the aortic root below and the aorta above ( they use a mesh for both ) .In his procedure , there was more work than originally anticipated . Yes.... you can hear the ticking of the valve if you listen hard enough . These mechanical valves will last forever ..... Recovery is a long process as you stated ... possibly even longer . Absolutely no lifting anything for at least 6 + weeks. Highly recommend a good powered -recliner , that lifts you out of the chair, as that will be your only chair ( and bed ) for the first couple of weeks. These are available as short term rentals . The procedure must get done , and sooner the better . Hopefully with Covid ICU now peaking , more cardiac procedures can proceed to clear up the backlog of people waiting .

Thanks Howard. Yes Tim that thought has crossed my mind more than once, just waiting to get this done and will see what happens.
Can't do the rush of flat rate anymore and the last couple of years has been crazy busy. Does not help when they have Idiot's booing
to much in. Have to get my Ducks in a row first.

I've never had any heartwork Rick, but my nephew has. He's 26 and after 2 other of the family members passed away (not my side) of heart attacks early in life they thought it may be hereditary . So they all got tested (workout I think) Turns out one of his heart valves thats supposed to be the size of a loonie....was the size of a dime. Had the choice of a pig valve or mechanical valve. Has the mechanical one and says..yes you can hear it. Your a spry guy and will be out in the garage in no time afterwards. Nephew is a new person with 10x the energy !

-- Edited by hawkeye5766 on Thursday 27th of January 2022 01:41:57 AM

Well surgery was put off from mar 21 to may 6th then backed up to may 2. all done and now into recovery. I was youngest there,

Nurses kept calling me the Poster boy for speedy recovery. 

1st week wasn't great, laying in hospital bed, can't sleep right due to noise, meds, etc. Get woke up at 5:15 for blood work.

But better than the alternative. A week n the hospital, then home. Wife has been my care person, Ex Nurse so good care. 

Starting 3rd week and still a little sore, but improving every day. Doing lots of walks as weather permits, or going in circles in the house

when weather bad, LOL. A person could get used to this relaxing stuff, not looking forward to gong back to work, HHMMMMM. 

Good update. You'll be beating up that Muncie in no time...

Thanks for all the Well Wishes. 12 weeks before returning to the office, Could very well turn into more. Retirement is an option.

Bunch of young guys at work, with 1 old guy trying to keep up. Got another 9 weeks to decide.