So I'm going under the knife, soon...

[wolfie]

For heart valve replacements, there are generally 3 ways to go:

- Artificial valve (no rejection due to foreign tissue, but can wear out)
- Valve from a cadaver's heart (won't wear out, but like any transplant needs lifetime immunosuppressive drugs to avoid rejection)
- Valve from an animal's heart (for some reason, less likely to be rejected than one from a cadaver)

Don't know why they'd use one from a cow's heart - from what I've heard, pig valves are more commonly used due to a pig's heart being closer in size to a human heart.

[mjr]

Don't know why they'd use one from a cow's heart - from what I've heard, pig valves are more commonly used due to a pig's heart being closer in size to a human heart.

My understanding is that it's a longevity issue. The cow ones last longer, based on what I've read.

[csquared]

This is one of those times when I would suggest you go with the best alternative, not the cheapest.

Good luck!

[Kogarashi]

I didn't get a chance to last time, so I'll wish you luck this time around. I'm likely to need a valve replacement about 15 years down the road or so myself according to my cardiologist, so my sympathies.

I keep telling my husband (a scientist, though wrong field) that this is why they need to step up research on 3D printing replacement body parts from the recipient's own genetic material, so there's no (or at least less) risk of rejection.

[mjr]

I keep telling my husband (a scientist, though wrong field) that this is why they need to step up research on 3D printing replacement body parts from the recipient's own genetic material, so there's no (or at least less) risk of rejection.

That's actually a really good idea! Sounds like worthy research. After this, I may have to start donating to heart-related charities and causes.

[mjr]

This is one of those times when I would suggest you go with the best alternative, not the cheapest.

Good luck!

I think this is one of the times where that happened. I'm taking the doctor's advice, here. She recommended the bovine valve.

The porcine ones apparently don't last as long, and with the mechanical ones, you have to take blood thinners.

[RootedPhoenix]

Hope it goes well! Praying too.

[mjr]

For anyone interested...

An interesting view of the heart...360º view. You can see where the pulmonic valve here is.

http://www.healthline.com/human-body...ulmonary-valve

I'm hoping that they can go in through the pulmonic trunk, and avoid actually cutting heart muscle (or at least minimize it), to do the replacement.

[mjr]

I found a "support forum" that I've posted on. I'm having trouble confirming something someone said, though.

Apparently, with this type of surgery, you have to increase your caloric intake (as well as your protein intake) after the surgery. The person on the forum said he had to go up to 5,000 calories a day for a bit, and a few others noted that they'd lost between 10 and 20 pounds in the first month or so.

I need to lose a few pounds, but wow...

[lordlundar]

When in doubt ask the doctor. They'll be able to tell you for certain.

[mjr]

When in doubt ask the doctor. They'll be able to tell you for certain.

I'm definitely going to do that.

[mjr]

That was fast. My surgical consult is set up for March 8th, at 2:30 PM my time. Surgery could come shortly thereafter.

So I've started making a list of questions (and checking it twice...) so I can be as informed as I possibly can be.

[Kogarashi]

Best of luck!

[Tama]

I'm curious, why the higher calorie need?

[mjr]

I'm curious, why the higher calorie need?

My understanding is that, due to the type of surgery, it's about the body using a LOT of calories to heal and function. It's probably also partially to maintain a certain weight.