I took the pig valve as well, I’m on eloquis for 3 months then a baby aspirin after that.
I also was told the bicuspid valve was hereditary and that I needed open heart surgery, when I told my older brother who has afib he turned white, he immediately made an appointment with his cardiologist and found out he’s fine, he has a normal tricuspid valve, he has 1 biological son and 2 biological male grandchildren who they are concerned about since bicuspid valves tend to run in male siblings or children.
I WAS told in 10-15 years when my pig valve wears out, it could be replaced with the TAVR procedure or whatever non-invasive technique might be available at that time.
I’m 64 and it was quite stressful to be undergoing open heart surgery, the idea they can stop your heart for an extended period of time freaked me out.
Had 10 major surgeries - open heart surgery only one I don’t ever want again.
But mine went amazingly well, but the grace of God.
I was out of hospital on 3rd day, and walking 1 mile/day one week after surgery! 3 miles/day 2 weeks after surgery, 5 miles/day 3 weeks after surgery. Ran full 10k 9 months after surgery but trained for full marathon and ran 9 miles.
Miss my running, now overweight.......