Comments on: How Long Does A Mechanical Mitral Valve Last?

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:52:59 +0000

My daughter was 13 months old when she went under her 2nd open heart. It was to replace her mitral valve with a St.Judes mechanical valve. When she went under this surgery she had a stroke either during or right after surgery. She will be 7 in April, so far so good every heart appointment as gone good, no changes, still is like when she first got it. I GET VERY nervous when she has to go under and get it replaced if she or what will happen or can she stroke again. It was rare that it happened. We almost lost her she had to be on her warfin due to the valve, we didn’t want it to clot because she would not have made it thru another heart surgery, but she couldn’t be on her blood thinner due to the possibility of the stroke bleeding. This was May 2006 she had to go under emergency craniotomy 3 days after her heart surgery. Like I said she is DOING wonderful, weak on the right side, no usage of her right hand. I’m glad I found this page, because I do have a question for any female. This is kinda personal but what are your periods like (I know she has a few years till that) are they a lot more heavier? I’ve asked her doctors but the are males and get kinda embarrassed when I ask, lol. They just say she young yet…… I’m glad to hear about your pregnancies too, we are far from baby talk but I really hope that is something she can experience when she is older.

By: Junee

Junee — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:59:22 +0000

Hello, I am almost 48 years old and looking at possibly having my 5th open
Heart surgery. My first was at age 1 with a patent-ductus. Age 6 Dr. Denton Cooley in Houston, TX did a dilation etc.
Then in 1992 at age 29 I had my aortic valve replaced with a porcien(human valve) at UC Davis. Very long survey as I had calcification and they had thawed the wrong size out and had to get another valve. In 2001 I
Fell sick with pneumonia and step and was at death door according to the doctor. After 6 weeks of antibiotics I had BOTH aortic and mitral valve replaced with titanium in Reno Nevada. My valves tick very loud. at least they tick. There is a high gradient over both cables and they have leakage. Aortic had a trace from the get go but much more now. Dr should have put the next size bigger in. I NOW have an aneruiseum in my aorta. Found in Nov 2010. It grew pretty fast this year. Surgeon told me for anyone else he would operate now. However, they are not so sure of mu survival rate. Lots of calcification, veins have fused to sternum and this would be #5. the aneriisym is 4.7 on the arch area.

Anyone have any thoughts or recommendations? I sincerely would appreciate any. I just became a grandmother of natural triplets and want to see them and my nieces and nephews grow!

By: Denise

Denise — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:00:42 +0000

I am getting two mechanical valves and a valve repair in september. Just wondering is there someone out there that has also been thru having two mechanical valves replaced? I am a female that just turned 50 in march of 2011.

By: Jorge Ortiz

Jorge Ortiz — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:12:33 +0000

Hi..
Due to an Atrial Septum Defect (ASD) which was identified some 20 years ago, my mitral valve was damaged beyond repair. This was due to the pressure differences between the heart chambers (specially the left atrium and left ventricle). After grueling USAF deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan, the MD’s at the VA Center at my hometown suggested mitral valve replacement (MVR), (due to severe regurgitation). After some consultations and tests I decided to endure this life changing surgery. The Thoracic surgeon I chose explained in detail what I was going to go through and what to expect. Of the 3 alternatives given, the mechanical seemed the best choice. The pig valve and the human valve both meant that I had to take prescriptions for tissue rejection (not to mention any other diseases that could surface with a human or animal tissue). The drawback with the mechanical valve was the Coumadin intake to keep the International Normalized Ratio (INR) between 2.5 and 3.5 for my age, weight and height. The MD mentioned, as the literature that came with the valve did also, that this On-X valve “should” last some 25-30 years, as long as the Coumadin regiment, diet and exercise were followed. Reoperation for pig and human valves through experience has been set at 10-15 years. To me it was a “no-brainer”!
So, in Aug 3 2009, I underwent an ASD repair and a surgical replacement of my mitral valve (MVR) (On-X 25-31mm). To my surprise, I was home 4 days after surgery… a little dizzy but home! The recuperation phase was bothersome because of the pain in my chest… But what a change….! Quality of life has drastically changed for the better. The only limitation I have encountered is when I exercise; I have to watch out when kneeling for extended periods of time due to blood flow restrictions due to the mechanical valve. This valve does not react as the human valve and it takes a few seconds to normalize the blood flow to the body…. HOWEVER… I would not change a thing!
Oh, and for those worried about the scar…. only a very faint 4 inch scar smack in the middle of the sternum… it is almost invisible by now!
My only regret is not having it done earlier. Now, after a year and a half later, I feel terrific, looking forward to my military retirement.
There are a lot of great thoracic surgeons in the States… and a lot of advances in surgery help us in walking through this delicate journey.
Please, if you have a condition that requires a heart valve replacement, look for information and advice. Educate yourselves and make a life choice… by educating yourselves in your specific situation, you will feel much more comfortable by making a sound and educated decision.
Before going through with the surgery, I sped through Adam’s book at least 4-5 times. It faded some of my doubts and better yet, I found out that I was not alone in this endeavor! That was nice to know… it was very comforting indeed. Nowadays, people are more open to talk about these procedures… people like Robin Williams, Charlie Rose and Barbara Walters (to name a few), did go through with the procedure and they talk about it all the time… I laughed myself to tears when I heard Robin Williams speak of his operation with David Letterman… his style and way of explaining such a delicate operation blew my mind… but it was all so true.
So, please talk to your MD’s, and educate yourselves… there are no stupid questions… (The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask!). When going to see a Doc, make a list of all your doubts and fears… and go through the list with your MD.
Also, there’s a lot of good info on the “net”… do the research… involve your family and friends, let them know your fears… remember they will also be affected by your decision and eventually they will be your support team before, and once you are recuperating.
Like Spock says… Live Long and Prosper!
Salud..
George

By: Rodger

Rodger — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 13:09:12 +0000

I had my first aortic valve replacment in 1979 (bovine was used – I was 22). The bovine aortic was replaced with a St. Jude mechanical in 1993 along with the mitral valve (I was 37 at the time). I’m now 54 and only take coumadin. I do almost anythin I want to do but I don’t do much extended exercise (like biking, running or swimming). But I do hunt (I can walk 5 miles without problems) garden, cut firewood and mow the lawn with a push mower.

Recently had a my periodic echo cardiagram and they said the numbers look just like they did 4 years ago (but they did say don’t stay away so long – come back in 2 years).

I have five kids ranging in age from 29 to 5 so I hope these valves last a good bit longer.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:27:10 +0000

Hi everyone I have a mitral and aortic valve replacement at the age of 20 years old I am now 39 years old and I am more active today then I was then I work out every day and live a normal life only thing I do not like is being on warfin but when I asked a doctor how long will these valves last he stated well until my old age or even longer…

By: jeff

jeff — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 11:49:27 +0000

Hi everyone i had a bjork shiley aortic valve surgery back in April 1985 in Albany Medical Center Albany New York I was 33 at the time I am now going on 59 my cardioligist said everything sounds good it is such a small tradeoff by taking coumadin which keeps me alive i was a very active young man playing sports with my buddies and working hard and knowing what the risks are bleeding from cuts bruising when getting hit not eating to much dark green veggies so on and so on, I had 6 operations between my right and left knee plus my left ankle was scoped out from a sports injury back in 1988 what i am trying to say is go about your life just use common sense and don’t be afraid of what you want to do or need to do because of your valve replacement as for how lonr this valve will last my cardo doesn’t really have an precise time it could go 5 0r 10 years or it could go next year 2012.So everyone live your life and enjoy yourself while we are still here we all have been through a lot recovering from our surgeries,(which was no walk in the park)GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO POSTED ON THIS PAGE STAY STRONG AND LIVE HEALTHY GOD BLESS

By: kathy

kathy — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:05:38 +0000

On a related question: My mother has had a (star) mitral valve for 26 years. All is generally well on the heart front. In order to be PROACTIVE, what would you recommend? Look into replacing now or what till a problem arises and hope it’s not too late??

We recognize this is somewhat uncharted territory but there must be some research on the need for a replacement valve after 25 years and what complications to watch out for.

Thank you so much!

By: clyde

clyde — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:12:45 +0000

I had mitro valve (st jude) 1994 and x4 by-pass I have been well all considered. I am now facing gall bladder surgery shortly. Thinners and clots are my main concern. Hard to find any answers as to what I am really facing. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

By: kathy

kathy — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:57:53 +0000

Hi there. My mother, age 70, has had a star mitral valve for 28 years! We are all concerned about the life of the valve and are anxious to pre-empt any complications that can arise. Do you know what these complications can look like…if the valve gives out? Also, since she’s getting older, we think replacement surgery might be better now instead of in 5-10 years. But, if we can avoid surgery that, of course, is best. They just took a look at her heart and the valve is functioning great at the moment. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!