Adam's Heart Valve Surgery Blog

I am 59 years old and Dr Earl B. Kay performed open heart surgery on me on June 21, 1972. Dr Kay sewed in a Kay Suzuki discoid #2 valve which was replaced on June 19, 2009 at Hopkins Hospital by Dr. Duke Cameron. It was still working after nearly 38 years. I had it replaced because I developed an aneurysm at my aortic root. I don’t know if that is a record, but that is my story.

I have enjoyed reading your information on this website. I was born with a mitral valve defect in December of 1969. I have had my mitral valve replaced twice. I also have several other heart diseases that have occured over the years. I now have a pacemaker/defibrillator implant. I was just curious as to the longest a mitral valve has worked in someone. I have had my St. Judes Mechanical Valve for 25 years and 5 months. I am only 39 years old. I wish to someday write a book about my experience, any advise… I will try and get a copy of your book to read, I know it will be an experience for me and helpful as well. God Bless and take care. I hope to hear from you soon. Have a blessed Day.
Cynthia Lynn Brooks

Adam,

I enjoyed reading about Bobby Baker and his multiple valve surgeries. I am very happy he is doing well, as I am about to have my 4th aortic valve replacement within the next six months.

Your website gives all of us a more positive outlook on life after valve replacement through the education and understanding you provide.

Thanks for being there for us.

I had open heart surgery on March 9, 1977. I had Rheumatic Fever when I was 9 years old. My aortic valve began to reguritate after I gave birth and 6 years later my heart began to enlarge. I had to have the aortic valve replaced. Now that I am 60 years old and the valve is 33 years old tomorrow, I realize that I am becoming more afraid that my days on this earth are probably very near to an end.

My heart surgeon, Robert Karp, has since deceased. My cardiologist will not discuss my concern regarding my life expectancy. Where can I get some reliable information about my valve and how much longer I am expected to live. I know God has kept me for these 33 years – but I am still interested in learning what the medical statistics are.

I had my aortic valve replaced with a Starr-Edwards(ball-in-cage) mechanical valve Aug. 16, 1967 at age 31. I am now 74 and that original valve continues to function. The surger was performed at the University of Kentucky (Chandler Med Ctr) by Dr. Richard Wood (now at Baylor in Texas). I live a normal life without any restrictions. The surgeons told me that this valve had a 50 year life expectancy….so I’ve got about 8 to go.

I had my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical one in 2002 when I was 58 years old, when I asked the surgeon before the operation, how long will the valve last he said that I will die but the valve keeps on ticking, and I feel he was right becouse when i go for a check the angiogram shows that it still working ok.
Now the problem is that my mitral is stenosed and I my go for a balloon valvolopsy to widen the valve. hoping that everything will goes well, I have a great trust in the ability of the surgeons.