Comments on: “How Common Is Heart Valve Disease Among Seniors?” Asks Heidi

By: Nancy Evans

Nancy Evans — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:30:25 +0000

Heidi:
I just had a valve repair and the Maze procedure and am also an active 68 year old. I can’t even believe how fast I’m recovering. I was off all pain meds by 2 weeks after the surgery and now, almost 3 weeks after surger, am walking 20 minutes at a time.

The fact that your mother is active, I bet she will recover very very fast. I think the key is picking an excellent surgeon and following all the doctor’s directions.

By: Sylvia Woolworth

Sylvia Woolworth — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:23:04 +0000

Heidi,
Your mom, Betty, sound like me. They had been watching my severe aortic stenosis for a few years. I also had a very loud heart murmur, but NO symptoms. Since my arteries were fine, they decided they could do minimally invasive aortic valve surgery with a scar of four inches. Research a good surgeon and discuss the procedure with the Doctor. Prepare for your surgery by getting in the best physical condition and go for it. I am 74 years young and my surgery was done April 09, and I was back in the pool in July, working up to my routine of water exercise classes and swimming four days a week.

By: Adam Pick

Adam Pick — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:10:02 +0000

Joan,

When I reach 68, I look forward to mirroring your thoughts on age.

Thanks for sharing your story!

Keep on tickin!

Adam

By: Joan Parkinson

Joan Parkinson — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:33:33 +0000

Hi
Heidi, I am sure your grandmother would object to being called a “senior”. We active 68 year old’s might concede to ‘middle aged” at best.
I had my aortic valve replace in January of 2009. I did not have symptoms, however the valve was closed to .7cm and I was told that soon I would experience some of the many symptoms: shortness of breath, angina pain or dizziness.
I met with the surgeon Dr. K. Teo in December, after discussing our lifestyle, lots of travelling – and by the way did I say I ride a Harley.
The one BIG symptom that hadn’t been discussed until that point was – you just pass out. Not something anyone wants to have happen to them at any time, especially riding a motorcycle.
I decided to go for the surgery.
It would be great if your grandmother could wait until the use of Kryptonite (see Adam’s previous blog) to close up the chest if available. That is the biggest part of the recovery. Good luck to her. Joan

By: Joyce Ann Edmondson

Joyce Ann Edmondson — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:40:41 +0000

Would you find one article or comment on the relationship between faulty valves and the ascending or descending aorta. I have an enlarged ascending aorta requiring surgery, but they are not sure of the valve involvement, but guess that it will be needed based on a heart murmur. Do the two often go together?

By: Joyce Ann Edmondson

Joyce Ann Edmondson — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:39:59 +0000