About Me (In My Own Words)
I'm a 60 y.o. female dermatologist who lives in St. Louis, Missouri. I'm s/p mitral valve repair in 2007 (at SIU-SOM ) due to degenerative changes from MVP.
The valve is now failing per June 2025 ECHO: MR is mild/moderate up from longstanding mild, EF at 56 (2025/2024); down from 68 in 2022; Mild/moderate stenosis, leaflets moderately thickened. Moderate calcification. Mean gradient 5.79-6.69 mm of Hg; up from 3.0 in 2022 and 2024. LA moderately dilated, up from longstanding mild.
I am asymptomatic and have no other heart issues. Never alcohol or smoking. No meat; only fish. Normal BP and lipids. Exercise daily with elliptical 1.5 miles in 15 minutes. Climb stairs frequently. Previously only med 81 aspirin; now also on 50 mg metoprolol to decrease HR to 60s. A set of cardiac labs were remarkable for BNP of 304 (August 18, 2025) , up from 226 June 2025.
I've seen a high volume heart center valve team and had a TEE Sept 18. It showed moderate MR. A TTE in January 2026 showed mod to possibly severe MR. Cardiologist states that there is no way of knowing when the valve will fail CT surgeon states that surgical replacement is the only option and that as a low risk patient, I have a 1% surgical mortality risk. Even that makes me nervous. Unfortunately, he said to expect only 8-10 years longevity for a bioprosthetic valve. I've always read 10-15 years. CT surgeons have said that percutaneous mitral procedures are inferior to surgery.
I'm highly stressed and really scared about a second and third, more complicated, more difficult heart surgeries. And I'm bitter because I've not abused my body - and my repaired valve has failed when most don't. I also have two private practice Dermatology offices and two younger children. We adopted late in life.
Who has had a mitral valve replacement after a repaired valve failed? I would love to talk to someone. Thank you.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
St. Louis, MO
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
Mitral Stenosis
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Replacement
