Arpita's Journal

Arpita Mehta  Dear all

Is there any one who has faced second time AVR surgery ,Kindly contact me on mehta215@gmail.com.

Thanks & Regards
Arpita Mehta

Andrea Smith  Hi Arpita. I had an AVR redo three months ago. I now have my second tissue valve. I won't lie, it was more complicated this time round. I was in hospital for two weeks and needed a pacemaker. It's taken me longer to recover this time but I am 12 years older than the first time! The good news is that I'm now feeling almost like my old self, although I am struggling with hills still. I was very anxious prior to the surgery, but that is to be expected. I hope you will be able to focus on the positives. Everyone is different and I only mentioned the downsides of my experience to be realistic. It was very difficult for my partner and daughters but they were incredibly supportive. All the best. Andrea

Arpita Mehta  Dear Andrea

Thanks for sharing your experience and giving time to my query.I can understand your situation and I am sure your positive attitude will make you more happy and successful in near future .I too understand the need of family support and the degree of worries that family members faced and that was the most important reason I joined this community. I am happy that I am getting realistic opinion.I am sure you will be 100 % perfect very soon.Kindly help me in knowing that what is average life of first AVR surgery (tissue valve not the mechanical one) .On an average how many years of gap is there between two AVR surgery

Regards
Arpita Mehta

Andrea Smith  Hi Arpita. I had 12 years between the operations (both tissue valves). I was checked up every six months for most of that time and then for the last year or so every four months. My valve started to deteriorate but didn't cause me any problems. I felt fortunate that I was being checked - most people don't know if they have a heart problem! I understood that the first valve would last about 10 - 15 years, so mine was about the average. My new one should last for 20 years and I understand that it has been fitted in such a way that if it needs replacing it can be done by the TAVI procedure via the artery in the groin. I certainly don't want any more open heart surgery! All the best. Andrea