Hello,
My husband saw a surgeon yesterday and was told, that the only option for him to repair his mitral valve is through open heart surgery, the surgeon would ...Read more
Hello,
My husband saw a surgeon yesterday and was told, that the only option for him to repair his mitral valve is through open heart surgery, the surgeon would do valve replacements for both valves: severely damaged mitral and mildly damaged aortic.
Last year in February 2020 he had triple bypass open heart surgery, during which mitral valve was repaired by implanting a band. Now, after 18 months, the mitral valve is severely damaged.
We are scared. Any thoughts guys?
Any other option than 2nd open heart surgery within span of 1.5 years??
Any of you had similar problem? My husband had a heart attack 13 years ago.
Susan Lynn Welcome, Elizabeth! I am so sorry that you and your husband received this news so soon after his las ... Read more
Susan Lynn Welcome, Elizabeth! I am so sorry that you and your husband received this news so soon after his last surgery. There are heart warriors on this site who have had multiple surgeries, but I suspect it's rare within that timeframe.
There are two pieces of advice you'll get repeatedly on this site. The first is to get multiple opinions. Don't take one surgeon's word for anything - get copies of his test results and start your research for the surgeons who pique your interest. If he does need to have his mitral valve replaced, then you're going to want to find a surgeon who is very experienced and successful in mv replacements and "re-repairs" of the mitral valve. The second piece of advice is to be your own advocate. It's important to ask all the questions you have and make an informed choice that's right for you, both. You're embarking on an interviewing process, not just another surgery. Any credible surgeon will expect you to do your homework and be happy to take the time for a thorough consultation. One of the first questions I would ask about is the cause of the band failure.
There are big differences in the approaches and options in heart valve surgery. You may find that it's in your husband's best interest to go to one of the major heart hospitals for his next procedure as they tend to be at the forefront of the latest techniques. You'll want to find the surgeon, team, and facility that you trust. It will make all the difference in your confidence level moving forward. Best of luck!
Hello Elizabeth, so glad you joined us and Susan Lynn just posted. There is Mt. Sinai and Langone not ... Read more
Hello Elizabeth, so glad you joined us and Susan Lynn just posted. There is Mt. Sinai and Langone not too far from you guys. I agree with everything Susan Lynn just posted and you have several major hospitals in NY. Even if you have to travel some is well worth it to get the right surgeon and medical team and procedure for your husband. I will pray for you both to find the right answers. God bless you
Rose Madura I concur with my warrior friends! You must feel comfortable with your surgeon. Please keep us poste ... Read more
Rose Madura I concur with my warrior friends! You must feel comfortable with your surgeon. Please keep us posted. And God bless you and your husband.
I am from: Brooklyn
There are two pieces of advice you'll get repeatedly on this site. The first is to get multiple opinions. Don't take one surgeon's word for anything - get copies of his test results and start your research for the surgeons who pique your interest. If he does need to have his mitral valve replaced, then you're going to want to find a surgeon who is very experienced and successful in mv replacements and "re-repairs" of the mitral valve. The second piece of advice is to be your own advocate. It's important to ask all the questions you have and make an informed choice that's right for you, both. You're embarking on an interviewing process, not just another surgery. Any credible surgeon will expect you to do your homework and be happy to take the time for a thorough consultation. One of the first questions I would ask about is the cause of the band failure.
There are big differences in the approaches and options in heart valve surgery. You may find that it's in your husband's best interest to go to one of the major heart hospitals for his next procedure as they tend to be at the forefront of the latest techniques. You'll want to find the surgeon, team, and facility that you trust. It will make all the difference in your confidence level moving forward. Best of luck!