I, too, am a double heart valve surgery patient. I had no time to worry or consider any alternatives. 4 years ago, my valves blew and it was emergency surgery. ...Read more
I, too, am a double heart valve surgery patient. I had no time to worry or consider any alternatives. 4 years ago, my valves blew and it was emergency surgery. But now my aortic valve is leaking and becoming progressively worse. I have had no other “labels” associated with my valve problem, only leaking. I was wondering if the new TAVR surgery would benefit me. I am having another ECHO next week and would like to be somewhat prepared for the outcome.
I will be 72 years old in about 6 weeks. I am in relatively good health otherwise. I still work a full time job and would like to continue for some time to come.
Did any of you have TAVR surgery? How old are you? My cardiologist says I need to be 80 to have this type of surgery,
Roni Reinhold I was told the TAVR only lasts 5-7 years before it fails. My doctor told me he felt I was strong eno ... Read more
Roni Reinhold I was told the TAVR only lasts 5-7 years before it fails. My doctor told me he felt I was strong enough to have OHS. They would use a tissue valve this time and it has a life span od 10-15 years. I didn't want to go through another issue in 5-7 years. I'm 73 and pretty active, but recently have been breathless after any slight exertion. The mechanical mitral valve has lasted me 15years and I'll take another 15 rather than 5 or 6. Good luck with your procedure, I'm sure you'll do fine with it be back to work in no time.
Judy Cooper Thanks. I am not so pleased with the tissue valve as the are already leaking. I had quite a few pro ... Read more
Judy Cooper Thanks. I am not so pleased with the tissue valve as the are already leaking. I had quite a few problems after surgery. My dr. said it was because I was about 1 hour from death. Had I not been in ICU, I probably would not be writing this. My blood pressure had dropped to 60/30. I was in the hospital for almost 2 months. I am one of the blessed people. I had other problems, but felt only mild pain which was mostly under my shoulder blades. It was my mitral and tricuspid valves that were replaced. Breathing is my big problem also.
Rita Savelis You'll have to ask your surgeon about TAVR, but it was developed for "older" patients who can not wit ... Read more
Rita Savelis You'll have to ask your surgeon about TAVR, but it was developed for "older" patients who can not withstand OHS and is still in development/testing stage so they tend to stick to older patients (although younger ones have had it). I'm sorry to hear your valve is leaking and that you have to go through surgery again. The problem with 2 replaced valves is that they can require replacement again at alternating times... But usually tissue valves are used in someone who is older than 70. You've been through a lot, Judy. Congrats on still working full time! My mother also worked full time until she was 78. How great to be able to do that. Take care.