Aoretic Valve Replacement Surgery April 22,  2019  6:56pm EST

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Did your doctor help you with a light exercise program or healthy living plan to increase your energy level and work on weight loss?  We have some great healthy living information that you can read and discuss with him if that helps.  We also have in-depth resources for heart valve treatments to help as well

Please know that we are here for you. Best Katie

Hello. How are you today?

Re: My Heart Journey..

A couple of years ago , I received a new heart valve plus a pace maker. I was born with an abnormal heart valve and developed symptoms at age 42. I notified my doctor, a test was ordered then I received a mechanical valve. Four days later I developed heart blockage . The doctor informed my family that I would need a pace maker to help my heart function. A year later, my third surgery took place : pace maker revision. My fourth surgery took place on December 21st, 2015; I received new batteries in my pace maker.

I maintian a positive  outlook  on life by relying on my faith in God and keeping the lines of communication open with my beautiful family , friends and medical team; which is  part of the healing process,

Please feel free to review the information below…..

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-disease-resources

To follow my story of survival from heart valve replacement and three pace maker surgeries visit my website..

http://kagoodloe.wixsite.com/heartofgold

May your day be filled with peace and happy moments.

Good morning, First off I’m sorry you are feeling frustrated. In my experience with patients with aortic valve disease, the doctors look at both your echocardiogram for the severity of the stenosis (mild, moderate, severe), as well as your Heart Class. Your Heart Class is the way to quantify your symptoms. Here’s a link with a description of the classes. For most patients they consider intervention once you have reached a Class III/ C. Prior to that the risks don’t outweigh the benefits of surgery versus waiting, and (everyone’s favorite) insurance may not provide coverage. There is also limited research to show how long a new valve lasts. If you have few other health problems as 73, you have a good chance of living another 10-15+ years. Some data suggests that a new valve may only last 5 years. Then at 78 you’re a much higher risk for a second surgery. If you were to wait until 75 for your first surgery, that valve could last until you’re 80-85.

So it’s a really tough call to say when is the right time to take the risk of surgery. You may also ask your doctor if they do Transcatheter Aortic Valve Insertions (TAVI). This is a lower risk procedure, but it is also newer than traditional surgery, so to qualify for the procedure you have to meet certain criteria. If your doctor is not currently offering this option, you may consider a second opinion with someone who does. Depending on your location you may also qualify for a clinical trial where they are performing these procedures earlier in a patients journey than is typically done. Feel free to reach out to me with any other questions!

Be well, Tessa

Good Afternoon sir.  My name is Jeff.  I'm 56 and I am scheduled for an aortic valve replacement this coming Tuesday the 24th.  I have what they call sever stenosis.  I was born with a heart murmor and it got worse over the years.  It was a fluke that the stenosis was caught.  I had a TIA (minny stroke back in June) which led to a visit to a Cardiologist.  After a TEE and heart cath, I was diagnosed with the severe stenosis and a couple of blockages.  I would definitely see my doctor to see if more tests could be ran.  I have been progressively getting tired sinnce June.  Six months ago I was exercising and hiking.  Now it's a labor to walk a block.  Actually, I'm told not to be walking that far and to take it easy now that I am so close to my surgery. I am hoping for much relief after this surgery.  It is open heart.  A valve replacement and double bypass.  I have a lot of years left in me.  I hope all works well for you.  It neve hurts to get a second opinion.