Atrial septal repair and longevity
Can you reach turning 90 years old af... - British Heart Fou...
Can you reach turning 90 years old after an atrial septal repair done in your mid forties through open heart surgery ? Any personal stories!
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ragdollcat
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Have you had this procedure? It is totally understandable to worry about your longevity when first diagnosed or treated.My illness arose somewhat sooner than I would have expected and I thought the same way.Now I think I will need to live each day and see what happens rather than planning massively ahead.Certainly the pandemic has reinforced that one.Perhaps you could share your story.
Hi, thanks for your reply. I’m due to have open heart surgery this Wednesday to correct a hole in heart and I’m 46. I have no symptoms other than mildly enlarged right heart. I feel fit and heathy ( hard accepting this may not be the case in ten years ) There’s lots of research to say it’s a great ideas to close when young - not so much for older people. Scared surgery is going to mess me up. My hole is a sinus venous asd defect. Wondering if there any other people who have had this fixed middle age and have gone on to live to older age without major complications .
Ah I see, no experience of this but why is it not a good idea to do this surgery in an adult and if so why are they suggesting it?
No it is probably is a good idea ! It’s just better outcomes if it’s caught and corrected at a young age. I’ve just binged on way too much research on the internet and you find conflicting evidence.
Well, that's easy to do.I did that after I was diagnosed but it does nothing for your peace of mind.😏
I was diagnosed with asd February 2019 and had ohs to repair in June 2019. I’m 47. It was a large hole but like you I was asymptomatic. The right side of my heart was enlarged. Having it fixed was optional but the choice seemed like a no brainer to me when leaving it inevitably meant lung problems and heart failure. I can’t really answer your question because who knows what life will bring but knowing my heart is repaired makes me feel so much better!
Hi, Thanks for your response - it gives me some much needed comfort . It’s great to hear that it all went well for you, and you’re happy with your decision, and on the other side of surgery ! My aunt actually had her repair at 70 and is now 97 ! I’d still like to hear more longevity stories and experiences. Thanks for sharing 😁
Thank you ! I’ll put this into action when I’m on the other side of surgery 😅
Hello ragdollcat
Having any sort of open heart surgery is something that gives us all pause for thought. Mine was to replace Aortic valve and bypass, so something that has increased my life expectancy. I am 4 years next month since my op and that’s 4 years I wouldn’t have had without the clever medical team that fixed my heart.
Sometimes reading stuff on Dr Google isn’t a good thing there is a lot of wrong information out there.
I don’t think any of us here on forum can give a number in the life expectancy but we all hope it’s a long time! I for one am grateful for every day I have been given.
I am sure your surgery will be successful and you will have a long healthy life ahead of you. That’s after all what we all want.
Good luck for next week let us know how you are.
Best wishes Pauline
Hi Pauline, I made it through the surgery and I’m sitting in hospital waiting to be discharged today ( 5 days post op). 👍🌼😅 ragdollcat
Hi ragdollcat
Great news, remember when you get home baby steps, listen to your body when it say I am tired rest.
It’s not a sprint so slowly does it and you will get there.
Good luck
Best wishes Pauline
Thanks Pauline for your kind words. It’s wonderful to hear your surgery was a success and you’re doing well 🌼🌺 I wish you a long healthy life as well.
Hi ragdollcat. I know it's not the same, but my mum had a quadruple bypass 24 years ago and will be 92 next Saturday. She's still independent, living alone in the family home, keeps active by tending her beautiful garden, and can't wait to get back in the shops again! Never looked back after her heart surgery (unlike me, who is still mentally struggling with my own heart problems!).
That’s a great story about your mum Alison,thanks for sharing, it’s so encouraging to hear. I hope things get easier for you regarding your own heart issues. I can certainly relate with the mental struggle !
This is a wonderful reply. Your mother sounds a great lady. Can I ask what medication she has been on. Hope she makes 100
Sorry for the delay replying, Pollypuss; I had to find out! As far as her heart is concerned, she's just on Aspirin 75mg, Amlodipine 10mg, and the ubiquitous Atorvastatin 40mg. She is on other drugs for Diabetes Type II (where lifestyle changes weren't enough because she already had a healthy lifestyle, just bad luck), has had a mastectomy about 30 years ago due to Breast Cancer (all removed), and has glaucoma. Quite enough for one person, but you wouldn't think so to look at her. She is now getting slightly unsteady on her feet, but I think that's down to her age rather than any of the above!
Hi there ! My father had an aortic aneurism repaired when he was 55. Everyone was amazed he survived and Harefield hospital
did a fantastic job. The surgeon told him the repair should last about 25 years - as he finally passed away at the age of 89 (34 years later) I think you really need not worry ! Medical science is advancing so quickly. Don’t be scared, it will be fine.
Hi Ceo1, This story you shared about your father (amazing) 👍 has finally gotten my head ready for surgery. 55 is close enough to compare to my age . Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with me. I’m going to switch off from the health forum now, and go enjoy the rest of my hours before surgery 😊
No real reason why not. The procedure is corrective- asd is not per say a chronic disease. If it was caught a little too late the complications maybe chronic but that is unlikely/ unusual. Will you reach 90? Well average uk age at death is 80-83, so 90 might be a little optimistic but no real physical reason why not.
