Valve problems

[kingsnorth]

I had my ECG on Monday and as far as l know it didn’t show anything untoward I’m due to have an ultrasound in the middle of November. Just after some advice please those of you that had problems with your valves what were your symptoms l think (although can’t be certain) that l have a floppy valve. 2014 l was diagnosed with regurgitation with no follow up. My regurgitation is more frequent and at times is painful at the top of my chest. Can anybody relate please. I don’t get breathless

[080311]

Hi, had my Aortic valve replaced and symptoms were out of breath and retaining fluid to such an extent that I was taken in to hospital. Didn’t have any pain, after echocardiogram told my valve was fluttering but after surgery told the problem was it was just worn out. I was 68, surgeon said your either born with good genes or your not!

Pauline

[kingsnorth in reply to 080311]

Thanks I’m 70. I’m assuming l have a floppy valve but will no doubt know after ultrasound. Must say I’m really worried.

[080311 in reply to kingsnorth]

If it’s worry over having your valve replaced, please don’t, I know it’s a very scary place your looking into but believe me it’s not anywhere near as frightening as our imagination makes out. You have no pain they really make sure you are comfortable, and this is something they do as their day job. As long as you follow the instructions you are given and do your exercises you will come through with a mended heart and your life back on track. It’s 4 years since my op and I am grateful every day to the medical team that gave me my life back.

Best wishes Pauline

[kingsnorth in reply to 080311]

Were you in any pain before diagnoses x

[080311 in reply to kingsnorth]

No, very breathless. The fluid was building up because my heart couldn’t pump hard enough to move it. I was literally drowning! It came on so quickly, though since I have seen photos from the year before and I can see I wasn’t well then😩 but now just fine I will be 73 at the end of the month and life is good, so please try not to worry, you are being monitored and they will mend your heart 👌

Pauline

[kingsnorth in reply to 080311]

Thanks l need the diagnosis first which will hopefully be middle November after my ultrasound. x

[it-whiz]

Like others have said already, it really isn't as bad as you fear.

Although my mitral valve regurgitation was caused by infective endocarditis, so didn't have symptoms over a long period. But for the week before I went into hospital, I just thought I'd got a bad case of flu until an out of hours GP thought he could hear the regurgitation and suggested I go to A&E for a proper ECG. (I didn't come out of hospital for nearly 8 weeks, during which time I went to Papworth to have my mitral valve repaired)

I can honestly say during the whole time, I was in very little pain. The doctors & nurses were great, making sure I wasn't in any discomfort and in the early days giving me 'oromorph' (oral morphine). whenever I needed it.

That was 2016 and last year I went through the whole process again, having my valve replaced, so lived to tell the tale twice!

And now, I'm nearly back to his I was pre surgery, leading a normal life. What ever that is during these covid-19 restrictions!

I hope this gives you some reassurance about what you may have to face?

[Peterpiper1 in reply to it-whiz]

Hi I had mitral valve repair this July and feeling good really.. Did they mention why the repair failed.. Thank you

Pete

[it-whiz in reply to Peterpiper1]

As such the repair itself didn't fail Peter, but the long term effects of the endocarditis were the cause. It left, what the surgeon & cardiologist referred to as 'dead vegetation' on the valve which over time was calcifying, therefore causing the valve to harden and be less flexible, so the amount of regurgitation was increasing.

Hope that helps?

Stay safe