3rd Aortic valve replacement.

[Maskt3]

I had an Echo in January and when the Consultant rang me in May(!) baldly said you need another aortic valve replacement, just like that. I asked about Tavi, he said I am too young at 62. Anyone had Tavi at this age? Having a TOE Procedure in 2 weeks, anyone had one? Thanks

[Ageingfast]

Aortic valves are improving rapidly. Your next one could last longer. A TOE is a procedure to find what is going on.

If a TAVI fails thenOHS would be required.

Is your valve capable of accepting a TAVI ?.

You really are going through the wars, i do feel for you.

Very best wishes

Colin

[Maskt3 in reply to Ageingfast]

Thankyou Colin, 5 years ago I had an angiogram, 2 consultants, one of which was my consultant. I had a brief chat with 2nd consultant and asked about TAVI. Afterwards he came to see me before my consultant and said 'yes we can do the next Tavi' I was so pleased. Then half an hour later my consultant came and said I was doing ok and don't need further surgery yet!? Very confusing as I have 3 different lung diseases which make me breathless so they keep telling me it's my lungs? I am having TOE on 20th so not long to wait now.

[Hidden]

TOE is a bit like an Endoscopy - they put a probe down your throat to get an accurate picture of what your heart is doing. They put me out for about 15 minutes for the procedure and I felt nothing or any lingering effects when awake. The information they gleaned from it was extremely useful.

As for a 'THIRD' AVR - I'm still coming to turns with last years OHS, let alone a second spell.

I genuinely wish you the best of luck with his 3rd procedure and hope it is 3rd time lucky.

[Maskt3 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou Brand. I had a Homograph valve for my first which lasted 12 years then porcine valve 2nd which has lasted nearly 17. I really don't want to be sawn open again if not necessary.

[Hidden in reply to Maskt3]

I can't even contemplate being opened up for a second time, let alone a 3rd. I wish you well in trying to avid the full OHS.

[francesw47]

I have a personal interest in your story....it rather echoes mine. I'm on my second valve replacement (re-do was 2 years ago) and just been told that the pressures are rising, so valve now being monitored. I have come across a few people on their second valve, but most valves appear to last 10 - 15 years and the new ones are reputed to last 20 years or even longer. I was hopeful.Have you any idea why the second valve has failed?

TOE is an echocardiogram done via the oesophagus to give a clearer picture of the back of the heart, or valve.

Please do keep us up to speed on your progress and let us know what the cardiologists say following the TOE.

Good luck

[Maskt3 in reply to francesw47]

Hi Frances glad it's not just me then! My first lasted 12 years it was a homograph valve 2nd porcine lasted nearly 17, it seems I've been lucky? I just don't feel up for open heart surgery as I have many other health issues. I hope they work out what happened to yours to start failing so quickly. What kind of valve did you get?