Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement

[Seaguller]

Had a St Jude mechanical valve installed in 2016 (age 15) and now at the age of 42 possibly facing it requiring replacement. Have had 25 years problem free so far and currently asymptomatic, but am now having tests. Have had MRI in September and awaiting further review.

If you have had a renewal, were you a prognosis for the surgery and / or length of time replacement valve could last?

Cheers Seaguller

[Flymetothebeach]

The progress in research and treatment since you were 15 seems remarkable. I just had a AVR when all the men in my family previously died from BAV. I don’t have a clue what they will do to you but I would be very hopeful science is now on your side. Good luck.

[andy110519]

Hi, Whilst it was my first I had a mechanical valve 2 years ago, at the age of 49, and the expectation is I won't need another. If it hadn't been for a graft needing done to my ascending aorta I would have got away with just a couple of ribs being cut/broken for the surgery rather than the whole sternum so fingers crossed for you.Andy

[Seaguller in reply to andy110519]

Hi Andy. Thanks for your reply. Did you have any symptoms before needing the surgery?

[andy110519 in reply to Seaguller]

I did but not enough to indicate heart trouble & had a cardiac arrest & had surgery within a week.I got a bit out of breath going uphill particularly steep bits on munroes, put that down to asthma, but in 6 months prior to SCA was feeling fatigued and cold and there was a third thing but can't remember what it was.

[andy110519 in reply to Seaguller]

I should have said that the SCA was having just done a 5k and really going for it, for me, in the last few hundred metres.Andy

[Seaguller in reply to andy110519]

Have you been told that you have heart failure?

[andy110519 in reply to Seaguller]

No, cardiology reckon everything is ok and no need to see them again.

[Seaguller]

Thanks

[Driverspud]

I am waiting for an aortic valve replacement. I was given a choice to have a tissue or mechanical. I felt a lot of pressure, through having a choice. But, I eventually after doing a lot of research and getting more and more confused. I contacted the heart foundation care advisors. I found them very helpful, they answered all my questions and gave me the confidence to make the decision which was right to me.

I know this is different to what your going through, but the message I’m trying to say is if you have questions contact them, they are very knowledgeable and maybe you will get answers you want.

Here’s the number 03003303322

All the best