'Heart Valve Disease'!

[ParrotLover22]

Out of curiosity, just wondering if anyone on here have had their Valves diseased/damaged as a result of 'Rheumatic Fever' in earlier Life? I have now had a Bypass to replace two Valves, (Aortic and Mitral), plus a Pacemaker!

[it-whiz]

Hello Parrotlover

Whilst I didn't have my Mitral valve damaged by Rheumatic Fever, I did in 2016 contract Infective Endocarditis which damaged my Mitral Valve, which like you ended up with it being replaced. Initially I had it repaired, but it the began to leak again so in 2019 it was replaced with a mechanical valve.

So, although not exactly the same cause, I can understand and empathise what you have been through, albeit mine was in a much shorter space of time. As you have found it is amazing what they can do to such a vital organ to keep it and us going!

regards

Mark

[ParrotLover22 in reply to it-whiz]

Hi Mark. Firstly I am sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I had to go to the Warfarin Clinic first and then I took my Parrot to the Vet lol 😂. Yes the last few years have not been easy at all for anyone has it but the good thing is we're still here:). I had the Rheumatic Fever when I was 13 (a long time ago lol), and they found out about the Heart Problems during my first Pregnancy at 23 so I have lived with it a long time! Yes, it is absolutely marvellous what they can do these days and after the Op and Pacemaker I feel so much better so I cannot complain. I hope it keeps up. Thanks a lot for replying

[Mountwood]

Your letter reminded me of one of the first patients I nursed as a very new student nurse. She had a valve replaced after having had rheumatic fever as a child, and sadly she died. This was way back in 1959 when the heart lung machine was still a miracle of cardiac surgery and the only reason open heart surgery was available. How lucky we are to be alive now, when it is more or less routine.

[ParrotLover22 in reply to Mountwood]

Hello Mount wood. Sorry for taking so long to reply. I have been out ALL day! Yes, we are very lucky these days to have all the things that they can do now. Quite a lot of my Mother's Family have all had Heart problems and ALL have them have passed now because, as you say, there wasn't that much they could do then unfortunately. I was only 13 when I had the Rheumatic Fever and that was what the Consultant put my Heart problems down to later on. Thank you so much for replying

[Classof1988]

ParrotLover22, yes, but do not fret! My timeline was Rheumatic Fever 1969 then Aortic Valva replacement 1988. Had a safety critical job until I retired, then suffered total heart block followed by Pacemaker in 2019. Fit and well. Obviously we are all different but if you are otherwise well then there is no reason why you cannot enjoy many years of good health. I am blessed to have done so and that is my prayer for you. If you have any further concerns or want to know more please DM me.

[SuperFluff]

Hello Parrotlover22! I have a damaged mitral valve as a result of rheumatic fever. I only found out just over two years ago when I was 53. Big shock. Didn't know that I had even had rheumatic fever! Regurgitation is mild to moderate at present. Only came to light because of the pandemic as I was staying home continually but not exercising, so symptoms of a heart issue appeared. Told that I will need surgery in the future. Hate having this hanging over my head. Concerned about how this will affect me going forward. Glad to read about people who have successfully come through the other side.

[ParrotLover22 in reply to SuperFluff]

Hi Superfluff (Love the Username lol). That sounds very similar to my Story only I can remember having it! I was monitored for years after they found it. Firstly it was mild, moderate and then severe. I was only going for what I thought was a Check-Up, (so I thought), and then the Cardiologist said he advised having an Op as it was quite bad. I really wasn't that surprised mind because I knew I felt worse!! Anyway, at the moment, I am doing very well. If you do ever have to have an Op, you will be ok.

[cappachina]

Dear Parrot I got Rheumatic fever at the age of 6 and had an attack every winter for 10 years. This damaged my heart but I have lived a normal life 3 children with no problems I am now 75 and have just been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and will need valve replaced, my specialist told me that rheumatic fever always causes problems as you age and I was told in my 20s when I was finally discharged from cardio care that it would cause me problems later so even in the 1960s they knew that this outcome was to be expectedThankfully the treatments now are so advanced that we all have a much better chance of making a ripe old age

[ParrotLover22 in reply to cappachina]

Hi. Strange isn't it how Rheumatic Fever can cause so much damage! Yes, the Treatment is great now, so much better than it used to be. I have the Odd Flare-Up now and again but nothing I can't handle x

[Konisrad]

I had my Aortic valve and Mitral valve replaced when I was 17yrs old due to rheumatic fever as a child. I developed AFib 5yrs ago. Currently on sotalol thinking of trying amiodarone next as my episodes are getting more frequent and longer. Catheter ablation is not an option due to high risk with mechanical valves.

Did you have an AV node ablation and pacemaker inserted? That’s another option for me.

[ParrotLover22 in reply to Konisrad]

Hi. After the Bypass, the Surgeon wasn't happy with my Heart Rate as it was 30 and under, I'd had this trouble before where I used to faint as well, so he decided he wanted a Pacemaker inserted. I had Bradycardia. Best thing he did, I am SO grateful for it. Makes you feel safe!! Also, I am so glad they decided to Operate!