Replacement Mitral Valve

[Fenz]

Hi, consultant says I need a new mitral valve, either cow or mechanical. I have no symptoms and very active. The more I read about both options, the more I am put off completely, both seem horrific and appear to have lifelong restrictions, side effects and troubles. In need of any positive experiences and advice, as at the moment feel I would rather take my chances and not have it done

[Yumz199725]

Hi FenzSorry to hear you have to have surgery, is your mitral regurgitation severe. As you said you don't have any symptoms?. Hope your able to come to a descion on what valve to go for. Im not sure what valve I would go for. I'm gona have valve replacement surgery to replace my aortic valve eventually as I have severe aortic regurgitation and mild stenosis. Sorry I cant offer more incite regarding the mitral valve. I'm sure alot of people will be along soon to offer some advice and experience to help you decide. All the best ❤️.

[Anon2023]

hi. I’ve had two mitral valve replacements, the second was an emergency, both mechanical valves. I thought about a bovine valve but the surgeon talked me out of it by saying that as I was relatively young, 51, it would last longer and I probably wouldn’t need a further replacement in the future. After having open heart surgery I was keen to avoid a repeat. Mechanical valves tend to last longer although the new tissue valves are lasting longer these days. The downside of a mechanical valve is that I’m on warfarin for life and it’s a bit of a pain but a small price to pay for being alive. If you leave severe regurgitation without treatment, eventually it can lead to atrial fibrillation (AFib), heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. In essence, it can become life limiting. I know the surgery is frightening but it can give you the chance to have a normal life. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have, just ask.

[Hanibil]

I had an mechanical aortic valve replacement in 2005 doctor said at 48 it would last a lifetime, where as a tissue valve would probably require replacing in around ten years. Who wants to go through open heart surgery more than once. I have to say it was the right decision yes am on warfarin but that has presented no problems whatsoever. I have a home testing gadget so only visit hospital twice a year.

[BHFbiker]

Hi Fenz - very active (spinning instructor) here - diagnosed with hole in aortic valve 10 weeks ago - no symptoms. Urgent replacement needed (to the extent that we had to cancel all holidays immediately). Surgery (bovine valve) April 20th. Cardiologist basically said given state of heart (quite damaged as body had basically been adjusting to the issue without bothering to tell me), could have just given up completely any time.

So for me, no real choice.

5 weeks later, cardio rehab started - back on bike (albeit limited heart rate max to begin with), and adjusting to meds etc.

Very dark few weeks mentally until heart surgeon visit when he said it's fixable, but now starting to get a bit of the mojo back.

Bottom line, although early days, I do now feel like I can get a lot of my life back, and would definitely do again given the likely alternative.

The activity / fitness levels prior to the op make a massive difference to recovery times, so I'd be pretty confident you'd be good on that score.

Whatever you decide. wishing you all the very best !

[andy110519]

Hi FenzI had a new aortic valve (mechanical) 4 years ago at age 49. I had no obvious signs of heart trouble and had an emergency op following a cardiac arrest at the end of Parkrun. I had overloaded what my furred up bicuspid valve could handle.

The worst thing about the valve is warfarin but isn't too bad. Visit the Dr's once every 8 weeks or so to get checked, just a prick in my finger.

For me life is better with the new valve, my Parkrun PB is still improving and I don't struggle so much doing Munroes with my nephews.

Surgery is not as bad as you imagine and the success rate for aortic valve replacement is very high.

Take care

Andy

[JPollack]

I had mitral valve repair in 2016.The operation was successful.

I had regurgitation, revealed by a murmur.

I see my cardiologist every 9 months.

No more regurgitation or murmur.

I feel like I got extra years. I'm 66 now.

The surgeons said my heart was over working to pump enough blood thru.

Would have worn itself out quite soon if I didn't get the ring around the valve repair.