Valve repair

[Princessa1]

I have mitral valve, tricuspid valve and aortic valve regurgitation. Therefore my question is, "has anyone had three valves repaired?"Any information or advice would be appreciated. Thank you

[DodgyTickerMum]

BBC iPlayer - Surgeons: At the Edge of Life - Season 4, Episode 2. An 80 yr old female patient had 2 valves repaired and one replaced. If you’re not squeamish - an interesting watch.

All I know is, this lady’s surgery was half the length of time my op took, she had 3 valves sorted out as opposed to my 1 and I am over 30 yrs her junior! It just demonstrates how every cardiac op is different, but hopefully gives you a positive insight into what is achievable.

Take care and all the best for a swift recovery following your surgery. ❤️‍🩹

[DilatedAortaRunner]

I haven’t but I did have 3 procedures. Replacement ascending aorta; replacement aortic arch; replacement aortic valve (turns out I was bicuspid). Accidental find. I was assymptomatic and they got me fine within 2 months given the size of my aorta and level of risk. Staff and surgeons brilliant. I’m a fit and active 53yo but ended up in hospital 11 days as they had a flu outbreak. I went for a mechanical valve as I didn’t fancy the. Going back in in 10 years to replace it. So I’m on warfarin now. Only lifestyle change is no more mad weekends away and as someone that lived a cocktail / glass of wine I’ve not touched or missed alcohol since 11 December (op was on 14th).

Positive mindset has been the most important thing throughout and having a good network of friends / family around you. My recovery has been good. I probably do too much walking some days but I have gone from having a heart of stone (the kids description as I never cried at sad films) to getting quite emotional about things !!! Hope that helps in some way !

[Princessa1 in reply to DilatedAortaRunner]

Thank you for your reply. I'm just putting the feelers out to gather as much information as I can. Because I live in Spain, it's fairly difficult with the language barrier and my cardiologist who prefers to middle through instead of having an interpreter.

[DilatedAortaRunner]

best of luck and let me know how you get on as we spend 4-5 months/ year in Spain and I’ll need to self test if can’t find anywhere to do my INR blood testing !

Hope all goes well.

[Princessa1 in reply to DilatedAortaRunner]

Hi I'm not sure, but I think some of the pharmacists do testing. I'm on Apixaban not Warfarin therefore I don't need regular testing.Good luck with everything.

[SuperFluff]

Hello. İ have the same three leaking valves as you. First was the mitral, at the next echocardiogram the tricuspid (plus pulmonary hypertension) and at my third echocardiogram the aortic. (İ have my fourth echocardiogram in three months...) İ am not yet at the surgery stage so can't advise. İ would like to hear from someone like us who has had surgery too! İ am also based overseas. İ retired very early to Turkey only to discover İ had valve problems as a result of having rheumatic fever as a child - İ didn't know this. İ know what you mean about language problems and also cultural issues. Plus, the Turkish health system will not cover chronic illnesses for foreigners even if you get citizenship or that they were diagnosed in their country. So I am faced with paying the very high cost of surgery myself here or returning to the UK but not being treated in a timely manner or getting the best treatment. Here İ am told that it would be best for me to have a mitral clip (İ wouldn't get this in the UK at present) and a balloon in my aortic - obviously we are all different. Turkey does more minimal invasive than the UK.

Wishing you good luck on your heart journey x

[Milldog81]

hi I’ve had mitral valve and tricuspid valve repair in August last year 2024 I’m now 6months pre op.

What sort of info do you want I’m 43 years old male