Hi
I have posted on here a couple of times before
not sure if I've answered you before, but ...
I am a 29 year old male who recently underwent aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve on January 10. I had a bicuspid aortic valve that was diagnosed 6 months ago during a routine checkup. After a 6 month evaluation, my aortic regurgitation was moderate but was causing my left ventricle to become very large, so two different surgeons recommended going ahead and replacing the valve. I opted for the mechanical valve as the surgeon said it would "last a lifetime."
I guess my question now is just how long my lifetime will be?!?!
that's a good question. Just for background information I'm nearly 50, was diagnosed BAV very early, had an operation to repair this at about 9, a cryopreserved homograft valve put in at about 28 and this valve put in at about 48. I have been a keen (read crazy) cyclist (although now I'm just a practical cyclist), ride motorbikes and do cross country skiing.
Guessing your lifespan is the stuff bookmakers (aka gambling) people make money on. However from what I see here you've got every reason to live as long as your age group cohort. In fact probably longer.
The factors of your heart issues will likely play a
far far less significant role than other factors
- smoking
- dangerous activities (base jumping and mountaineering)
- healthy living (exersize and diet)
So kick back and relax in the knowledge that you were born into a generation where being born with a BAV is among the most fixable of things.
The only other thing is managing your INR (as you said you have a mechanical). This won't effect your lifespan much but will mean you have less (probably no) issues bleeds or clots, and from the standpoint that your more likely to be caring for yourself as part of your weekly routine.
I guess I'm probably also suffering from a little post op depression. If anyone has any thoughts they would be most appreciated!
probably, and perhaps if you are anything like me, some disorientation of logic due to the anesthetic and what gets called "pump head" around these parts.
See ya
