durhash
Member
I posted this earlier in the general Heart Talk section by mistake, I meant to post it here, so I'm going to copy what I posted earlier!
Hi everyone,
I have posted on here a couple of times before, and let me say again what a great and helpful site this is. 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?!?! I can hardly find anyone around my age who has had to go through this. Is there anyone out there who had to have valve replacement at a young age but has lived for a long time afterward? Naturally, I would love to live to my 70s or 80s and lately I've become afraid that I will not be able to because of this surgery or some other heart condition related to the valve, etc. I guess I'm probably also suffering from a little post op depression. If anyone has any thoughts they would be most appreciated!
Hi everyone,
I have posted on here a couple of times before, and let me say again what a great and helpful site this is. 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?!?! I can hardly find anyone around my age who has had to go through this. Is there anyone out there who had to have valve replacement at a young age but has lived for a long time afterward? Naturally, I would love to live to my 70s or 80s and lately I've become afraid that I will not be able to because of this surgery or some other heart condition related to the valve, etc. I guess I'm probably also suffering from a little post op depression. If anyone has any thoughts they would be most appreciated!
