9 months out & new heart problem

[plb]

It has been quite a while since going online here, so hello all. My name is Penny and I had AV replacement 3/18/03. Past 6 weeks have had SOB, fatigue so went to cardio. Had an echo and it revealed stenosis. Aortic root. Gradient is 50, which I understand is pressure in heart?? My surgery in March was for regurg and I don't understand how, after that now I have this problem. I was, to put it mildly - flabbergasted!! Ticked off, etc. I remember members talking about gradient but did not pay much attention and wish I had! When the number gets higher, that's not good?

Cardio put me on Tenormin, said I would feel bad before feeling better. Sounds familiar!

Are there others out there who have experienced another heart problem after repair of valve??

 

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Penny,
I did have some minor problems, but not what you are having. I am certain some others may shed some light on your situation.
My problem was my heart sack became inflamed and pushed against my heart. The treatment was steroids. So we do have setbacks. Nancy is so sharp on some of this. You may want to drop her line.

My prayers are with you ... Mark

 

[hensylee]

Ross, Nancy - and then there's Marty - and several others who are way knowledgable. They'll be here. Sprised Ross isn't up yet........but he's on the way. Prayers for you.

 

[Ross]

Hi Penny

What kind of valve did you get? Tissue or Mechanical?

Do you have a copy of the report that you could post?

We need more information because something doesn't sound quite right here.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Penny-

I'm sorry to hear of your new problem. It does happen on occasion that there will be other problems come along after your initial valve surgery. It can be a dynamic situation.

Your body is always changing, pressures inside your heart can change, or the initial heart disease can become worse, changing the dynamics inside your heart, you can spring a leak. Tissue doesn't always cooperate and the marriage of implanted valve to human tissue can develop some imperfections.

All of these things have happened to Joe. He had his aortic valve replaced in 1977, then in 1999 he had his mitral replaced, then in 2001, he had a leak in the mitral repaired. Somewhere during that long period of time, he developed bradycardia and had to have a pacemaker implanted then he developed pulmonary hypertension, and he also developed a severe tricuspid leak. This leak is still there, but does not require surgery, yet, anyway.

The only thing you can do is to take a deep breath, take one baby step at a time. Maybe medication can help your situation, but make sure if you are experiencing any more changes in your symptoms, that you call your card and keep him informed. Also make sure that he/she is following you very closely, and if it is not closely enough for your taste, try to get your appointments closer together.

My very best to you. Please keep us informed on how things are going.

 

[Granbonny]

Penny

Penny

Did you have your valve replaced or repaired? Your last sentence ask about valve repair? Bonnie

 

[plb]

I guess my post was kind of confusing. I don't have a copy of my echo results yet, but will get. I had an aortic valve replacement with a Medtronic Mosiac porcine valve. I had talked to Ultrosonographer (I work at same hospital) and he explained that the aortic root was smaller, thus less oxygenated blood getting through and making me short of breath & fatigued. Is this called stenosis? I am not employed in medical field, my job is clerical so not familiar with all these terms.

ARe more measurements, etc besides gradient used to determine what stage the heart is at before needing surgery?

 

[Ross]

Yes Penny there are more measurements. If you get a copy of your echo, they should have a range from low to high normal and where your measurements are for each. If not, post them and we can try to figure them out.

 

[plb]

Thanks to all who replied. My symptoms may be extreme for the actual problem. My doc changed my med to a beta-blocker and am getting relief. Not so SOB. He says my problems come from having a narrow aortic root. EF is 65%. Calculated valve area is close to 1.2 to 1.5cm by planimeter, whatever that means.

The pig valve that replaced my aortic valve is working fine. I will see cardio again within 3 months, or if still not feeling well. Am going on restful vacation for week, will see how I feel then. Had been working long hours preparing for JACHO inspection (I work in a hospital, that's like getting the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval") and docs think too much stress does not help. I may have to adjust my lifestyle. Had been so tired, slept most of one day on the weekends and had no energy. Hope for the best and get on with life and try not to worry, is what daughter who is nurse said to me.

Talk to you all after vacation. HOpe all have great holiday!!!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Penny,

Sorry to hear about this 'complication'.

Pressure Gradient refers to the difference in pressure across a valve or opening. The higher the pressure gradient, the smaller the opening so it sounds like there may be some sort of obstruction, assuming the valve is OK. Get your Cardiologist to explain the 'root cause' of the problem and the treatment options.

Hoping for the best,

'AL'