A daughter's worry on valve replacement

[chezza]

My mother is 78 yrs old and has been told she needs to have a valve replacement. We are in the 1st stage, i.e finding a good surgeon, hospital and the best valve for her. (until finding this website, I didn't even know there were valve type options !!)
She also had a slight stroke (very mild after effects, no hospitalisation). She has been on warfran since the stoke.
Her mind is very positive, but she is a stickler for "oh, I feel fine", Her comments on her stoke were always "slight stoke but didn't feel any different" etc. She does not realise the extent of this valve replacement operation and will probably not do any research, just follow everything (1) doctor tells her. So it's up to me to "get all the information i can lay my hands on".
I am concerned due to her age and she is only "frail". She does eat very well and has not had past heart problems (except for the mild stroke) or sickness in the past.
Because this is very "new" to me I worry endlessly.
Just wondering on any of your thoughts.

 

[Ross]

Cheryl welcome.

How is moms health otherwise. You say frail, but can you be more specific? At her age, she could go with any valve, tissue or mechanical, and not have to worry. She's already on Coumadin, so that's not an issue. Obviously, the Docs think she can go ahead with this, so I think I would be ok with it too. It's not easy, in fact, it's one of the toughest things anyone can go through, but many do everyday, some even older then mom. It's not as painful as anyone imagines, but it sure sucks the energy out of you, which is why I'm wondering how frail is mom? By the way, which valve needs replaced?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Welcome Cheryl!

"This is the place" to find out about Valve Surgery and options! We have some 'older' valve surgery survivors, including Marty who had VR in his 70's and is still working part time as a Radiologist and plays a lot of golf. We also have several Aussie members.

Which Valve needs replacing (Aortic or Mitral or ?)

Since your mother is already on Coumadin, she may want to consider a mechanical valve (I like the new On-X valves because of their improved fluid dynamics and lower propensity to form clots) or the standard St. Jude Mechanical valves which are considered the Gold Standard for Longevity, having been around for 30 years with a good track record. The Bovine Pericardial Tissue Valve and improved Porcine Valves are also good options at her age.

I recommend browsing through the Pre-Surgery, Post-Surgery, Valve Selection, and Anti-Coagulation Forums. That should keep you busy for a while! Feel free to ask more specific questions as they come to mind. We have members who have been through just about everything imaginable when it comes to valves and heart issues. Note that VR surgery is a highly refined art with a very good success ratio.

'AL Capshaw'

FWIW, I know an Excellent Surgeon from Brisbane, but he is now living and practicing in the USA at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

 

[OldNick]

Valve Replacement for the Elderly

Valve Replacement for the Elderly

In my own case, I had St. Jude mechanical Aortic and Mitral Valves implanted at the age of 63. Four years later, my father-in-law, at age 87, was suffering from congestive heart failure, and his doctors were not encouraging. Having seen my recovery from heart surgery, he, along with my wife, suggested going to my Cardiologist, and my surgeon if necessary. As a result, he underwent three bypasses and a tissue valve aortic replacement. The recovery took some time, and work with a physical therapist, but he had several more good years before other problems took his health from him.

Jim N.

 

[Adrienne]

I had an aunt who had aortic valve surgery at about 88 years old and did very well. She died at 95 of something else.

 

[Karlynn]

An 83 year-old friend of mine had valve replacement surgery 6 months ago and she is doing well. It did take her some time to get some energy back, but she's doing well now.

Maybe your Mom is frail, in part, because of her compromised heart due to the valve problem.

 

[chezza]

A daughter's worry on valve replacement

Thank you so much for all your comments, I am feeling some weight off my shoulders already.
I am going to get more details in regards to her specific problem and I will let you know.
When I say frail, I suppose I mean she is about 60 or so kilos.
What a great group of people you all are and your support is very much appreciated.
My best wishes
Cheryl

 

[Ross]

Be sure to get copies of her medical records too. Just in case you need a second opinion elsewhere. You should have a copy for yourselves anyhow.

 

[hensylee]

welcome, Cheryl You have arrived at a home where you can receive much information and support. As you have read from these posts, older folks survive very well.

You must be her advocate all along the way and it is going to be your labor of love for her. You won't be alone, however. This site will help you through it. When you have a question, want to vent, just whatever is on your mind, you can bring it here and the members of VR will get you through it.

Blessins.........

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to the VR community, Cheryl. I don't have anything to add to the other posts as they provide some excellent insights. Best wishes for your Mom.

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Cheryl and welcome to the site; glad you found it. One of the comments in reply to your original question was related to considering a mechanical valve since your mother is already on Warfarin. I'm not on Warfarin and I'm not sure about this, but I think that regulating your Warfarin and INR within a specific and necessary range for a mechanical valve could be more complicated than how your mother might be taking her Warfarin now. Perhaps someone with specific accurate knowledge about this could comment on it, correcting me if I'm wrong.

You're right to be looking for the best surgeon and hospital available. Ask the surgeon about her weight. One surgeon told me that heavier patients tend to have less issues with blood loss than lighter patients, since they usually have more blood to start with. My surgeon had me take a few supplements to strengthen my blood before the surgery also.

Take care and post again and tell your mom hello. I'm sure some of our other Aussie members will see your post and add their well-wishes too.

 

[Ross]

I'm not on Warfarin and I'm not sure about this, but I think that regulating your Warfarin and INR within a specific and necessary range for a mechanical valve could be more complicated than how your mother might be taking her Warfarin now.

There is absolutely no difference whatsoever in regulating Coumadin whether it's for afib, stroke or valve. It's all the same. Still have to have you INR checked, dose adjusted periodically etc. Although don't let anyone tell her that she cannot eat leafy greens or a variety of other things that contain vitamin K. Dose the diet she eats, don't diet the dose of the drug.

Be sure to see Al Lodwicks site at www.warfarinfo.com He is our resident certified anticoagualtion expert and runs his own clinic.

 

[Cooker]

Cheryl,

I know two people (one 75 and one 82) that had OHS in the past two years. One was AVR (82) and the other (75) was bypass and they are both doing great. If the doctors are ok with going ahead I would be too. And as Ross stated the pain is not near what one might imagine.

Welcome and best wishes,

Tom

 

[OldManEmu]

Cheryl
I shared a hospital ward with guy that was 87, in good general health and had a AVR and he was discharged sooner than I was, and I was only 41 at the time.