CHF after valve replacement

[Pat Hicks]

I am a 57 years old female. I had congestive heart failure 11 years ago at which time they found the bicuspid av. My EF at that time was 28%I was followed thereafter with echos every year and treatment for the chf and was doing great. Then last fall, I was told after an echo that my heart was dilating again. I had surgery at UAB by Dr. Pacifico on 11/12/01. After returning home, I have tried to exercise when I began healing. Prior to the surgery, my EF was 57% (pretty good!). About a month ago I had a follow up echo, learning that my EF was 32%. Even though I have tried to exercise, I had become more and more short winded and finally last Friday, I had to go to the emergency because of sob. I was hospitalized and fluid removed. I am now out of the hospital and feeling better. They have put me back on all the medications I was on prior to surgery plus some. They have no explanation why I am having such a problem with chf, it was assumed by my cardiologist and surgeon that the av replacement would solve the problem. They do not know what the future holds. I will go back to the doctor at the end of the month and have another echo in 2 months. Has anyone experienced this? I don't think anyone knows whether the chf and the bicuspid valve are one and the same problem. My first cardiologist (who ironically died of a heart attack) felt they were two separate problems. I am really working on getting a positive attitude but it's hard. I just pray that the medication will stop the EF from going down. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Pat-

My husband has had 3 valve surgeries, and he still has CHF. It's a lot better now after the surgeries, but he still must stay almost no sodium and takes Lasix twice a day. He also keeps a very, very close eye on his weight. Any sudden weight gain of 3 pounds, and he'll call the cardiologist to perhaps get a higher dosage on his Lasix temporarily. It's a little bit of a struggle, but it's manageable so far.

The surgeon and the cardiologist both thought that he wouldn't have this problem when his valves were fixed, but he does, so maybe your old cardiologist was right about it being two different problems.

Take care,

 

[Zazzy]

Pat,
Yeah... same thing happened to me (female 49). I had dilated cardiomyopathy for about 11 years when a routine echo showed that my mitral valve was bad. Had surgery to repair it in Oct. 00; had pericarditis Nov. 00; and pleural effusion in Dec. 00. At the time of surgery my EF was 20%. In Jan. 01 I was dxed with leukemia and in Feb. CHF. My echo then was only 30%. Now, a year later my EF is up to 57%!!! I, like Joe, still watch my salt intake and take 160 mg. of Lasix daily along with various other meds.

Take care,
Zazzy

 

[Mb]

Hi Pat!

I sounds like you might be a bit scared, but have courage, many of the folks at this site have CHF. My husband was diagnosed with CHF last May. He had two valves replaced in October. His EF before surgery was 40%, and it remains 40%. This means that the ventricles are dilated, as is the rest of his heart, and the cardiac output is not normal. He is in a-fib, and has just been diagnosed with a severely leaking tricuspid valve. He also is having some electrical conduction rpboelsm (his heart rate), and is being reviewed as a candidate for a pacemaker. His heart problems, as his Dr. says, are multifactorial. It sounds like you have more than one thing going on yourself. But, take heart. Lots of people have heart problems, and with technology the way it is today, it is very possible that you have many many long and happy years ahead of you.

Best wishes. Peace be with you.

Marybeth