Double valve people

[fdegranville]

Helllo All,

After some testing on Monday I was told that I should start planning for mitral and aortic replacement.

I was wondering what those of you who have doubles were told about the best choices for valves. Are there any reasons to go one way or another?

Thank you,
fdeg

 

[Mb]

Hi!

My husband has two St. Jude mechanical valves, one in the aortic and one in the mitral position. He is in chronic a-fib which started perhaps 6 months prior to his surgery. Therefor, he had to take a blood thinner anyway, so his decision to go mechanical was pretty clear. He is also 55 years old, and didn't want to go through another surgery. Post surgery though, in April he was diagnosed with a third severely leaking valve.....the tricuspid. We are going for a followup echo this month.

I hope I am recalling correctly, but I think I remember being told that when a mitral valve had to be replaced, they always recommend mechanical anyway.

There are a few other double valvers on this site, and I am sure they will post soon with their comments.

Wishing you the very best as you climb up this mountain!

Marybeth

 

[Nancy]

Hi fdeg-

My husband has two mechanicals aortic and mitral. Coumadin is absolutely no big deal for him, and he doesn't hear the clicking any more, except sometimes at night.

Good luck

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Hello fdeg!

I have 2 St. Jude mechanical valves, aortic and mitral. A lot of factors enter into valve selection, such as age, general health, history of heart or valve problems, etc. Mechanicals last much longer, but require lifelong anticoagulation treatment (Coumadin). Tissue valves do not require this treatement, but often need to be replaced after 8-15 years. Mechanical valves are generally implanted in younger patients or those for whom additional surgeries to replace a tissue valve would pose an undue risk (this is my situation).

Your surgeon will have input based on your own situation, and just remember there are a lot of factors to consider.

You've found a great site that will help you answer a lot of these questions...look around the forums. When I was approaching surgery, the great folks here were an immense help!

As an aside, the 2 mechanical valves have been very easy to adjust to. I don't even hear the clicking unless I choose to, and there are some times where I have to make a special effort to hear them. It's very delicate, very subtle.

Coumadin is no big deal!

Good luck

 

[Perrster]

Double clicker

Double clicker

fdegranville,

I'm also a member of the "double valve club." Check out the personal stories on the home page for more details.

Feel free to ask questions at any time.

Regards,

 

[fdegranville]

Thank you all

Thank you all

Hi and a big thank you to all those that responded,

I was fortunate enough to have found this site way back when it was in the old format, (do we even remember the old format??).

Anyway, I know how much great information and support is exchanged here. I do not get on too often and can't help too much as I've never been through the experience.

Although I've been followed for rheumatic heart disease for more than 20 years, I honestly thought I would be one of those that would be lucky enough to dodge-the-bullet, so to speak, as I've always done so well. Imagine how shocked I was when all that changed, I think my doctor was even more shocked than I was, even after I kept telling him how bad I have been feeling.

So, I will do my research and consult a surgeon, but I think I'm leaning towards mechanical, (not sure bioprosthetics are an option anyway) as I've dealt with Coumadin before and as Perry says, 'it's no big deal'.

I will go back and read the personal stories of all the double valvers.

Thanks again!
Francesca

 

[Bill Hall]

Francesca,

I am a little late to reply, but thought I would throw in my case. You can repair the mitral valve in most cases. I had my Aortic replaced by a homograft, so avoided the coumadin. So far, so good.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Francesca,

Glad to see you back in 'new format'

Just knowing your background and our prior conversations..... know you will make the best choice for yourself.

If you end up with the dual mechanical, like the others said....Coumadin is really not a big deal as you know.

I complained a lot more before going to home testing. Self testing makes traveling a breeze as well.

All the best to you. We will be praying for your safe journey. Please keep us posted.

Take care,

 

[fdegranville]

thank you Bill & Gina

thank you Bill & Gina

Hi Bill, glad to hear you are doing so well. Did you have mitral stenosis? If so, that is encouraging to hear they can repair that, or did they do a valvuloplasty?

Gina, thanks for your kind words. You are right, after I got over the initial shock I began trying to figure out what to do about it. I couldn't find too much on the combined problem I have, but one article recommended mitral valvuloplasty (which is what (causes the symptoms) and leaving the aortic valve until the ventricle gets too big. Even with severe AI the LV is protected due to the slow filling from the atrium, but once the MV is opened up the LV will continue to enlarge and it needs to be watched carefully, but you can buy some time with that approach. Mitral valvuloplasty is only possible if the valve is still pliable, not calcified and only minimal MR, otherwise it can't be done and also, it must be done by some one with a great deal of experience. In addition, it can only be done twice before you have to have a replacement.

I have not discussed this with my doctor, but the doctor I got the second opinion from said, get the valve replacements, you will not believe how good you will feel......Mean while my cardiologist says , some doctors would send you to surgery, but I think you are in a grey area and you are just exchanging one problem for another, but you would feel better.
Anyway, I will figure it out, thank you for the encouragement.

Francesca

 

[John & Joann]

Hi Francesca,

Joann has had double valves for 31 years. They were replaced 1 time. The new valves are carbomedics. They manufactured for St. Jude before they started their own products.

Coumadin is not a big deal for Joann. We have been in 48 states, much of Canada, and cruises to many locations with the valves as our companions.

Cleveland Clinic made the call on the valves. We have been very happy with their choices. You need to consider a major cardiac center and listen to their reasons for the valves. Ultimately, you need to make your choices.

Life (and heart valves) are a series of compromises. Life is what you make of it. If you get Lemons, you need to make lemonade. Sometimes it is bitter, but usually it is OK.

God Bless!

John & Joann