beth3nyc
New member
Hello ,
I am a 43 year old woman who was diagnosed with valve issues 20 years after treatment for Hodgkin's disease. I went into congestive heart failure when pregnant but have been maintained for 10 years on medications. Recently, I had episodes of a-fib and my tests make it clear that it is time for my aortic and mitral valve to be replaced. My surgery date is in a few weeks but I am still having trouble deciding what type of valve to choose. I would like to get the tissue but am afraid that I may need three operations over my life. I am concerned that the scar tissue from the radiation and reoperations, will make the surgery harder. I have reservations about the mechanical since my mother's family has a history of strokes and it is a long time to be on a complex medication. I spoke with my surgeon and other oncologists who have experience with this and they all say that the risks are the same over my lifetime and it is split 50/50 of patients choosing each. I was hoping people would share the pros and cons, especially if they had concerns about scar tissue. Thanks!
I am a 43 year old woman who was diagnosed with valve issues 20 years after treatment for Hodgkin's disease. I went into congestive heart failure when pregnant but have been maintained for 10 years on medications. Recently, I had episodes of a-fib and my tests make it clear that it is time for my aortic and mitral valve to be replaced. My surgery date is in a few weeks but I am still having trouble deciding what type of valve to choose. I would like to get the tissue but am afraid that I may need three operations over my life. I am concerned that the scar tissue from the radiation and reoperations, will make the surgery harder. I have reservations about the mechanical since my mother's family has a history of strokes and it is a long time to be on a complex medication. I spoke with my surgeon and other oncologists who have experience with this and they all say that the risks are the same over my lifetime and it is split 50/50 of patients choosing each. I was hoping people would share the pros and cons, especially if they had concerns about scar tissue. Thanks!