Exertion breathlessness

[chrisdal]

I had my surgery on Jan 10th 2008. Aortic and mitral valves replaced with metal ones. I have experienced "exertion breathlessness" since the surgery. I am now seeing an electrophysiologist who suspects, from my last echo, that rather than the aortic valve leaking (within normal limits), that the aortic valve is not working properly - he suspects scar tissue but I am wondering if the valve is faulty. I am having a TOE next week which will apparently give the answer. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this and if anyone knows anything about valves being possibly faulty. I am in the position of not knowing what types of valves as my surgeon's PA has not sent them to me yet. I am in Australia and the info has to come from the US.
This would have to have been the worst year of my life. I am 61 and was on a major health journey when diagnosed. Now I can't exercise or do much of anything.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to VR.com. Sorry for the circumstances but glad you found us. Unfortunately I don't have an insights into your questions. That said, there's lots of experience here so hopefully someone will come along with some experience around your question. Weekends tend to be kind of slow around here so be patient. Best wishes and good luck.

 

[Bina]

Hello Chris and welcome.
I haven't heard of mech valves being faulty, so hopefully your TOE will provide some answers.

 

[Eva]

Hi Chris,

As Bina said, I did not hear of a faulty valve...valves are checked extensively before they are in the market. I had two valves replaced and I think it takes a bit longer to feel better as the heart is reconditioning itself to two not one! You are only a bit over two months! Anyhow, I am not a doctor and I am glad you are checking it out. But are you resting enough?!

My mitral valve showed a leak and my surgeon said it is normal as the newer valves are designed to allow some 'leakage' for the benefit of washing any blook precipitation in case.

Keep us posted. Good luck. Prayers.