Friend having third replacement

[lizzygrl]

My dear friend (62yrsold)is having her third Aortic Replacement this week. She's also in need of a Mitral replacement but the surgeon feels he doesn't have enough time. So they will basically fix the Mitral if the Aortic Valve takes too much time. She also has an enlarged heart and lung damage from the valves leaking. Could someone tell me if you have ever heard of anyone having a third replacement? I'm very-very concerned. She's been given a 50/50 chance of surving the operation. Is that "normal" odds with the third surgery?

Thanks from a worried friend.
Liz

 

[geebee]

Liz,

I have had 2 replacements of my mitral valve but 3 OHS. The more times they go in, the more complications can occur due to scar tissue buildup. However, I do not recall hearing chances as low as 50/50.

Could there be other issues involved other than just the risks of surgery? Is her general health poor? I am sure the lung issues could be a factor in the danger.

I also do not know the stats on replacing 2 valves at the same time. I guess they want to limit time on by-pass so maybe there isn't enough time. However, I think I have heard of a 2 valve OHS. Hopefully someone else will chime in here.

It is possible, given her age, that a mitral repair could last her lifetime but it isn't certain.

Please let us know how we can continue to help you and her. Best wishes to you both.

 

[lizzygrl]

She has had two replacements in 16 yrs. The last valve was replaced with a mechanical 7yrs ago. The 2nd valve didn't wear out. The scar tissue around the valve is "letting go". The Aortic Valve is leaking around the outside of the valve itself. She had scar tissue removed during the second surgery from the first valve. So the Dr. is worried as to the amount of scar tissue that will need to be addressed before replacing the valve. He was concerned he would not have enough time (on bypass) to actually replace the Mitral Valve. Which he would like to replace.

The Dr. is worried her heart is weak. He seems concerned the most about getting her through the surgery. The lung is damaged and is filling with fluid. Her heart is enlarged. So she does have that against her going into surgery.

By far I've known so many ppl who have lived long lives with first and second valve replacements. I've never heard of anyone having a third. I have looked on the net for the last two days for any info.

Thanks!!
Liz

 

[geebee]

Liz,

I think the biggest danger in valve replacement surgery is the actual opening up and the by-pass. I could be wrong but I think there are a number of us who have survived 3 or more surgeries and are doing fine.

Debora (deboraginastewart) in Brazil has had 3 replacements and is awaiting a fourth. Bob (RCB) has had a few and Joann (John & Joann) has had 2 double valve replacements. There are a number of others who have had multiple surgeries.

I would be concerned about her enlarged heart but I have an enlarged heart also (and did before any of my surgeries). That can come from just having valve problems in general. The lung problem is an issue as well but one the surgeons do deal with frequently.

I would not want to seem like I am stating not to worry. Multiple surgeries do carry more risk.

One of the things we have all found as members of this site is the power of prayer. Keep us informed of your friends surgery dates and progress and we will send out all the vibes necessary to help you along.

 

[lizzygrl]

Thanks.....I feel more hopeful!

Liz

 

[gadgetman]

Gina,

You've really got a "big heart" based on your answers and words of encouragement here at VR.com. My heart was enlarged and that was one fear they had going in with me. Didn't know what they would find.

Lizzygirl (that sounds so Southern),

Just be there with your friend and hold her hand through this ordeal (except when they roll her back to surgery). I'm hoping and praying that God will guide the Surgeon's hands so everything can be fixed this time. Three's enough. I also agree (based on my limited experience so far) that the odds might be a little off. Of course, just like me, my Surgeon expected the worse when he went in and was litterly surprised that things were much better than he thought. I know God had something to do with that. I tell everyone at my Church that if I had given God another week I wouldn't have needed surgery .

Tell her that her new "family" at VR.com is praying for a good outcome. As a matter of fact, tell her to come and join us. I think she has more than paid her dues. Even have a "handle" for her--"Threepeat", in keeping with the March Madness.

May God Bless You and Your Friend,

Danny

 

[Barry]

...The lung is damaged and is filling with fluid. Her heart is enlarged. So she does have that against her going into surgery....

The lungs filling with fluid is a classic symptom of congestive heart failure - that's what got me to the hospital to get my mitral valve replaced. I felt like I was drowning on dry land. And my heart had become enlarged from having to work overtime with a bad valve for so many years.

Point being, I think of those two things as probably being very common among folks needing a valve replacement; I know I had both problems, anyway. And my heart is still enlarged; I don't know if that ever goes away.

 

[Nancy]

My husband has had one aortic valve replacement, and one mitral replacement and then had a repair on the mitral, so he had three valve surgeries. The odds that were suggested with the third were 85-90 to the good.

By the way Joe also has had two lung surgeries and has diminished capacity in both lungs and has pulmonary hypertension which is a rare and very, very serious condition in his lungs. He has congestive heart failure too and a pacemaker.

He's still here and chugging along.

Sure the surgery will have to be meticulously done, but the heart surgeons know how to do it.

 

[gadgetman]

Nancy,

Ross is there ready to swipe me with the "wet noodles" for going "off thread" but did I overlook updates on Joe's fall? I knew he got home OK and survived the "SALT" diet but hadn't noticed an update. Tell Joe we worry about both of you.

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[tobagotwo]

It sounds like your friend has some problems with the tissue that the valve gets sewn into. It may be referred to as myxomatous tissue or a BAV syndrome That, the current state of her heart, and the associated lung problems are probably why they are giving such grim-sounding odds.

However, you must realize that these surgeons go in to win, and they're not content to lose any of their patients.

A friend of mine had severe COPD, and was confined to a wheelchair. She had double-valve replacement and has no noticeable COPD active now. Assuming your friend can make it through the fire, she may feel much better after she heals.

We'll all be pulling for her.

Best wishes,

 

[Nancy]

So I don't detract from this thread, I'll give an update in Small Talk under the original thread that I made.

 

[lizzygrl]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I appreciate the prayers. I was shocked at the 50/50 odds. It's been tough on her after hearing those odds. So I will continue to be encouraging.

Thanks again! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the input!!!

Liz ( Yes, I am from the south! )