Girl Valvers - Hysterectomy Question

[Susan BAV]

Hi all -

Any of you Valvers have a hysterectomy AFTER your valve replacement? I tried searching info on-site about this but couldn't really find this specifically addressed.

I'm on aspirin therapy and I've had my porcine aortic valve for over a year and a half and I'm considering the OB/GYN's recommendation for a hysterectomy.

I have so many questions that I can't even organize them to type them out. How concerned was your surgeon that you had a replacement heart valve?

Is there any advice and/or information and/or suggestions and/or experience that you care to relate? Were any of you able to avoid HRT afterward?

Any input you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Susan BAV]

Thank you very much Rachel; I appreciate the info and your experience.

Anyone else, please?

 

[geebee]

I had a hysterectomy after valve replacement. Went into the hospital a few days early to do coumadin bridge therapy. Was given IV anitbiotics through also and oral for 1 week after. Had no problems whatsoever and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. I will be back home on Monday (traveling tonight & tomorrow and will be signing off shortly).

 

[Lisa in Katy]

I had mine after my valve replacement. I used Lovenox to bridge, went into the hospital the morning of surgery, spent two nights and came home. I had a LAVH (laparascopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy) and still have ovaries so it wasn't as major as it could have been. Of course I had mega antibiotics and it took a little while for my INR to stabilize, but that shouldn't be a concern for you since you're not on Coumadin. I was up and moving around almost immediately.

 

[Susan BAV]

Thank you very much also, Gina and Lisa. And, that's a good reminder for everyone also that there are many procedures, besides dental cleanings and dental work, that necessitate antibiotics for valvers!

This is not a pleasant subject, but are there anymore experiences? How closely did your surgeon have to work with your cardio physicians? I'm wondering because I don't want to go up to LA again if I have this surgery but my cardio is up there and that's where I had my valve replacement surgery. Any other HRT experiences?

 

[Yaps]

I had mine at age 26,(20 years before ohs) did use hrt for a while ,until I discovered how they were made.. didnt like the thought of a horse suffering so I wouldnt , and stopped..I used the soy replacement and it did well for me.
I did have complcations during surgery, but I dont think it was due to valve..if you arent on coumadin I would think you should be fine.Just antibiotics which is SOP... wish you luck in your decision.

 

[geebee]

Susan,

I opted out of HRT because I just didn't want another pill to take and I was concerned about the side effects. I have been taking soy supplements (not an INR issue for you) and they work on most of my hot flash problems). My sister, who is on HRT, still has some hot flashes so I think nothing takes them away totally.

The biggest difference between us is I tend to gain middle body weight easier than she. Since we have almost identical body types, I think the hormone changes are the reason.

Other than the weight issue (which I do not consider severe), I am very happy without HRT.

I would make sure your cardio does work closely with your surgeon to make sure you have the proper antibiotic therapy for your surgery. The aspirin is something to watch but certainly not coumadin. Definitely make sure it is known so precautions can be taken regarding bleeding.

Are you having your ovaries removed also? If not, they can remove remove the uterus without external incisions. That definitely can minimize bleeding and recovery time.

Good luck.

 

[weekycat]

I had mine after my valve replacement... I had a LAVH (laparascopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy) and still have ovaries so it wasn't as major as it could have been...I was up and moving around almost immediately.

Hi Susan, I too had an LAVH after my heart surgery, but I had had a repair, so didn't have Coumadin issues. I had actually gone to the cardiologist to get cleared for my hysterectomy, since I knew I had MVP...his advice? "I think you should put the hysterectomy off for a little while and take care of this little valve problem"

Anyway, I ended up having my hyster 5 mos. after my MVRepair. What a year 2002 was for me! For the record, the LAVH was a non-event compared to the heart surgery!!

 

[Susan BAV]

Thank you all very much for your comments. I feel much better knowing that this can be done safely. I already look like a patchwork quilt and another big scar didn't appeal to me either. It's nice to hear your encouraging success stories. Thanks again.