How much of a problem is my age?

[Mary Ann]

I am really surprised how many young people (remember I am 70 years old) have had valve replacement surgery. I am now interested in how the surgery affects people my age. Is the pain worse? Is the recovery harder and longer? What is the quality of life after surgery for people my age?

A special thank you to Phyllis for her support and her report on her husband's recovery. Is such positive results the norm or the exception?

Thanks to all for your support.

Mary Ann

 

[Phyllis]

Mary Ann, I think a lot depends upon your physical condition before surgery and that goes for young people as well. Dick was and still is exceptionally fit for his age- very physically active. Sometimes he drives me crazy because his answer to any physical woe is "work it out" and exercise. I know he's right, but I don't always want to hear it!

 

[Mary Ann]

Phyllis: Unfortunately, I am not in as good shape as your husband. I have been overweight most of my life. I had two knee replacements a couple of years ago, a stent implantation about 10 years ago. I do go to exercise classes, walk at the mall, and do all my own housework.

 

[kodi]

Well I have to agree with Phyllis. I think it depends on your current state of fitness. I'm 68 and about five weeks post surgery and doing extremely well. However, I've been a distance runner for almost 28 years so my condition going into this was better than the average patient. Just keep physically active with your walks and your exercise classes and that will make a big difference. If at all possible, you might want to try to increase your activity level until your surgery, as I recall, you're not sure when that will be so any pre-surgery improvement will help post surgery recovery. Of course all this is my opinion.

Since you're from Pittsburgh, are you going to Cleveland Clinic? My nephew's wife (they live in Bethel Park) had MVR in Cleveland and they were extremely impressed with the care there.

 

[Mary Ann]

Kodi:
You are correct in saying I don't know yet when my surgery will be.( anywhere from 6 months to two years) In answer to your question: No I am not going to Cleveland. I have a cardiologist I have great faith in here in Pittsburgh. He did my stent 10 years ago and I have had not a bit of trouble with it.
Mary Ann

 

[barbwil]

Hi, Mary Ann,

I did a little digging and found an old thread that I had started in July that should be of interest to you--

http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17051

It should put you to ease concerning the age issue; I was almost 75 when I had my valve repair and maze procedure and got along just as well as many of the "youngsters" here and better than some!

In your first post you were very vague as to which valve is of concern; have you given out any more specific information since then? Read, become well informed so you will be more comfortable with what is going on around you.

And share all of this information with your husband so he won't worry so much; it's the unknown that scares us!!!!

Hang in there, "girl"; we're here for you!! This group will bombard heaven with prayers for you as needed.

 

[Granbonny]

Mary Ann

Mary Ann

I read thru your posts. See that you must have a large family to support you. that is so important..need some help after you come home. with housework, laundry, cooking, ect.for a few weeks.My aunt was age 82 when she had open-heart surgery..the same time I had my Valve surgery. she did great..I was age 61..I did great, too. almost 5 years now and the Grandkids have a hard time keeping up with me. Bonnie