Leaking mechanical mitral valve

[Speck]

I just discovered that I am "leaking" and I am dumbfounded. I had no idea this could happen!

I am waiting to hear from cardio and surgeon but hoped some of you could advise what is in store for me.

Any and all input welcome. It's lonely out here!!

Sharon

 

[Cooker]

No input but I can not imagine the shock of this news ... wishing and praying for the best:thumbup:

 

[lance]

Hi Speck
Does your doctor know/suspect where the valve is leaking or how much? I have heard a percentage of mechanicals do leak.
What make/model valve do you have and how long ago was it installed?
Others here with more information will be along--it's warm in here.
How are you feeling otherwise? I think mine leaks somewhat and I'm not sure how much.

 

[nngbwh]

Welcome aboard, Sharon. I am sorry to hear you this. I agree with lance. Valve do leak, I guess the magic question is how much. Keep us posted.

 

[Cooker]

Welcome aboard, Sharon. I am sorry to hear you this. I agree with lance. Valve do leak, I guess the magic question is how much. Keep us posted.

Agree ... all valves leak some ... I just thought Sharon's post sounded like there was an abnormal amount of leakage since a surgeon is being consulted ... hope I misinterpreted ....

 

[dick0236]

I just discovered that I am "leaking" and I am dumbfounded. I had no idea this could happen!

I am waiting to hear from cardio and surgeon but hoped some of you could advise what is in store for me.

Any and all input welcome. It's lonely out here!!

Sharon

Hi Sharon, you have found a very, very good support/informational forum at VR.org. This is a world-wide forum of folks who have "been there, done that" Ask away...I guarantee that someone will have useful information for you.

Incidently, I notice that you are in Louisville, KY....me too, and I know of at least one other member from Louisville. I live in Fern Creek.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Do you have a copy of your Echo Reports?

If not, it would be wise to obtain copies of ALL of your test reports.

FYI, mechanical valves are typically designed to have 'some' leakage to 'wash' the leaflets/pivots to prevent clot formation. Hopefully that is all that your leakage amounts to...

'AL Capshaw'

 

[spartangator]

Sharon,
Sorry about your news. I haven't had any mitral work done so I don't have anything helpful to offer in terms of that, outside of hoping the "leakage" is just what's normal.

One thing all the echo techs always mention in my check-ups is how much better the diagnostic equipment is now, which means we see leaks that were likely always present but not visible in the recent past. Basically, through super-sensitive equipment, we can now detect a bunch of stuff that's not really a problem. We're all hoping your news is just that.

And as others have mentioned, it can feel "lonely out there," as you say, but there are lots of remarkable people in here willing to help. This is a special group.

 

[Jkm7]

Seems there are far more Aorta valvers here than Mitral Valvers so I just want to lend my support. I have bovine Edwards Mitral Replacement for about 3 years and so far, my cardio says he hears no leak. Mine had been VERY pronounced pre-surgery. I hope you learn what they are saying about leak is within acceptable range and you will just have to have it watched annually. Sending you best wishes. Please let us know how it goes when you speak with your doctors.

 

[Greg a]

Do you have a copy of your Echo Reports?

If not, it would be wise to obtain copies of ALL of your test reports.

FYI, mechanical valves are typically designed to have 'some' leakage to 'wash' the leaflets/pivots to prevent clot formation. Hopefully that is all that your leakage amounts to...

'AL Capshaw'

Al has probably hit the proverbial nail on the head with the "BACKWASH" explanatioan as I have read this a few times now.....so all that is left to say is WELCOME

TO THIS FUNNY FARM Hank created for us to play in together

Funny thing that since reading Dick's comments I can't seem to get "Kentucky Woman" out of my head

 

[Greg a]

GEE Neil looked young there ​

​

 

[Eva]

Sharon,

Hope you are feeling better now.

I freaked when my echo revealed Mitral valve leak three months after my surgery and it took me a long time to get out of its mental effect on my psychological state, no matter what assurances I heard from my cardio and surgeon.

My surgeon and my cardio told me the same thing Al mentioned above. Also, in many reports the leak may not be mentioned as many cardios/surgeon consider this leak as *normal*.

Keep us posted.