Marshameesha

[marshameesha]

When my husband had his aortic valve replaced with a pericardial tissue valve (Edwards, Model 2800) in March, 2007, the surgeon said that they are getting 20 years out of these valves now. All my husband heard was "20 years" and now he seems convinced that his will last that long. He is currently 66 years old. I understand that early post-surgery, he has a need to focus on the positive, and has had only minor complications which were resolved. My concern is that he is going to be depressed if he finds that that may be an overyly realistic ( or outside the norm). He also talks about our making lifestyle decisions (i.e., putting things off thinking he has plenty of years to do them) based on that longevity of his valve. I am stuck wanting to be reassuring but also concerned that this prediction of longevity is overly optimistic given the stats I am reading, ( approximately 10-15 years). Does anybody have any accurate recent stats? Most of the studies I am finding are either too general to be helpful or are outdated but look to be 10-15 years as the norm. I expressed my concern to the surgeon that if his valve lasted that long we would be stuck with his needing another surgery at the age of 86. The surgeon said he did many such surgeries on 90 year olds. Am I just being overly anxious or does anyone have any input on this?

 

[Phyllis]

Marsha, please read the threads on valve selection, especially Tobbago's which is a sticky at the top of the thread. If you put a search in for Edward's tissue valves, you will also see many threads on the new valve. Who knows what new advances for surgery will be realized by the time your husband needs a new valve- there is talk of replacement by catheter- especially in older patients. Have faith and enjoy the new found health he is enjoying.

 

[OldManEmu]

Avr

Avr

Marsha even with people not considering themselves average keep in mind that 86 years old is well beyond the average western male life expectancy so a redo may not even be required. That being the case I shared my hospital ward with an 87 year old that had an AVR that was discharged quicker than me and I was 41. It was both our first AVR.

 

[Mary]

I wouldn't let concerns of what may happen in the next decade spoil the happiness your husband is experiencing with his new valve.
There are many disease processes that develop with age, so I would consider my heart valve issues considered "cured" for now, and focus on maintaining my health in other areas.

 

[Ross]

They say 20 + years is standard, but in reality, there is no guarantee. Life doesn't give us guarantees either. I think it would be better for you to focus on today and living day to day then to try and make mental pictures of years down the road.

This concept eludes my Sister In Law. She thinks every thing has to planned far in advance. When things go sour and her plans aren't workable, she gets irate. You'd think after x amount of time that is't happened, she'd stop doing it, but nope, still does to this day.

 

[MikeHeim]

I just did a quick Google search and saw that the Edwards Model 2800 was only released in 1996, which means that nobody has accurate data on how long it will last. Unfortunately, that is the issue with stats on any heart valve. By time good reliable statistics are available, the market usually has two generations of upgraded valves available. Therefore, the 10-15 year lifespan you found is most likely on an older generation valve. The newer generations have anti-calcification treatments that should extend the life beyond what earlier valves saw. Of course, we won't know for sure how long until 20-25 years from now...

 

[Karlynn]

Your surgeon was being optimistic, but not overly optimistic because it's not outside the realm of possibility and the hope is (based on testing) that these new valves will last 20+ years in someone your husband's age. If he had said this to a 30 year old, then there would have been a problem with that statement.

The thing to realize is that your husband has a new lease on life. Without the surgery, his life would definitely have been shortened. So live each day to the fullest. Don't borrow trouble by worrying about things that could happen when there's nothing you can do to prevent it now.

I'm happy to read that your husband is so happy with his replacement. That's a very good thing.

 

[Bina]

Hi Marsha,
You should focus on the fact that your husband is 66 (in itself a good age), and his surgery has given him another chance to live a good while longer.
None of us knows when we are going to get "struck by lightening" or anything else.....live your lives,
enjoy each day

 

[dick0236]

I applaud your husbands optimisum. When mine was put in, they told me it was designed to last 50 years and I was sure they were "blowing smoke" just to reasure me. I just had my 40 year post-surgery checkup and the docs say that my valve is operating well within limits. Personally, I thought the valve would only last 20 years. Goes to show how much I KNOW.

 

[marshameesha]

Thanks. I don't feel so "alone".

Thanks. I don't feel so "alone".

Basically it seems like those of you who have had experience are saying to enjoy the time we surely would not have had without the replacement. I agree with that but I am the "worrier" of the two of us. I don't get angry if things go wrong, I just am afraid of losing my husband. I know one of us is going to go sometime but don't want it to be because I wasn't able to respond as quickly and well as possible. The reassurance from you is most helpful - also the fact that he is not the only one given such a quote these days. Thanks so much for all of you to take the time to reply. I feel a lot better than I did. I will continue to use the forum and hope I can somtime make someone else feel some reassurance.

 

[Arlyss]

". . . I just am afraid of losing my husband. I know one of us is going to go sometime but don't want it to be because I wasn't able to respond as quickly and well as possible."

Dear Marsha,

I just wanted to tell you that I understand your words, which I have listed in quotes above. I find myself in the same position, and have learned along the way that I must be informed in order to have peace of mind myself.

In spite of my best efforts, I have found bicuspid aortic valve disease (which is what my husband has) to be a tough enemy - challenging excellent physicians as well as ourselves. I do have the comfort that everything that was known to do has been done for him, and I arm myself with the best information I can. And we never, ever give up one inch in the fight.

If your husband's aortic valve was bicuspid, learning as much about it as possible will help you both. Here is a link www.bicuspidfoundation.com

Best wishes,
Arlyss

 

[Lynlw]

Hi Marsha,Welcome,I can understand your feelings watching a loved on go thru this and the worries, but in mmy case it is my 19 year old son w/ the heart problems.
There is quite a bit of info on the "20 year"claim, Here is a pretty good thread discussing the CE valves, http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18628&highlight=perimount pay attention to Tobagotwo's post he has done alot of research.
alot of the 10-15 years is based on out dated info or lumps all tissue valves together, (Bovine, porcine ect)
Lyn

 

[sandyz]

Same valve/same info

Same valve/same info

Marsha,
My husband also had the Edwards 2800 aortic valve installed along with a Dacron aorta from the root to the arch. Surgery was done in July of 2007. We were also told that it MAY last 20 years. My husband is 64 years old & the way we see it there are no warranties on life, every day that I wake up and see the sun is a bonus. We chose a bovine valve for numerous reasons and in spite of some complications which we are still addressing, I am not sorry for our decision. I have found that the information & support from the terrific people in this forum has been wonderful.
Sandy