Mechanical Heart Valve leaking

[JoniG]

I had my Mitral and Aortic vales replaced August 10, 2009 with the St. Jude mechanical valves and found out that my aortic valve is leaking. Doctor called me Friday and told me the results of my echo, which I knew after looking at it as they were doing the echo. So I am being set up for an appointment with the cardiologist who done my surgery to find out how severe it is.
Sadly I am pretty sure I will have to have that valve replaced again.
I have been feeling really tired, my legs are swelling and I get short of breath if I try to walk very far. I am 46 years old now and am so afraid of having a second surgery.
Has anyone else had this happen to them?
I was told when the surgery happened last time that the valves would last a very long time and I cannot believe that it is leaking after less than 3 years.

 

[Patrickh]

Hi Joni...I've only just joined this community, and haven't had my surgery yet, but felt like I should send a message of support. To be honest, this does not sound like good news...but look on the bright side....I'm 57 and all my doctors (I have quite a few..General Practitioner, Cardiologist, Cardiac Surgeon, Liver Specialist, Diabetic specialist) all tell me I'm 'very young' to have aortic Stenosis and require surgery...and you are much younger than me. With luck, they may not have to 'open you up', maybe they can re-suture the valve without invasive surgery? (You can tell I'm a layman). Even if they do, then the prognosis is good. I'm sorry to say this, but even with a mechanical valve, at your young age it was likely you may need another valve...I thought the mechanical ones may last about 20-25 years? Though I also heard of one lasting 40+ years. Anyway, getting stressed and worried is NOT going to do you any good at all. You need to try and relax and take things easy...easier said than done, I know. My heart murmur was diagnosed about 10 years ago, and since that time I've been waiting for the time when I would need surgery. Now its almost here, but the one thing I'm grateful for is that my GP diagnosed the murmur early and sent me to a cardiologist. Since that time, the medics have been checking me regularly. Its the same for you. We are, at least, luckier than those people who don't know they have a problem and suddenly they are gone. Well, thats 2 positives to be going on with. I hope someone else can do more to alleviate your fears. Good Luck...

 

[kfay]

Joni, sorry your "valve" is leaking. Are you sure it is the valve itself and not an area around the valve where a stitch may have come undone. I know that when you got your mechanical valves you probably thought that was the one and only time, but many of us have had more than one surgery without any problems. I've had 2 and was told that my second surgery carried the same risks (1-2%) as my first one. You should be fine.

 

[Jkm7]

Hi Joni,

I want to welcome you here, certainly can understand your concern and tell you I had two OHS surgeries in four years and my second was very much easier on my than my first. The moment I woke from the second surgery, I knew right away that truck had not hit me quite so hard and I recovered very well and relatively fast. I amm older than you and young age is always a benefit. My surgeon said he had no difficulties because of scar tissue from the first surgery (which he had done) and my odds for good outcome were enormous..... yours probably are as well.

Let us know how you are doing.

 

[TheGymGuy]

Just wanted to chime in and wish ya luck at your appointment. If you do need a re-op, I was told that the risk rates are similar for the second one as the first one.

I would be very curious to find out how the mechanical valves can leak. I mean, these things are mechanical with 2 flaps which open and close tightly. Is there a panus growth that prevent proper functionality or something else? Please do keep us updated.

 

[babshappy]

Hi I had my valve replaced in Dec 09 , I was informed that I had a leak, they told me that they were going to do another OHS and I broke down...I was terrified of having to have a second surgery..after having a echo, an angiogram, and a visit with a surgeon, it was discovered that the leak was not getting any worse, I have an echo every year and see my cardiologist for an update...so far everything is good, They also said that if I did need to have the leak repaired ,it would be a different procedure, I think its through the groin/leg not sure ...I wish I had more intelligent information for you..anyway I do believe that they know what their doing and whatever the problem is, they will be able to fix it...stay strong good luck

 

[wxman]

Had AVR with St. Jude mechanical in 2003. About 4 years in...quite a bit of leakage developed along the suture line. It looked like I was headed for another surgery. However...the leakage stayed about the same...and over a period of years the leakage has gradually diminished. So...now 9 years after surgery...things are still going OK. Have my annual echo this week. So...sometimes...things are not as bad as they initially seem. Good luck!

 

[njean]

Hi Joni,
I'm sorry to hear that your valve is leaking so soon after your surgery but unfortunately, these things do happen.

When I had my double-valve implant in 1975, six months later, I had to go back and face another surgery because the mitral valve was leaking due to the stitching on the cuff of the valve working itself loose. I don't really remember being scared as I was at the end stage of CHF and so miserable that all I wanted was out. I too had been told that the valves would outlast me but unfortunately, no one can predict the future. That was 37 years ago!!!

Hang in there! I know you will do just fine the 2nd time around!

 

[JoniG]

Thank you all so much!

I received a call from my family doctor and I have an appointment with my cardiac surgeon on the 21st at 4 pm to see what is going to happen. prayers for all of you and continue to work towards healing and feeling stronger.

 

[rib305]

I had my Mitral and Aortic vales replaced August 10, 2009 with the St. Jude mechanical valves and found out that my aortic valve is leaking. Doctor called me Friday and told me the results of my echo, which I knew after looking at it as they were doing the echo. So I am being set up for an appointment with the cardiologist who done my surgery to find out how severe it is.
Sadly I am pretty sure I will have to have that valve replaced again.
I have been feeling really tired, my legs are swelling and I get short of breath if I try to walk very far. I am 46 years old now and am so afraid of having a second surgery.
Has anyone else had this happen to them?
I was told when the surgery happened last time that the valves would last a very long time and I cannot believe that it is leaking after less than 3 years.

for what its worth, ive had four replacment valve operations, the last 2 within 6 months due to endocarditis- the first because of endocarditis 25 years ago at 16, the last surgery having to undo a konno procedure replacing the aortic mechanical and replaceing the mitral- this time was big and the odds were against me but i made it thro- so stay strong, my infection control doctor gave me some good advice, stay positive and see yourself well and strong he rekoned that was the key.. i did and after 3 strokes, 4 double valves - still in sinus rythem! just at times people cant believe i look so well.... these surgeons are incredable...good luck

 

[neil]

agree with above posts, if you do need a 2nd op, the risks are more or less the same, you will be fine, unfort there is no quarantee with any valve mech or tissue, chin up you will get through this,

 

[Duffey]

Let us know how your appointment turns out, Joni. Good luck!

 

[spartangator]

All the best on the 21st. You can do this.

 

[carolinemc]

I just went for a checkup with my cardio and he thinks the St. Judes valve lasts forever. Not. I have been here for years and there has never been a time that I can remember of not hearing about more surgery due to leak or defective valve. It can happen and I try to be realistic about my health issues.Good luck to your search for life insurance. Follow all the advice here. It helped me out at times and will be soon doing it again. You are brave to get to a MD. Good luck and keep us informed. Let us know when you do become MD. Hugds for today.

 

[Eva]

Hi I had my valve replaced in Dec 09 , I was informed that I had a leak, they told me that they were going to do another OHS and I broke down...I was terrified of having to have a second surgery..after having a echo, an angiogram, and a visit with a surgeon, it was discovered that the leak was not getting any worse, I have an echo every year and see my cardiologist for an update...so far everything is good, They also said that if I did need to have the leak repaired ,it would be a different procedure, I think its through the groin/leg not sure ...I wish I had more intelligent information for you..anyway I do believe that they know what their doing and whatever the problem is, they will be able to fix it...stay strong good luck

My situation is similar to yours and to babshappy!

My two-months after-surgery echo revealed a leak. I was shocked and disappointed! My surgeon then tried to convince me that the leak is intentional...it is from tiny hole around the ring and is to help wash away clot formation! I did not believe this even though it was confirmed to me by other sources that this is feasible!

My cardio is keeping an eye on it! I am going next month for a new echo and I am hoping anxious about the results this time.

Can't wait for your update after your appointment on the 21st.

 

[JoniG]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and your support. It means so much to me. I have had so much discouraging words from family and friends. They tell me not to do anything and even my daughter doesn't want me watching my grand daughter. It really makes me just want to give up and roll over. But I know I can't.
Again thank you all so much. I will post again after my appointment on Thursday.
God Bless

 

[Rachel]

I'll be thinking of you this Thursday!!!!

Rachel

 

[escargome]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and your support. It means so much to me. I have had so much discouraging words from family and friends. They tell me not to do anything and even my daughter doesn't want me watching my grand daughter. It really makes me just want to give up and roll over. But I know I can't.
Again thank you all so much. I will post again after my appointment on Thursday.
God Bless

Joni - all I can say to your family and friends is "Shame On You". People who have no knowledge are quite content to put restrictions on others. I say keep up the knowledge gathering that you are doing. I will have you in my thoughts on Thursday, I am confident that your doctor's will be able to provide a good plan for treatment. Don't give up. And most definately don't roll over.

 

[nngbwh]

I'm sorry to hear that your valve is leaking so soon after your surgery. Good luck and make sure you keep us posted.

 

[bradvo]

Prayers to you JoniG.