Resurgery at 80-Plus

[Superbob]

I found this article on the Heart Center newsletter to be interesting:

http://heart.healthcentersonline.co...dergoingcardiacsurgerydo.cfm?general=NL_HEART

In choosing a tissue valve at age 63, one of the negative factors I weighed was the possibility of facing another surgery in my 80s, if I lived that long.

I am under no illusions that having a second surgery is a piece of cake. This article doesn't say that, but it does suggest heart surgery for folks in their 80s is more doable than some might assume. Important point, though (and an obvious one): the fitter you are, the better.

Just thought this might be one tidbit of information among a great many others that might be worth considering.

 

[Mary]

Bob,
My post-op roommate (the lady after my first crazy roommate) was 94 years old and back to see about replacing her aortic valve. She had her first replacement at the age of 80 and had received a porcine valve.
I was discharged before I knew what was decided. They found an abdominal aneurysm and the doctors were trying to talk her into letting nature take its course (not undergoing another surgery). She was adamant that if she was going to live, she was going to live in good health, and if she needed a second replacement to achieve it, so be it!
By the way, I gauged her age to be about 65 when I first met her. It was a huge shock to learn she was 94!

 

[Phyllis]

Dick's Aunt had AVR and two bypasses at 80 and lived on in relatively good health until 85.
Still hoping for all of us that by the time a second operation is needed it will be done by cathetar or some other non-invasive method!

 

[OldManEmu]

80+ is not to old

80+ is not to old

I shared a room with a guy that was an active 87 when he had an AVR. He was in hospital for a shorter time post AVR than I was and I was 41 at the time. It wasn't a redo it was his first AVR.

 

[Karlynn]

At my church I've had 2 experiences with our older members having a valve replacement past 80. One did very well and one never recovered fully and ended up passing about 3 weeks after surgery. Oddly enough, it was the one that was the spryer one prior to surgery that did not make it.

 

[tobagotwo]

I actually chose my current valve on the odds that it will be replaced at about age 70, something I keep trying to wise people up to.

Agreed, it does seem somehow arrogant to strategize over the probable lifespan of a critical part of your life functions. However, it's also foolish to be swept along by events without planning. You plan your retirement as if you would live past your allotted 76-78 years. Why not consider planning your valve as well?

Best wishes,