second mvp surgery anyone?

[Lynne Rose]

Hi everyone, I had mvp repair surgery about 4 years ago, I took an echo last year and my valve was leaking again and the doctors said I would probably need more surgery in a couple of years to have this valve fixed. Needless to say, I am very scared to do this again. I am just wondering if anyone on here has had this done for a second time? I live near Boston and would so appreciate it if someone could recommend a doctor there and out of what hospital he works out of. I never would go back to the first surgeon I had for I have no confidence in him. Thank you all very much...

 

[Ross]

Hello and welcome to the forums

I can assure you that alot of us have this surgery more then once. It's not pleasant, but if it's needed, it's needed. Better then the alternative anyhow.

I let the others reply to your questions, but I wanted to welcome you to the family.

 

[Jan]

Hi Lynne

Welcome to VR. Com

I am sorry that you will need futher surgery, I cannot offer you any advice as I live in the Uk

I am sure other members will answer your questions

keep smiling

Jan

 

[Nancy]

Hi Lynne-

Welcome to the site. You'll find loads of support here.

My husband has had 3 valve surgeries, one aortic and a mitral and then a repair on the mitral. Unfortunately sometimes the valve can spring a leak. You know they are sewing human tissue, and sometimes things just don't heal as expected. It's not like working on a piece of machinery. In my husband's case, he had a severe faint shortly after he had his first mitral surgery. He landed on his chest, face down and fell with great concussion, just dropping over. He even dislocated his jaw. I believe at that time he tore a few stitches loose. It only took a couple of stitches to close the leak.

He's also had 2 lung surgeries and has a pacemaker.

There are many people on this site who have had multiple heart surgeries. I'm sure they'll be along and tell you their stories.

It's tough to have to go through it again, but as Ross said, if you need it, then you need it.

Boston is a fantastic place to have medical problems. There are so many wonderful doctors and facilities. Can't help you out on names there, but others surely can.

Hope to see you here often.

Take care,

 

[Christina L]

Lynne,

I'm sorry to hear that your mitral repair is failing. I just had my mitral valve repaired in Cleveland by Dr. Cosgrove five weeks ago. My repair was a complicated repair with both anterior and posterior leaflets prolapsed.

Where did you have your repair done? Was it a complicated repair?

I have to admit this is my biggest fear "already" (I'm quite the worrier) - when/if my valve repair will fail. I am having some shortness of breath for about a week now and am worried that this is happening already!!!!

I guess this is the risk we take with a repair. I do NOT want to go through the surgery again any time soon. Thank goodness, you have had six years to heal. There are people who have second and third surgeries - it depends on your age and the rest of your general health - but generally second surgeries go well - they are NOT fun, but you will be fine. I understand totally how you feel about going through another surgery.

Stay on this board and the people here will help you through the best we can.

Christina L
Colorado

 

[alicia]

Hello Lynne and welcome to this great site! I had MVR by using a Cosgrove ring in 2001 and 6 months later it was leaking again but my heart was doing too poorly to do another surgery at that time so thru medication,diet,and exercise and of course GODS help I had built the strength back up in my heart and in Jan this year I was able to have it replaced this time with a St Judes valve. My heart has been doing just great although I have many bleeding issues since the surgery since Im now on Coumadin. Life seems so unfair sometimes but we have got to keep our head up and keep on moving. I wish you the very best of luck. I had a great surgeon this time at Duke in Durham,NC "Dr Glower". He was fabolous! Keep us informed on your progress.

A friend in heart,
Alicia

 

[John & Joann]

Joann had 2 valves replaced the 2nd time after 28 years of the original Starr-Edwards. The second surgery is more complicated due to the scar tissue. It is done every day. She had both procedures at Cleveland Clinic. They do more valve surgeries than any other facility in the world. Her second surgeon was Dr. Pettersen. We HIGHLY recommend him. Check out the Cleveland Clinic web site for additional information. Her cardiologist is Dr. Harry Lever. He is an expert on valve issues. Their professional information is on the web site.

Let us know if we can be of assistance.