Surgery June 2, MVR..St. Jude Valve Choice

[irishknitter]

I am 61 yrs and have severe regurgitation, with few symptoms. Three years ago I was told to plan on surgery 8-10 yrs down the road. Then, last November my cardiologist said I had gone down to severe catagory, and should do surgery soon. I waited 6 months because I just moved here 18 months ago, and wanted another echo in the same place, etc. Surgery is now scheduled for Thursday, June 2. I chose the mechanical St. Jude because I don't want to do this surgery again in 10-12 yrs. My mother had the same surgery at 66 in 1992, and also chose St. Jude.

Anyone else choose St. Jude, and how are you doing?

 

[Jkm7]

Hi Irishknitter and Welcome.

Just a suggestion, if you don't mind.
It is quite common for many surgeons to suggest tissue valves for patients 60 and over. They have much expectation they will be good for up to 18-20 years in patients in that age range and older. It is the younger folks who seem to have tissue valve wear out sooner.

Even at 20 years, there is good reason to believe by then, percutaneous replacement will be very routine and you well could avoid another surgery even if your valve would need replacing again. They are already doing them in patients too ill for regular surgery. It is not 'something of the future' but being done today.

I know your surgery is coming fast but it's your body, your heart and you may wish to have another conversation with your surgeon prior to surgery if you have any interest in a tissue valve.

It's a very personal choice but hopefully you had all the necessary info in time to make your personal choice.
I got bovine valve three years ago and am doing great.

All best wishes.

 

[Adrienne]

Even at 20 years, there is good reason to believe by then, percutaneous replacement will be very routine and you well could avoid another surgery even if your valve would need replacing again. They are already doing them in patients too ill for regular surgery. It is not 'something of the future' but being done today.

The percutaneous replacement is being done in aortic valves, not mitral valves.

 

[Greg a]

I am 61 yrs and have severe regurgitation, with few symptoms. Three years ago I was told to plan on surgery 8-10 yrs down the road. Then, last November my cardiologist said I had gone down to severe catagory, and should do surgery soon. I waited 6 months because I just moved here 18 months ago, and wanted another echo in the same place, etc. Surgery is now scheduled for Thursday, June 2. I chose the mechanical St. Jude because I don't want to do this surgery again in 10-12 yrs. My mother had the same surgery at 66 in 1992, and also chose St. Jude.

Anyone else choose St. Jude, and how are you doing?

Adding you tto our VR family calendar.............WELCOME to our VR FAMILY we are all brothers and sisters in OHS

 

[Greg a]

as mentioned in your other thread:

I am 61 yrs and have severe regurgitation, with few symptoms. Three years ago I was told to plan on surgery 8-10 yrs down the road. Then, last November my cardiologist said I had gone down to severe catagory, and should do surgery soon. I waited 6 months because I just moved here 18 months ago, and wanted another echo in the same place, etc. Surgery is now scheduled for Thursday, June 2. I chose the mechanical St. Jude because I don't want to do this surgery again in 10-12 yrs. My mother had the same surgery at 66 in 1992, and also chose St. Jude.

Anyone else choose St. Jude, and how are you doing?

Adding you tto our VR family calendar.............WELCOME to our VR FAMILY we are all brothers and sisters in OHS

 

[nngbwh]

Just want to wish you a successful surgery next week. Keep us posted.

 

[Jeff Edmonton]

Many here have St. Jude valves and are doing well. Some have ON-X valves which have great reviews as well. I too choose a mechanical valve as I had no interest in doing the 2nd surgery. However, nothing is guarantied in life...I could end up needing bypass in the future or get endocaritis from a tooth infection and have to have the valve replaced.
I made my choice and have not looked back.

My thoughts and prayers are with you on June 2, 2011.

 

[bdryer]

Hi

At age 55, I went with a MHV. An On-X was implanted in the aortic position. St Jude is the gold standard in MHV's. I went mechanical as I wanted the best chance of NOT going through another operation. Same as you!

 

[carolinemc]

I have had St. Judes for almost 11 years now, almost as old as this wonder place we all congregate in. I have done well, warafin, blood tests, I take in stride from not having surgery for a long time. Had it done as age 38. Still here, doing fine and getting a checkup it 2 1/2 weeks from now. You take care and your mother also.