Tricuspid and Mitral Valve Repair Coming Up

[S Walker]

Hello out there. My first post has me asking for contact with anyone who has undergone both tricuspid and mitral valve repair/replacement at the same time - the former procedure seems to be comparatively uncommon, although I see, coincidentally, that someone is undergoing this today!

I have already undergone an atrial septal defect repair in 1962 (one of the earliest here in Vancouver) at the age of 12 years, as well as a pericardectomy in 1973 when I was 23. Now, at 59 I had a pacemaker put in due to a very slow heartrate, 'sick sinus syndrome', have severe regurg in both valves and an enlarged heart. I am fortunate to have few other symptoms apart from shortness of breath on pretty taxing exertion.

I have concerns about this being my third open heart surgery, in particular, the sternum break issue and was looking forward to hearing of others' experience. The pericardectomy was via a thoracotomy, so this would only be my second sternum break - I have lots of scars!!!

Looking forward to any input?

 

[Mary]

Hello out there. My first post has me asking for contact with anyone who has undergone both tricuspid and mitral valve repair/replacement at the same time - the former procedure seems to be comparatively uncommon, although I see, coincidentally, that someone is undergoing this today!

I have already undergone an atrial septal defect repair in 1962 (one of the earliest here in Vancouver) at the age of 12 years, as well as a pericardectomy in 1973 when I was 23. Now, at 59 I had a pacemaker put in due to a very slow heartrate, 'sick sinus syndrome', have severe regurg in both valves and an enlarged heart. I am fortunate to have few other symptoms apart from shortness of breath on pretty taxing exertion.

I have concerns about this being my third open heart surgery, in particular, the sternum break issue and was looking forward to hearing of others' experience. The pericardectomy was via a thoracotomy, so this would only be my second sternum break - I have lots of scars!!!

Looking forward to any input?

I can't help you with any of the concerns you have, but I can say, "Welcome"!

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to VR, fellow Canuck. Glad you found us. I can't answer your specific concerns as I'm a one-timer so far. Others with multiple surgery experience should be along to provide their insights. Best wishes and good luck.

 

[kfay]

I'm sorry I didn't respond to your response earlier, but you said you wanted someone who had both done. I obviously have only had my tricuspid replaced...there are a few of us on here (although I can't recall someone who has had both mitral and tricuspid replaced). Feel free to ask us any questions you have.

Kim

 

[Jkm7]

I only (only .... how can one say 'only' ?) had mitral replacement (my surgeon hoped for repair but after earnest attempt, he knew it would be a bad repair) but it was my second OHS in four years and second time I had a sternal opening. My surgeon at Mass General was very non-chalant about handling it. Both before and after my surgery (I had the same surgeon both times), he said it was not a problem reopening my sternum.

Most of us would suggest that "just in case", you discuss with your surgeon your choice of valve in the event he cannot effect a good repair. Better he know what you want implanted than make the decision during the surgery without your input.

Happy you found us...... sorry for the reason.

Best wishes.

 

[Eva]

Most of us would suggest that "just in case", you discuss with your surgeon your choice of valve in the event he cannot effect a good repair. Better he know what you want implanted than make the decision during the surgery without your input.

Happy you found us...... sorry for the reason.

Welcome aboard. I had a double valve replacement. When I went into surgery, the surgeon was definitely replacing my aortic valve, but undecisive about my mitral valve--it was beyond repair and I am glad he replaced it...one OHS, one recovery, etc.

As said above, in case your valve needed replacement, discuss with your surgeon your valve choice.

Good luck.

 

[zipper2]

S Walker,just like to say hello and glad you found us

sorry for reasons,but you are here. Can't answer your question

i had aortic VR in 92 at age 31 and just waiting round for call

on 2nd surgery to recieve a mech.mitral 16 years later.

soooooooo can't answer but be sure let us know when your surgery

will be scheduled.

zipper2 (DEB)

 

[Montrealer]

Welcome aboard and hope somebody can help you with your questions.....

 

[S Walker]

Thank you all for replying to my post…it's very comforting to hear from others who have lived to tell the tale and are so supportive.

I am pretty sure I will be needing replacement rather than repair on at least one of the two valves, and I am hoping for tissue rather than mechanical because I think I would go crazy from the noise and would prefer to not have to take coumadin. Of course, I will take what I get and be grateful for it, but at least I will ask for my first choice.

All will be revealed on the 21st when I see the surgeon and I expect some of my questions will be answered. This forum has been very helpful and enlightening. I guess I'm not really sure what questions I want to ask yet, but knowing you are there I feel confident that when I do, I know where to go.

Thanks so much again.

 

[cherbam]

Triple valve replacement

Triple valve replacement

Hi S Walker,
I had my Mitral, Aortic and Tricuspid Valves all replaced on 12/23/04. Mitral and Aortic are St. Jude Mechanical and Tricuspid is bovine. I have never felt better and have had no problems since (I am 43 yrs). Please feel free to fire away with any questions and I will do my best to answer them. Cheryl

 

[Judy]

Double Repair

Double Repair

I too only have had 1 surgery but did have my Mitral and Tricuspid repaired on January 3 of 2008. I originally went in for just the Mitral but the surgeon saw that the Tricuspid needed some work too so he gave me the 2 for 1 special. I didn't find this site until well after my surgery, but if I had, I know that I would have been much better armed with questions and as others have said made choices for the what if I couldn't have the repair and needed a replacement.

Best Wishes.

 

[S Walker]

Hi S Walker,
I had my Mitral, Aortic and Tricuspid Valves all replaced on 12/23/04. Mitral and Aortic are St. Jude Mechanical and Tricuspid is bovine. I have never felt better and have had no problems since (I am 43 yrs). Please feel free to fire away with any questions and I will do my best to answer them. Cheryl

Thanks for your reply. I was surprised to see that they mixed mechanical and bovine valves for you - I guess I just assumed they would go one way or the other. Presumably you have to take coumadin then? Do you find that a problem?

 

[S Walker]

I too only have had 1 surgery but did have my Mitral and Tricuspid repaired on January 3 of 2008. I originally went in for just the Mitral but the surgeon saw that the Tricuspid needed some work too so he gave me the 2 for 1 special. I didn't find this site until well after my surgery, but if I had, I know that I would have been much better armed with questions and as others have said made choices for the what if I couldn't have the repair and needed a replacement.

Best Wishes.

And thanks to you as well Judy - did you also get a mechanical and a bovine? or? If the former are you at all bothered by the clicking? I have real concerns about both the noise and the coumadin although, as I said earlier, I will take what they deem to be best for me in the long term.

 

[Jkm7]

I had mitral replacement in February. My second OHS in four years. Like you, I had real concerns re: clicking and coumadin (among other things.) My surgeon hoped for a repair but we discussed my he could not repair it and knew I wanted a tissue if I had to have a replacement. My surgeon abided by my wishes and, for me, that was the right choice and I'm very grateful I made it known.

Sending you best wishes as you make your decisions.

 

[kfay]

Thanks for your reply. I was surprised to see that they mixed mechanical and bovine valves for you - I guess I just assumed they would go one way or the other. Presumably you have to take coumadin then? Do you find that a problem?[/QUOTE

Tissue valves are preferred for the right side of the heart. You are more likely to form a clot with a mechanical tricuspid valve than with a tissue.

Kim

 

[cherbam]

I have had no problems at all with warfarin/coumadin. I guess I always thought of it like brushing your teeth and showering, something that needs to be done everyday. The ticking was a little loud at first but now I hardly notice it, great conversation piece!!!

 

[S Walker]

I had mitral replacement in February. My second OHS in four years. Like you, I had real concerns re: clicking and coumadin (among other things.) My surgeon hoped for a repair but we discussed my he could not repair it and knew I wanted a tissue if I had to have a replacement. My surgeon abided by my wishes and, for me, that was the right choice and I'm very grateful I made it known.

Sending you best wishes as you make your decisions.

Thanks for your response…do you mind if I ask how your recovery from the second OHS went? Did they go in through your sternum both times? I've had both entries so I'm assuming for this third time they will plump for the sternum to get better access for the tricuspid replacement.

 

[S Walker]

Thanks for your reply. I was surprised to see that they mixed mechanical and bovine valves for you - I guess I just assumed they would go one way or the other. Presumably you have to take coumadin then? Do you find that a problem?[/QUOTE

Tissue valves are preferred for the right side of the heart. You are more likely to form a clot with a mechanical tricuspid valve than with a tissue.

Kim

Your message was heartening (sic!) as I definitely prefer the idea of tissue – hopefully they will be able to give me a mitral one as well! There isn't much info web-wide on tricuspid valve replacement - most entries concern mitral valve surgery. I didn't know about the tissue preference for tricuspid valves. Thanks for that.

 

[S Walker]

I have had no problems at all with warfarin/coumadin. I guess I always thought of it like brushing your teeth and showering, something that needs to be done everyday. The ticking was a little loud at first but now I hardly notice it, great conversation piece!!!

Of course, if that's what I get, then so be it. You seem to be totally okay with it all and I am sure that if I have to I will get used to the noise too! Thanks.

 

[cherbam]

Best thing that could have happened

Best thing that could have happened

I was so excited that I was getting this surgery and people told me that I was crazY(for being excited). I guess it really didn't matter what they did when they got in there. All that I wanted was to feel better and live normally without being tired and sick all the time. Now I have that. I go to the gym 5 days a week, lifting weights and cardio and I have never been healthier and happier. I know you will do great with whatever you decide. Just remember, it only gets better