Valve Lifetime?

[OrlandoTommy]

Hi Everyone,

I have a St Judes valve, a first generation is what the surgeon told me because it was bigger and fit me well.

I was just wondering what are the stats on how many people live long and normal lives after AVR?

I had/have a bicuspid valve as well.

Im trying to be positive about everything, and i really do physically feel good, my arteries are all fine, my Coumadin levels seem to stay at 3.5 and my range should be 2.5-3.5. I also take a baby asprin every day with the special coating on it.

My brain feels a little foggy still 2 months after surgery but i guess that comes with the surgery I went through since i was under for 5 hours.

Thanks for any info in advance my fellow VR friends,

Tommy

 

[Nancy]

Well, my husband had one of his mechanicals for 29 years (got it in his forties). It was a Bjork-Shiley. He also had St. Jude in the mitral position. He recently passed away from other causes. His valves were chugging right along until the end. He was 75 years old with many, many terrible health problems. He did not die of valve malfunction. He lived WAY beyond what his doctors thought he would. Actually a normal lifespan, in spite of the fact that he had mutiple co-morbidities.

So, you are young and in good health otherwise, I'd say, go out and live your life like you would anyway. Enjoy your new gift.

 

[geebee]

Tommy,

It has been 26 1/2 years since my first mechanical was implanted. I have had my St. Jude valve in since 1994. My original mechanical (Bjork-Shiley) was replaced mostly because of a recall but the St. Jude is going great and I expect it to last my lifetime which I expect to be another 50 years at least.

 

[Ross]

My St. Jude is going to outlive me.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The St. Jude Mechanical Valve is the GOLD STANDARD for Longevity. It is designed for more operations (openings and closings, not surgeries) than any human can hope to achieve. ENJOY !

'AL Capshaw'