What are the benefits of the surgery and how long will they last?

[Guest]

What are the benefits of the surgery and how long will they last? It is important that your healthcare provider outline the specific benefits of having surgery for you. You should also ask how long the benefits typically last. Some benefits only last a short time, and could possibly need a second operation, while others may last a lifetime. Also, ask your healthcare provider about published information regarding the outcomes of the recommended procedure. This will allow you to make an informed decision and have realistic expectations about the surgery.

 

[Paleowoman]

You don't die, that's the benefit of surgery for valve replacement !

 

[dick0236]

What are the benefits of the surgery and how long will they last?.

As Anne posted "you don't die". At age 30 my docs told me I had a life expectancy of about 10 years without a valve replacement.....but with surgery, they would implant a valve that was tested to last 50 years......and that would be long enough for me to "live a normal life". I'm now hoping they were wrong.......the valve will be 50 years old this coming August and I'm thinking I'll need it for a few more years.

 

[scott.eitman]

Not dieing is just one of the benefits. It may not even be one of the urgent benefits.

Other benefits include:
* A better quality of life
* seeing children and grandchildren grow up
* Membership in a great group of people that associate here
* for me, I started working our with the local HS wresting team a year and a half after my first.
* I started bicycling more.

My story can be found at: mendedhearts138.org

Take a look at mendedhearts.org/education/valve-disease

 

[zee112]

As others have posted, not dying is a major benefit. There is also one more reason for people to look after themselves via dieting and exercise. I'm not sure if others share my view, but I see this as a blessing as it's forced me to eat properly, exercise and live a generally healthy life. I don't think I'd have bothered like many other 'normal' people had I not needed AVR/PVR.