Who has been through 2 surgeries?

[Shelba]

How many of you have been through a second valve replacement/heart surgery? I am really worried that I'll go through my surgery, get a tissue valve, then come out of it only to live in fear of the second surgery that I know is coming?

I know some of you have mentioned that additional risks come with additional surgeries, so this is weighing on my mind.

Also, any of you that went with a valve choice and know that you have a second surgery in the future, what is your feeling on that? Is it something you think about a lot?

Thanks,
Michele

 

[Nancy]

Joe's had 3 valve surgeries, aortic mechanical, mitral mechanical and a leak repair on the mitral.

Each additional surgery becomes more difficult, for the surgeon and for the patient. Scar tissue and adhesions come into play, your body's older and this is something not often discussed but it's important. When you have additional surgeries, you will not get recommended for the surgery until you are more ill than you were when you had your first valve surgery. Risk to benefit ratio starts to come into play.

ShezaGirlie posted a thread with a poll asking the questions about valve selection versus a second surgery.

Here's the link

http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4831&highlight=poll

 

[Shelba]

Thanks, Nancy. I went and read the poll and all of the comments. Very helpful!

Michele

 

[Gnusgal]

I've had two open heart surgeries, four pacemaker surgeries, and a shunt from my heart to my lungs. I've also had gall bladder surgery, an ovarian cyst removed, and my tonsils out. All in all I've had a total of 10 surgeries. And I know I'm not done having surgeries, even though I have the mechanical valve. To be honest, the hardest recovery was from the ovarian cyst because of the blood loss. Of course, I've been young for all of them so I don't know how I will respond as I get older. Surgery doesn't scare me much anymore. I'd much rather have another surgery than have no more options. Because that is when they will put me on the transplant list... THAT scares me.

Don't know if that helped any, but I thought I'd share.

 

[Ross]

Two open heart surgeries.
Left Total Hip Replacement.
Open Lung Biopsy.
Ah, I can keep going, but you get the point.

All I think about now is Dear God please no more ever again.

 

[wanagto]

Three open heart, at least one more ahead. Sure I think about it. I try not to let it control my life. Some days it is harder to not think about it. I had no control of the tpye of valve they put in me, I was a minor at the time. The last one was the hardest on me phisically. Some of that, I think is becaue they did not put me through any rehab, I had the work done at a Childrens hospital. I think that the 14 hours did me in. They said that the scar tissue that had developed was a major cause of the extened time. Overall, if you can do it on a semi-elective basis. Don't wait until you are too weak, it will be harder recover. It is a battle that the higher powers have put us hear to fight.

 

[Les]

Hi Michele,
I'm a two surgery veteran. The third time is NOT a charm, therefore, I'm not going there!

 

[Guest]

I agree with Mark...one day at a time...heck, even 1 surgery at a time.

I've had 3 open heart surgeries (was just "waking up" a year ago tonight, 1/7/03, from my 3rd one...LOL!), and after each one, I can't say I've "lived in fear" of the next. Instead, I've more or less put it out of my mind...and focused on living...and doing what I enjoy .

I do realize now, tho, that this last one was more "realistic" for me, in that I am "older" and realized how short/precious life is. The ones before, I was still "just a kid"...and felt invincible. This last time, didn't feel that quite as much....

Not sure if that makes any sense, but I hope it helps you somewhat anyway .

Peace...Always,
Cort S, pig's valve & pacemaker-enhanced 30/swm
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[Jean]

I espouse the "head in the sand" attitude. I have a homograph and that is what I wanted and I am not sorry I got it.

I go on the theory that medical advances will continue and by the time I need another one, things will be easier. I have a friend whose brother had a porcine valve 20 years ago in Feb. and it is still going! I will worry about it when I get there! Enjoy the healthy todays!

 

[Raverlaw]

Michele,

Maybe the question you should be asking is:

"Is anyone sorry they got a mechanical valve?"

I know you're concerned about pregnancy. My wife had a very difficult first pregnancy and our daughter was premature. It nearly killed my wife and it is a miracle that our daughter lived and is normal. What I'm saying is that pregnancy is dangerous for any woman, and extremely dangerous for one with heart trouble.

My sister couldn't conceive and adopted. Lots of our friends have adopted, some from overseas. All are VERY happy; their kids are wonderful and you'd never know from observing the relationship that the kids weren't *natural* (whatever that means.) The parent-child bond is established after birth, not by birth. And they have the additional satisfaction of knowing that they gave an unwanted child a loving home and a real chance in life.

Your health should be your first concern. Which option will make you the healthiest, best mom for your child?

 

[kurli]

Hi i've had two open heart surguries and one closed.
the first two ops were easiest as i was only 2 yrs old.
14 months ago I had pulmonary homograft and closure of asd.
This was tough because my hospital visit was a nightmare.... i dont like nurses that treat u like a number. thats public australian hospitals for you.
Any way I am only 21 yrs old and i know that I will need at least one more surgury before I die and this scares me some days only because I think about having children before my heart gets to weak and i need more surgury but then i think will i be able to cope with a pregnancy!!!
So the best thing to do is not tho think to far into the future and be greatful that god got you through your first surgury and u r alive to tell your story.

By the time you need more surgury medical advancements will be so much better then they are now.

 

[Peggy in Alaska]

I agree with Knightfan

I agree with Knightfan

Michele:

I agree with Knightfan - take one surgery at a time. And for some, such as my condition, I understand I do not have the choice of a mechanical - it will be porcine.


Jean: That is so good to hear that your brother's porcine valve is 20 yrs. old. How old was he when he got it? That sure makes me feel good. If I can put off surgery long enough [I am 48] and my new valve lasts 20 years, I might not need a 2nd surgery in my lifetime!