Young Adults

[jcmm]

That is the scary part about all of the information that we have at our fingertips via the internet, etc. With any stat that is posted, it is just that - a stat - nothing more. I believe that God has a master plan and He is in control every day.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

I am not that young - 39 - but recently had AVR on June 24th and then had a much more complex surgery on August 31st (aneurysm repair - aortic arch, descending aorta and left subclavian artery). The recovery time can be emotionally draining, but I simply try to take it one day at a time and let God be God.

Stay positive, attitude makes a big difference and fear only makes things worse.

 

[Philip B]

Living the best you can

Living the best you can

All things said and done, I guess I'd rather focus my efforts on living my life the best I can rather than spending much time reflecting on when it'll be over. When it's done, it'll be done and worrying about my end won't make my life last one second longer.

-Philip

 

[TXGal]

Excellent point, Lyn. It's also tough for us young folks because there is so little information--and statistics--about people our age. That nurse might be right that the average lifespan for the average person with an AVR is 16 years, but that's because the average age is probably around 60 to begin with. That statistic doesn't help a thirty-year-old. There just isn't enough long-term data out there for young people, but it's definitely *not* 16 years.

I sure hope not! That would mean I only have 6 more years to go!

I have thought a couple of times over the years about when I'm older and concerns.. but the main thing that concerns me is my memory and forgetting to take my coumadin! Hopefully, my husband will be around that long too and can help me remember, lol! I believe that my valve will last me as long as anyone else as long as I stay healthy and take care of myself.. keep regular check-ups, continue with meds that I need, eat healthy & exercise..

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I agree with many of the comments about how to handle the emotional aspect. Its hard for me too. I just wanted to comment on the statistical calculation. A 1% is great news to me (I thought it was around 2%)....but the way I think you need to do the math is 99% of survival each year. Hence you do .99 raised to the number of years you want to calculate survivability. In this case 99% raised to the 30th power is 74%, a 74% survival rate after 30 years. 50 year = 60% survival. This does not take into account the fact that the risk increases as you age. Anyways, the math actually is not soo bad....but what matters more is learning to live with it without it detracting from the moments that you are actually alive and well --- My own self-therapeutic thoughts: if I cannot enjoy these moments when healthy, then when are you going to enjoy life? Anyways, hope this is helpfull or comforting to someone.

Rick

Rick's analysis is correct, but rather than dwelling on how long an artificial valve may last, you may want to look at the Other Side of the Coin, i.e., How Long will YOUR diseased Valve last if you do NOT get it replaced? That would be a good question to ask your Cardio / Surgeon.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Guest]

All things said and done, I guess I'd rather focus my efforts on living my life the best I can rather than spending much time reflecting on when it'll be over.

*nods*

AMEN!


"Life expectancy" statistics are one of my pet peeves.... The statistics could tell you that you have a good chance of living to 100 because of all the healthy things you do ... yet, within an hour of reading that statistic, you could be hit by a bus, etc.

*shrugs*



Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |* Rt 66+northwestUS, 2011?
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Everything is so messed up" ... Puddle of Mud ... 'Blurry'

 

[heartdoc]

Hi Jarrod - I am not sure about the type of information you read in that textbook. I can tell you, though, that there is very good evidence in our cardiac surgery literature showing that your life expectancy after an aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis is perfectly comparable to an age-matched population of patients who do not have aortic valve disease. In other words: once your valve has been replaced, you are as good as anyone else.

Heartdoc