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Aortic valve replacement

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Posted 2/5/2006 11:05 PM (GMT 0)

This is my first time here. I am 48 years old, turning 49 next month. I have just been diagnosed with a leaky aortic valve and my heart is already enlarged. I have been told I will need a replacement valve within 6 months. I have been put on a strict diet and 30 minutes of cardio a day to get in the best shape possible. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what lies ahead. I am especially worried about the long term effects of the blood thinners used since I am 48. I am looking for some support, a prayer and someone who has been through this proceedure. My Dad passed away at 52 from Coronary disease back in 1970.

 Dale

Posted 2/6/2006 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the HW Dale. I don't know anything about your problem, but i will keep you in my prayers. I have been on blood thinners for almost 6 years. The only problem i've had is when i do my accu checks or i get a scratch i bleed a little longer than most people. I take coumadin and plavix. So good luck, and you came to the right place for support. May god bless you with a long and healthy life. DELTA
Posted 2/6/2006 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much Delta, I love the outdoors and I ride recreational dirt bikes on the weekend with my boys. I know I have some changes ahead, but I would hate to give up the thing that I love the most. I have already been told I will heve to be coumadin the rest of my life. Thank you for your responce and for keeping me in your prayers.
Dale
Posted 2/16/2006 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Dale,

You will be getting a metallic valve, as you are 48. If you were a lot older (65 or older) you probably would get a tissue valve. The reason this is, is that the tissue valves deteriorate and you would have to have another operation in 10-20 years for a redo--which is a worse operation. In getting a metallic valve, yes, you will be put on coumadin for the rest of your life. This will not allow you to ride dirt bikes, because any small fall could be catastrophic for you. In addition, you will need to take antibiotics before visiting dentists or any other type of procedure.

However, on the other side, other than the blood draws and the coumadin, most people with prosthetic valves lead fairly normal lives. Good luck to you.
Posted 2/17/2006 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Dale

I am so sorry to hear of your condition. You seem like such a nice fellow. I'm sure that you are. Unfortunately heart disease doesn't discriminate....

Be careful with the exercise, if you have cardiomyopathy don't lift over 10 lbs., and stay away from SALT. If you haven't been diagnosed as such, be careful anyway...That is a great idea though, that is getting into the best shape you possibly can, prior to the procedure.

Then again I think...How could any exercise, aerobic or anaerobic be good for you at this point? I'm sure that you have been warned when to back off. Know when to rest your heart by lying down or reclining. I know a tad about mechanical pumps and valves, and I know that the leaky aortic valve will over work your heart. When you are standing, gravity will apply a downward force on the blood discharged from your left ventricle, or the big pumper of our hearts, because some amount of this discharged blood is not stopped from flowing backward, due to your aortic valve. The aortic arch, or the discharge header of our fresh oxygenated blood, is higher than our heart. When you are prone, your heart and aortic arch have the same force of gravity applied, which relieves the load on your heart. Hey, I am just a chucklehead, so this is my opinion only, and is my theory.....but based on real physics though.

Heart valve replacement has come a long way, I have read. Maybe someone will drop by, who has personal experience with this.

Try not to worry too much. Keep posting and let your fear(s) be known to your friends here. This can only help you, it seems to me. You will be in my prayers for sure.

RJ
Posted 2/18/2006 3:21 AM (GMT 0)

Thank you so much for all your prayers and responses. I had a heart cath done a week ago Thursday. They found no blockages and all the pressures in the valves were good. The Doctor put me on procardia and wants to monitor the heart every 3 months with an echo. With loosing weight, exercising and medication I could possibly hold off the operation for up to 5 years if the heart shrinks back down.

Dale

Posted 2/18/2006 10:43 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Dale,  That is great news! 

My mom has to have 4 of her valves replaced.  She had to lose weight in order to have the surgery and once she did lose the weight (over 200 lbs) the cardiologist ran more tests and said "well we can hold off for now".  She exercises everyday and takes special care with her diet.  Hopefully it will be many years before having to doing it.

Posted 2/18/2006 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
That's great news Dale, in that you may can delay the valve replacement. The ball is in your court....Do all the right things, starting yesterday.....

RJ
Posted 2/19/2006 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
hi dale, am so glad that things are improving for you, and you have the chance to delay the procedure!!

My dad had a valve replacement done over 20 years ago, i don't really remember much about it as i was a teen then!!!, but as the guys here have already said, the procedure has come a long way since then!!

i wish you all the best and i hope you continue to improve

take care of yourself

mrs mac xxx
Posted 4/6/2006 1:32 AM (GMT 0)

 Hiya,

 My little brother (35) seems to have a recurring bout of Endocarditis. After days of tests in hospital which mostly came back inconclusive he finally had a TEE which revealed a 1.1cm lesion on his Aortic valve which is where his Endo took hold last year because of heart murmour there. After 6 weeks IV back then we thought the infection was gone for good only to seemingly come back now. I say seemingly as the Drs. are apparently scratching their heads. My bro has been released with oral antibiotics for cellulitis which has appeared on his foot (unrelated apparently but who knows!?). Took last of them coupla days ago and now his other symptoms are back. Night sweats, fatigue, groin lymphs up etc.

 Has appt. to go back to hospital on Friday to discuss outcome of conference specialists had re where to go next; valve replacement or maybe scraping valve to culture growth first. He is a jockey so metallic valve would be disasterous. Cardios have said there is possibility for some kind of metal/tissue hybrid? We are becoming increasingly frustrated as this will be second 4hr roundtrip back for answers. He went back last week only to be checked out by an infectious disease LOCUM who knew nothing about his case, so none of us are holding our breath that it will be sorted out this time. We keep getting lots of un-backed up guarantees.

 I am wondering if anyone out there has been in similar situation and what to expect. I think I am most concerned that something will happen or damage is worsening (ie: lesion growth) before Drs. get onto this. My bro. has had several Grand Mal seizures since all this began. He was diagnosed with epilepsy but now the Nuero seems to think they are heart related. Has anyone ever experienced this as a side effect? Hoping some one can help!

 Cheers, Sharon (from Tassie)

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