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Are there any heart patients on here?

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Posted 8/13/2016 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
I'll try to make this short.

My mom has had a mechanical heart valve since I was 15. Her body has trouble with blood thinners so her Coumadin is difficult to manage.

My mom also has bad knees and needs replacement surgery but cannot have it due to the Coumadin. She has decided she wants elective heart surgery to replace the mechanical valve which should last a lifetime, with a cow valve which she claims will only last 8-12 years. You can only have 2 valve replacements in a lifetime for a reason I do not know, so basically she's telling me that her valve could give out by the time she's 75 and what....my mom just dies??

My anxiety is off the charts over this right now. I'm angry and upset and I just want to know if anyone knows anything about how long these valves last. I read 10-20 years but don't know what to believe.
Posted 8/13/2016 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Park,

Totally understand your frustration and concern. How long can your mom wait before knee surgery? Are there other options like PT, braces, etc? Or is there no option?

I do know from nursing school that biological valves (cow, pig, etc) are not recommended to anyone under 70 years for this reason. BUT they last for 10-20 years, according to what I've learned.

I pray your mom has good doctor's that would steer her away from any rash decision making that would put her in any life span lessening.
Posted 8/13/2016 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
BM,

Thanks for your reply!

In regards to her knees, she insists that this surgery is a must and will change her life. Ok, fine.

What hs really had me bugged is that she has insisted that switching to the cow valve will give her 8-12 more years and everything I read says 10-20. So sadly.....I think my mom is exaggerating for attention and it makes me want to scream. This would be very typical of her, as crazy as it sounds.
Posted 8/13/2016 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
Doesn't sound crazy.

My dad told me today he's experiencing internal bleeding, when in reality it's hemorrhoids. So, trust me, I get it.

When is she aiming to get everything done?
Posted 8/13/2016 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Ugh! You get it.

The heart surgery will be done in October and then as soon as she's allowed she wants double knee replacement.
Posted 8/13/2016 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
I get it too. keep strong.
Posted 8/13/2016 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Turtle. I appreciate the support you guys. Worrying about my mom and not knowing if what she's saying is true or not, is really triggering my anxiety.
Posted 8/13/2016 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
Park, you may have already done this but she needs a second opinion, there are other good anti-clotting
drugs out there, also the knee surgeon and cardiac surgeon need to have a conference, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 8/13/2016 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
P,

Keep us updated on everything.

XO
Posted 8/13/2016 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
P.,

Sorry she...and you are going through this.:/ Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you both!

Check in with the Heart forum if you've not done so already. ..someone there may have some experience to share...

S.C.
Posted 8/14/2016 6:47 AM (GMT 0)
i'm there. but it needs blood flow!!!
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