How long does a mech valve last? would be cool to chat to someone about it?

[Simon]

Hi There, I'm new on here looks like a great site .
I've had my aortic mech valve for ten years I cant seem to get a straight answer to how long it will last or if I'm to expect any complications in the future, I was only 23 when I had it done and I'm now living with high anxiety and panic attacks. I see everyday as my last and cant look to the future, does anyone have any advice ?

Thnks

Simon

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Welcome Aboard Simon !

You should be relieved to know that Mechanical Valves are designed to last Longer than You will, i.e. more openings and closings than anyone would expect in their lifetime.

Are you getting regular checkups (including echocardiograms) by your Cardiologist?

Assuming NO symptoms of any heart realated issues, you should see your Cardio every 2 years for an EKG and Echocardiogram. With that schedule, he should be able to pick up on any changes that need to be followed.

Who is managing your anti-coagulation (Coumadin / Warfarin)?

Since you didn't mention it, I *assume* you are within range most of the time and not having any issues there. You may enjoy reading through the anti-coagulation forum just to meet fellow anticoagulation patients and to see how others fare with that regimen.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[njean]

Hi There, I'm new on here looks like a great site .
I've had my aortic mech valve for ten years I cant seem to get a straight answer to how long it will last or if I'm to expect any complications in the future, I was only 23 when I had it done and I'm now living with high anxiety and panic attacks. I see everyday as my last and cant look to the future, does anyone have any advice ?

Thnks

Simon

Welcome to the forum Simon & I was only a year older than you when I had my first OHS ---- that was 33 years ago this coming December 11th!!!

I had double valve implants, aortic & mitral; they were placed with mechanical valves & I've been on coumadin for 33 years also without any real restrictions. And I also had 3 other major surgeries other than OHS within these 33 years, surviving the bridging (lovenox) etc., without major complications! My 3rd & most recent OHS was in 2006 to swap out one of the old valves for a newer St. Jude valve. The other old valve (33 years old) still ticks away in my heart too. It is showing signs of stress & eventually it will most likely have to be replaced too, but until that day comes my friend, I just take each day at a time.

"Live life today & don't worry too much about tomorrow" and not dwell too much on what's going to happen tomorrow! Que sera, sera!

 

[Bina]

Hi Simon and welcome. There is no magical answer because sometimes our bodies can grow extra tissue or other irregularites can come along. The actual mech valve should not fail you at any time soon. They are a great piece of engineering.
I am also a nervous type of person, and I have not quite moved on with everything in my life, BUT, I have come to peace with my situation and have learned acceptance.
This web site has been a huge help to me and I think it will be to you to.
Stick around and learn and absorb what info pertains to you. And I'm guessing that you can be a real help to some of the younger valvers who show up here kind of confused.
(have you tried relaxation therapy?)

 

[geebee]

Welcome Simon.

You had your valve replaced so you can live. Please live and try not to worry. Your valve could even conceivably give you a longer life than someone who did not have valve replacement. There just is no way to know. None of us knows how much time we have; the trick is to live the life you have left.

 

[nadi]

Welcome to this GREAT site!!! I had my Mitral replaced in 2003 with a mechanical surgeon suggested mech that way I probably not need it replaced in 2007 I had a stroke from a clot that formed on the valve.(IMHO from hitting my noggin on the bottom swimming pool)was told it did not need to be replaced then. so I'm not going to worry about and live my life to the fullest that I can. Just Make sure you have a competent Dr. to follow your PT/INR level

 

[Ross]

Welcome to this GREAT site!!! I had my Mitral replaced in 2003 with a mechanical surgeon suggested mech that way I probably not need it replaced in 2007 I had a stroke from a clot that formed on the valve.(IMHO from hitting my noggin on the bottom swimming pool)was told it did not need to be replaced then. so I'm not going to worry about and live my life to the fullest that I can. Just Make sure you have a competent Dr. to follow your PT/INR level

I still think it's because you haven't danced naked with me in the pale moonlight.

 

[ryen0]

Hi Simon and welcome. Just wanted to say i'm with you as far as being young and worried about the future. I just had my repair 4 months ago at the age of 27. You've made it ten years with no problems i assume, so i doubt you will have any in future. The truth is nobody really knows how long they have. The only difference between them and us is that now we think about it. Heart surgery does that to you. Forces you to think about it, where as before you didn't really. This is a great site, and many have had their valves for years and lead a normal life. It sounds like your like me. The mental and emotional state of it is far worse and makes you hold back. You just have to drive through those mental walls. It's easier to give advice, than to take it though believe me The ONLY good thing about having this surgery young is that our bodies bounce back from it quicker and with less complications. So if you've made it ten years, i'd start trying to forget about it. easier said than done.

 

[dick0236]

Hi There, I'm new on here looks like a great site .
I've had my aortic mech valve for ten years I cant seem to get a straight answer to how long it will last or if I'm to expect any complications in the future, I was only 23 when I had it done and I'm now living with high anxiety and panic attacks. I see everyday as my last and cant look to the future, does anyone have any advice ?

Thnks

Simon

Hi Simon .....there is really no way of knowing how long your valve will last, but it has a design life longer than you will need it . I was 31 when my first, and only mechanical valve was implanted. That was 41+ years ago. You have come thru the worst part and your future should be bright. Live your life as you WANTto live it "one day at a time". Sounds kind of corny but that has been the only thing that has worked for me.

I'll give you one piece of advice, although you probably already do it. Take your Warfarin as prescribed and test frequently. I really wasn't aware, back in the olden days, of the problems that out-of-control warfarin can cause. That led to my ONLY CHRONIC complication.

Stick around, they say that "knowledge is power" and this form can provide you with the knowledge to live a comfortable life with your valve.

I can guarantee that whatever is on your mind or what your problem might be, someone here has probably experienced it.

 

[Simon]

Thanks to every for your words of kindness and understanding, many of you have been throu so much and seem so strong, its a real help to me to hear your storys. Does having a heart valve mean you have a week heart or prone to heart attack? My INR is always all over the place witch worries me and I sometimes drink to fortget, I know it seem dramatic but I cant help it, I was a touring musician for many years and drink has always been part of the package, anyway thanks again I'm really glad I found this site

P.S sorry I didnt have time to reply induvidually but hope to speak soon

Simon

 

[BDMc]

Hey Simon! Welcome! I lived with a lot of anxiety about my valve for years. Surgery in '84, valve recalled in early'85. Online data for my valve has it's lifetime averaged at 13 years. It has been just over 24 for me. Still ticking away. This forum was a very real help in dealing with my anxiety. I think I found it in 2006, and then got a check up with echo. I told my PCP how anxious I was, and he was very reassuring. I have stayed quite active all this time, and have also had friends and family that drew me out into life. That was great for forgetting the anxiety. I had been savoring experiences with those I love, as well as walks/rides/ paddles/sails admiring nature for some time. That focus on appreciation seemed to help me focus on living more in the present. As Gina said, we never know how much time we have, so make the best of it. Seems to be working for me. If you have other specific fears, I think it will help to discuss them. All the best, Brian