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A

AHudson

Hey out there. I am brand new to this site but I am also brand new to even knowing what the heck my Mitral Valve is. I am 35 and my Card thinks it is "impressive" that I have had 3 kids, etc., and have never "noticed" any symptoms until now and now looks like we are going to have to replace the valve. I can tell you it scares the crud outta me BUT this site has helped (been lurking for a couple of days - just soaking up information).
 
Hello there and welcome to this wonderful site. Im sorry that you have problems with your mitral valve, but you have certainly come to the right place for support and information, that will definitely help you along the way. Best Wishes.
 
Welcome- glad you decided to come out of the dark. You will find a lot of good information here and support as you start this journey up and over the mountain, so take some time to read the valve selection and pre-surgery threads and let us help by trying to answer any questions that might arise.
 
You sound like I did a couple of years ago when I first discovered my mitral valve was leaking. I haven't retained anything from high school biology :rolleyes:

Welcome to the VR community. Sorry about the circumstances but glad you decided to join us.
 
Hi,
you will get lots of help and support on here, welcome, do you know when you are looking at surgery? wishing you all the best when the time comes. Paula
 
Hey Ahudson,

Welcome. I can relate to your story.

I am thirty-five.

And, like you, I didn't see this whole coming at me like it did.

However, fifteen months later, I'm back surfing and traveling the world for fun and business.

If there is anything you need, let us know.

FYI, if you want some data to help NOT scare the 'crud outta ya', here are some statistics about heart valve surgery that might help.

Cheers,

Adam
 
Mornin - (I think we had another A Hudson years back and at first I thought you were he). Welcome to VR. You are in the best site there is to get first hand information about what is happening with you and what will happen in the future. Hang in, read and we'll be right here for all your questions.
 
Welcome. You said your cardio thinks your mitral valve will have to be replaced. More often than not the mitral valve can be repaired which is a much better solution when it can be done. Make sure you choose a surgeon that is an expert in repairs. Then, even if in the end the surgeon has to replace the valve, you will know that it was not because you did not choose the best surgeon.
 
AHudson:

No doubt you're acquiring a graduate degree in valvology now! :D
It does feel somewhat daunting when you're blindsided and seemingly have to acquire a great deal of info on a medical condition. You've come to the right place to help you do that. There's a forum here with references; you'll want to visit that section and peruse some of the links.

I saw under your profile that you have MV stenosis. I'm more familiar with MV regurgitation and prolapse; perhaps MV stenosis can also be corrected with a repair, rather than a replacement, such as through a valvuotomy (misspelled, I know), a balloon-like stretching procedure.

As I write this, I'm waiting at my husband's bedside at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. He will be taken downstairs in about 90 minutes for a mitral valve repair. We found a surgeon who has operated on quite a few others here. Our backup plan is a mechanical replacement.

Do lots of homework, but don't let yourself get overwhelmed. When you feel that way, voice your concerns here. We have so many members that there are bound to be some who can answer your questions.
 
Welcome to VR.com! We're glad you found us. I had mitral valve stenosis and had a mechanical replacement almost 26 years ago. My valve and I are still going strong. There are many people here with lots of experience and wisdom. They've given me a lot of help and advice. And we're all really good listeners. I'm glad I found this site. There's nothing quite like talking with others who have "been there, done that". Once again, welcome aboard!! LINDA
 
twinmaker said:
Welcome to VR.com! We're glad you found us. I had mitral valve stenosis and had a mechanical replacement almost 26 years ago. My valve and I are still going strong. There are many people here with lots of experience and wisdom. They've given me a lot of help and advice. And we're all really good listeners. I'm glad I found this site. There's nothing quite like talking with others who have "been there, done that". Once again, welcome aboard!! LINDA
Click to expand...

Whoa Linda!!!

26 Years????!!!!!

I hope I'm as fortunate as you... In fact, I wish all of us are as fortunate as you.

Unbelievable and inspirational!!! :D

Cheers,

Adam
 
Thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome. I have no doubt that as time goes on I will come to know all of you better and have lots of questions and concerns. I am still trying to figure everything out. I had my second EchoCardiogram yesterday now I am waiting for my Card to get back to me. I believe he said the next step was a cardiac catheritization...whatever you call it - it doesn't sound like fun.

I'll just keep reading and learning and when I hear from the doc. i will let you know what he says.

Everyone....have a great day!
 
Hearing you need valve replacement surgery is probably one of the scariest things a doctor can hit you with. Sounds like you have been lucky to have 3 children without problems.

When I had my first OHS in 1980, things were much different. Mortality was higher, ACT was still primative (depending on the valve you choose, this may not matter to you), and we were not usually given a choice as to the type of valve. Facing your first OHS in 2007 gives you way more than a fighting chance. The mortality rate these days is around 1% (or so) and the choices of valves can be mindboggling.

Sit back, relax, ask questions, do some more research. We will help you get through this with flying colors.

Welcome.
 
AHudson said:
Thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome. I have no doubt that as time goes on I will come to know all of you better and have lots of questions and concerns. I am still trying to figure everything out. I had my second EchoCardiogram yesterday now I am waiting for my Card to get back to me. I believe he said the next step was a cardiac catheritization...whatever you call it - it doesn't sound like fun.

I'll just keep reading and learning and when I hear from the doc. i will let you know what he says.

Everyone....have a great day!
Click to expand...

The cardiac catherization is very easy for the patient. The bad part for me was afterwards because I had to keep my leg straight lying down for 6 hours. However, I see from this forum that a lot of people have had plugs put in to keep the artery closed, so they don't have that problem.
 
Welcome...
The world of OHS is rather scary for the newcomers...hopefully we are able to help you through this difficult period and show you that there is life after OHS.
I see you are a little worried about the Cardiac-Cath....Don't be...its nowhere near as bad as you imagine...I found it very interesting to watch on the screen and yet I was also very scared beforehand. They gave me extra Valium to calm me down and I didnt feel a thing.
 
Welcome!

I was 30 years old when I had my mitral valve repaired last June. I'd known about my valve problem almost literally from birth, so knowing that valve surgery was inevitable was never an issue; I just accepted it.

I can imagine what it might feel like to be somewhat blindsided by the realization that you'll need heart surgery. Even though I always knew, I was not prepared for when I needed surgery. Everything happened so quickly that even now it's hard to believe I'm now eleven months past having my valve repaired.

I've had three heart caths myself, and they weren't anything to worry about. I was so sedated that a live band could have come into the cath lab, played a few sets, and left and I would haven't even noticed. I went through plenty of tests before my surgery. Annoying, yes, but I understood and gladly accepted my cardiologist's intentions.

I hope that you and your cardiologist have a good relationship. That is vital to your pre- and post-surgery care. I have tons of respect for mine; he's seen me through it all and has been kind, professional, and most of all, supportive.

Keep us updated, and we'll cheer you on every step of the way.

Debi (debster913)
 
WELCOME as others have said this is a great site for both informaton and support. I only joined a month ago and have already learnt more than i thought possible. By using the search i read all the posts about stuff i need to know and the things i can't find i ask and "hey presto" i get the answers. The other thing is the support i know that when my time for surgery comes everyone here will also be with me in a way only others that have been there can. Once again welcome....mary
 
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