Does pre-emptive surgery make any sense ?

[Adrienne]

I haven't read all the replies so I hope I'm not being repetitive. In any case, I am sure you have regular check-ups and echos. It would seem to me that if the valve were causing some sort of problem, it would probably happen gradually (maybe I am totally wrong, who knows). It just seems that you would have ample time to start thinking about another replacement if and when things start going bad. I realize that could mean OHS at an advanced age, but I still think that if everything looks good on the echos, leave well enough alone!!

 

[dick0236]

To all you experts....thanks. You input to "leave well enough alone" or other phrases to that effect is what I would suggest to someone in a similar situation, and I thank you for reminding me of that. Every now and then, I get to wandering around in my head. Thats a very dangerous place for me to be all by myself.

I am getting ready to go walk nine holes of golf with one of my sons and grandsons. There IS one thing good about having a 41 year old valve. While I can't shoot my age, I can, INFREQUENTLY, shoot its age....for nine holes.

 

[SHEEPDOG]

Thats tricky!

Thats tricky!

Sort of like trying to decide if you should replace the engine that has 250,000 miles before it has any real problems. You could wait but you have the $ and the time NOW. Waiting could work fine but the cash may not be there later and you commute 80 miles a day. (not that your heart resembles an old engine) You have some time to do the research and talk to ALL the docs you can. Good Luck!