R
rcatalano
Hello,
I had AVR surgery 14 years ago at the age of 31. I had a homograft and have been very happy with the results. At the time, I was told they didn't really know how long it would last, but was estimated between 8-10 years.
I don't know yet that I need another surgery. An EKG last week shows my heart is working significantly harder than past exams. I go for an echo and stress test at the end of the month.
My question, finally, concerns valve selection the second time around. Since I already have a homograft, am I in any way limited in my selection the second time around? I have not had this discussion yet with my doctor and haven't given it much thought the past 14 years.
I've been happy with the homograft since it has let me live a normal life (if you don't count forcing me to retire from the Navy with 30% permanent disability, but thats a story for another time).
Thanks in advance for anyone's experience or insight on the return trip to the operating room.
Rob Catalano
I had AVR surgery 14 years ago at the age of 31. I had a homograft and have been very happy with the results. At the time, I was told they didn't really know how long it would last, but was estimated between 8-10 years.
I don't know yet that I need another surgery. An EKG last week shows my heart is working significantly harder than past exams. I go for an echo and stress test at the end of the month.
My question, finally, concerns valve selection the second time around. Since I already have a homograft, am I in any way limited in my selection the second time around? I have not had this discussion yet with my doctor and haven't given it much thought the past 14 years.
I've been happy with the homograft since it has let me live a normal life (if you don't count forcing me to retire from the Navy with 30% permanent disability, but thats a story for another time).
Thanks in advance for anyone's experience or insight on the return trip to the operating room.
Rob Catalano