L
livingfree
My mother has been told that she should have her aortic valve replaced, and that unless she does so she has just 3 years to live. She has NO heart symptoms at all -- she fainted a week ago and was worked up and that was when they found the constricted valve -- but she has NO pains, shortness of breath, etc.
Mom has a wonderful mind still, but her body is failing her. She has lost 5 inches to osteoporosis, she has arthritis, she has trouble exercising. But she loves her life and she has lots of friends and family and a wonderful quality of life in her own home. I am terrified that she is about to throw her remaining good years onto the table (literally) on the chance that she might gain a few extra years beyond 90!
I have so many questions. Can an osteoporotic sternum and ribs heal properly? How does a frail 87-year-old handle cardiac rehab? What are the risks? We have been told that she has a 1-in-5 chance of DYING ON THE TABLE, and that is not even the worst of it -- she also could have a stroke, a heart attack, and who knows what else as a result of the surgery.
Does anyone have any experience with a frail elderly person having aortic valve replacement?? I am grateful for anything that you can tell me!
Mom has a wonderful mind still, but her body is failing her. She has lost 5 inches to osteoporosis, she has arthritis, she has trouble exercising. But she loves her life and she has lots of friends and family and a wonderful quality of life in her own home. I am terrified that she is about to throw her remaining good years onto the table (literally) on the chance that she might gain a few extra years beyond 90!
I have so many questions. Can an osteoporotic sternum and ribs heal properly? How does a frail 87-year-old handle cardiac rehab? What are the risks? We have been told that she has a 1-in-5 chance of DYING ON THE TABLE, and that is not even the worst of it -- she also could have a stroke, a heart attack, and who knows what else as a result of the surgery.
Does anyone have any experience with a frail elderly person having aortic valve replacement?? I am grateful for anything that you can tell me!