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Aortic Stenosis & Valve Replacement
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Jul 8 6:34am | Replies (151)Comment receiving replies
My original post got cut off some how. Here it is....
I have congential heart defect( bicuspid aotic valve stenosis) evidently I was born with this
( bicuspid aortic valve) and never knew, also have a heart murmer. I never had any problems as a child. I swam competitively until my late teens. Fast forward to today, I'm a male 52 years old in fairly good health, some cholesterol
issues, but under control with a statin drug. In 2016/2017 I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, after experiencing loss of energy, fatigue, chest tightness, some light headedness/ dizziness and shortness of breath, sometimes just doing minimally everyday tasks.
I've had two echos, heart cath, two treadmill stress tests.
Since the first tests, until the most recent tests in January 2019, my stenosis is showing more narrowing. My cardio has suggested I need to have valve replacement surgery( mechanical valve) in the next 3-6 months and has recommended a surgeon along with more testing. Im overwhelmed at the thought of facing open heart surgery... what is my life expectancy without having the surgery? 3-5 years? I have alot to digest right now. What question should I be asking? Very overwhelmed.
Replies to "My original post got cut off some how. Here it is.... I have congential heart defect(..."
Hello @tjmcdon
I can understand your concerns regarding heart surgery. Like @lioness said it has become more of a routine procedure now. I have been faced with this same situation and I would like to share with you some of the questions or procedures that I have followed:
1. Always get a second opinion before considering surgery.
2. Question your doctors as to how many of these procedures they have personally done.
3. Do a little research and find out which medical facility and doctors have the best experience with these types of surgery, (i.e., is their a heart center at a university medical school where you could go for your second opinion?).
4. Why is the doctor suggesting a mechanical valve rather than a pig valve (mechanical valves depend on the use of blood thinners after surgery while pig valves often do not).
I wish you well as you make an informed choice both to the surgery and where and who performs the surgery.
Will you post again and let me know how you are doing with the decision process?
Hello @tjmcdon
It has been a while since you last posted. Did you make a decision regarding the valve replacement surgery? I hope you are doing well.
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@tjmcdon Welcome to our caring group .I'm Lioness and in 1996 I had open heart ,Triple by pass it you have faith in your Cardiologist don't be afraid they do a good job. My friend had a valve replacement with the pig valve no problems I hope this reasures some .