Hello @onthego3 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry to hear of your aortic valve calcification. While I do not know the specifics of your condition, I've been under the impression that Aortic Stenosis is treatable with surgery, however, perhaps your situation has some exceptions. Have you sought a second opinion? I don't know what part of the country you live in, but you might seek a large university medical center for a second opinion. Please share with us some of your symptoms and the history of your valve problem. We look forward to getting to know you better and once again welcome to this patient-oriented website!
Hello @onthego3 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry to hear of your aortic valve calcification. While I do not know the specifics of your condition, I've been under the impression that Aortic Stenosis is treatable with surgery, however, perhaps your situation has some exceptions. Have you sought a second opinion? I don't know what part of the country you live in, but you might seek a large university medical center for a second opinion. Please share with us some of your symptoms and the history of your valve problem. We look forward to getting to know you better and once again welcome to this patient-oriented website!
Hi! I discovered I have aortic stenosis when I had my 2d echo done way back in 2007. The opening of my aortic valve was 1.1cm2 then. I do not feel any of the symptoms. It appears that my aortic valve is bicuspid instead of tricuspid. I was advised by my doctor to have a valve replacement but until now have not had the suggested valve replacement. I followed the medication prescribed by my cardiologist. In 2011, I decided to have regular acupuncture performed by a Chinese Eastern Medicine doctor. I also took herbal tea which their clinic provided. I stopped taking the tea after 2 years. Three years ago, I began to feel shortness of breath when I climb the stairs and when I have long fast walk. I stop carrying heavy bags. I easily get colds and cough. When I have cough, sometimes it takes 3 to 4 weeks before it is gone. I have difficulty breathing when I cough. Recently, I had the 24 hour dopler test. The doctor was worried that in several instances, my heart stop for 6 seconds but I was asleep when it happened. He told me to consider valve replacement. I asked my cargio how long will I live if i do not have the valve replacement and the answer was 2 years, and during those 2 years, I may not be as stable as I am now.
Im praying for guidance if I should go for it. There is a non-invasive replacement now that will not involve open heart surgery and recovery period is shorter than the open heart surgery.
I am now 66 years old. Pls help me decide. Thanks.
@divmercy Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect and thank you for joining the discussion of aortic valve stenosis. Yes, I understand that aortic valve replacement for stenosis can be done in a non-invasive way. That is such good news for you! It has a much quicker recovery time and sounds like an excellent option. Only you, of course, can make the decision on whether or not to have the valve replaced. Perhaps some other Mayo Connect members can discuss this type of surgery and what their experiences have been. The American Heart Association also has a patient support website and you might find some encouragement there. They discuss valve replacement quite often. Best wishes and keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.
In addition, I had yearly 2d echo with Doppler tests done almost every year since 2007. Each time the opening of my aortic valve is reduced.LAst October 2016, the measurement is already 36 cm2.
In addition, I had yearly 2d echo with Doppler tests done almost every year since 2007. Each time the opening of my aortic valve is reduced.LAst October 2016, the measurement is already 36 cm2.
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 16, 2016
Hi all, I thought I'd bring other members to join in this conversation about aortic stenosis. I think @mimi68@lynnkay1956 and @ronbee might have some experience to add. Also, you may be interested in this discussion on the same topic from a little while ago on Connect
In addition, I had yearly 2d echo with Doppler tests done almost every year since 2007. Each time the opening of my aortic valve is reduced.LAst October 2016, the measurement is already 36 cm2.
In addition, I had yearly 2d echo with Doppler tests done almost every year since 2007. Each time the opening of my aortic valve is reduced.LAst October 2016, the measurement is already 36 cm2.
@divmercy, I'm pleased to hear that you did seek a second opinion and that the first opinion was confirmed. Keep in touch and let us know how your decision-making process is coming along.
In addition, I had yearly 2d echo with Doppler tests done almost every year since 2007. Each time the opening of my aortic valve is reduced.LAst October 2016, the measurement is already 36 cm2.
Why not, @divmercy? I'm 81 and would pressure my medical team, my health insurance, Medicare, and myself to fix or replace the valve. Twenty more years of better health is worth it!
In addition, I had yearly 2d echo with Doppler tests done almost every year since 2007. Each time the opening of my aortic valve is reduced.LAst October 2016, the measurement is already 36 cm2.
I certainly agree with that thought, @predictable. However, heart surgery, whether invasive or minimally invasive is a difficult decision. However, most people would agree that the benefits outweigh the risks. @divmercy Have you contacted the American Heart Association's patient website to see what others might be saying about this minimally invasive procedure? If not, please check it out. You might find encouragement from the experience of others.
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Hello @onthego3 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry to hear of your aortic valve calcification. While I do not know the specifics of your condition, I've been under the impression that Aortic Stenosis is treatable with surgery, however, perhaps your situation has some exceptions. Have you sought a second opinion? I don't know what part of the country you live in, but you might seek a large university medical center for a second opinion. Please share with us some of your symptoms and the history of your valve problem. We look forward to getting to know you better and once again welcome to this patient-oriented website!
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1 ReactionHi! I discovered I have aortic stenosis when I had my 2d echo done way back in 2007. The opening of my aortic valve was 1.1cm2 then. I do not feel any of the symptoms. It appears that my aortic valve is bicuspid instead of tricuspid. I was advised by my doctor to have a valve replacement but until now have not had the suggested valve replacement. I followed the medication prescribed by my cardiologist. In 2011, I decided to have regular acupuncture performed by a Chinese Eastern Medicine doctor. I also took herbal tea which their clinic provided. I stopped taking the tea after 2 years. Three years ago, I began to feel shortness of breath when I climb the stairs and when I have long fast walk. I stop carrying heavy bags. I easily get colds and cough. When I have cough, sometimes it takes 3 to 4 weeks before it is gone. I have difficulty breathing when I cough. Recently, I had the 24 hour dopler test. The doctor was worried that in several instances, my heart stop for 6 seconds but I was asleep when it happened. He told me to consider valve replacement. I asked my cargio how long will I live if i do not have the valve replacement and the answer was 2 years, and during those 2 years, I may not be as stable as I am now.
Im praying for guidance if I should go for it. There is a non-invasive replacement now that will not involve open heart surgery and recovery period is shorter than the open heart surgery.
I am now 66 years old. Pls help me decide. Thanks.
Divmercy
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Hug
1 Reaction@divmercy Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect and thank you for joining the discussion of aortic valve stenosis. Yes, I understand that aortic valve replacement for stenosis can be done in a non-invasive way. That is such good news for you! It has a much quicker recovery time and sounds like an excellent option. Only you, of course, can make the decision on whether or not to have the valve replaced. Perhaps some other Mayo Connect members can discuss this type of surgery and what their experiences have been. The American Heart Association also has a patient support website and you might find some encouragement there. They discuss valve replacement quite often. Best wishes and keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.
In addition, I had yearly 2d echo with Doppler tests done almost every year since 2007. Each time the opening of my aortic valve is reduced.LAst October 2016, the measurement is already 36 cm2.
@divmercy Have you sought a second opinion? If a second doctor gave you similar advice it might make you more comfortable with your final decision.
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Hug
1 ReactionHi all, I thought I'd bring other members to join in this conversation about aortic stenosis. I think @mimi68 @lynnkay1956 and @ronbee might have some experience to add. Also, you may be interested in this discussion on the same topic from a little while ago on Connect
- "Mild" aortic stenosis. http://mayocl.in/2gTNenS
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2 ReactionsYes i have sought 2 nd opinion.
Same recommendation considering that im still 66 yrs old. If i were 80 they would not recommend valve replavement.
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1 Reaction@divmercy, I'm pleased to hear that you did seek a second opinion and that the first opinion was confirmed. Keep in touch and let us know how your decision-making process is coming along.
Why not, @divmercy? I'm 81 and would pressure my medical team, my health insurance, Medicare, and myself to fix or replace the valve. Twenty more years of better health is worth it!
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI certainly agree with that thought, @predictable. However, heart surgery, whether invasive or minimally invasive is a difficult decision. However, most people would agree that the benefits outweigh the risks. @divmercy Have you contacted the American Heart Association's patient website to see what others might be saying about this minimally invasive procedure? If not, please check it out. You might find encouragement from the experience of others.