Post Mitral Valve Surgery

  26 months a had Mitral Valve Repair- an Edwards Carpenters Ring is placed in my valve. I had Severe Mitral Valve Prolapse with severe Insufficiency, I am also an Asmatic patient.  At the present time I am 34 years old.  I visit my cardiologist every 3 months the same with the pneumologist.  My last echo (12/9/98) reads:
  1- Normal left ventricular systolic function.
  2-Left atrial enlargement
  3-Echogenic mitral valve with mild mitral valve stenosis and mild mitral valve insufficiency
  4-Mitral tricuspid valve insufficiency.
  My medications are: Digoxin .25, Sintroid .5, Lescol 20, serevent pump, and vanceril extra strength pump.
  My questions are:
  Is it normal to continue with more conditions after surgery?
  Could this continue to get worst?
  What could I accept for the future?
  Thank you for your response.

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Dear Gricelle, thank you for your question.  I'm not sure what you're asking about more conditions after surgery.  You appear to have had a good result from mitral valve repair.  Mild mitral stenosis and insufficiency are nothing to worry about - these are commonly seen after a successful mitral valve repair and do not indicate that the repair has failed.  The asthma is not related to your mitral valve problem, but is usually treated with the inhalers that you are taking.  Likewise, your other medications appear appropriate, but I think you should speak with your cardiologist regarding specific questions about your medications and your future prognosis.  However, I see nothing to indicate that your prognosis will be poor.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
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