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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Re: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion?
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Re: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion?
by Susan__0__0, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Susan on April 11, 1999 at 21:05:17:
In Reply to: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? posted by Michalle on April 10, 1999 at 22:44:57:
My husband is 34 years old. He found out several years ago that he had a congenital heart defect. The aortic valve only had two valves because the third was fused to one of the other valves. The doctor told us that it was nothing to get concerned about and that he would more than likely have to have it replaced in his 60's. He went in for a check-up with the specialist two years ago. They told us that the valve opening was down to 1.7 cm. They then told us there was still nothing to worry about and to come back in two years. We went again in Feb. The valve opening is now down to .9 cm. They said that he was now considered high risk... but not to worry about it and to come back in a year. I know that they don't want to replace the valve until it is absolutely necessary. If he is considered high risk, why are they not wanting him back sooner than a year? My husband is always tired and getting sick about once a month. I have looked up the symptoms to watch for when the valve is getting smaller. I have even informed some of our friends he works with to watch for the left sided heart failure. I have also read that some people don't have any major symptoms before the valve completely fails. We have been trying to locate information of the actual procedure that would take place, and would like to know if we should get a second opinion since the specialist that we have gone to doesn't seem to concerned? See, we have three small children and when you put that into the picture, it makes me worry all the more.
Hi Michalle! I can understand your concern. Especially with 3 small children. I have a teen-age daughter. I just had my aortic valve replaced 6 weeks ago and am a 50-year old female. I also had a congenital bicuspid valve. A murmur had been tracked all my life, and finally its time had come. I am writing to let you know that the surgery is not as fearsome as one might think. I was walking the hospital halls the next day, went home in 3-1/2 days, walked a mile by the end of that first week, now walk about 3-4 miles a day. There is not that much pain, just stiffness and soreness mostly. I took very little pain medication. Probably the toughest thing is the fatigue, but if you walk, eat well, and do your breathing exercises, within 3 or less weeks one's stamina begins to return and just keeps getting better. At age 34, your husband should certainly do fine. The next question will be what kind of valve--tissue or mechanical. At my age, I chose St. Judes mechanical and take the coumadin (an anti-coagulant I will have to take forever, which also has been no big deal), but will not likely have to have another surgery to replace it. Tissue valves require no coumadin, but will eventually require replacement anywhere from 5 to 20 years. The doctor at this sight can tell you more. In the meantime, I just wanted to put your mind at some ease if possible. Your husband will be better for having the surgery and getting on with life. I know it can be scary; but when I look back, it is hard to imagine that just 6 weeks ago I had open heart surgery! Good luck and God bless!
In Reply to: Husband's Aortic valve stenosis is getting worse, should I get a second opinion? posted by Michalle on April 10, 1999 at 22:44:57:
My husband is 34 years old. He found out several years ago that he had a congenital heart defect. The aortic valve only had two valves because the third was fused to one of the other valves. The doctor told us that it was nothing to get concerned about and that he would more than likely have to have it replaced in his 60's. He went in for a check-up with the specialist two years ago. They told us that the valve opening was down to 1.7 cm. They then told us there was still nothing to worry about and to come back in two years. We went again in Feb. The valve opening is now down to .9 cm. They said that he was now considered high risk... but not to worry about it and to come back in a year. I know that they don't want to replace the valve until it is absolutely necessary. If he is considered high risk, why are they not wanting him back sooner than a year? My husband is always tired and getting sick about once a month. I have looked up the symptoms to watch for when the valve is getting smaller. I have even informed some of our friends he works with to watch for the left sided heart failure. I have also read that some people don't have any major symptoms before the valve completely fails. We have been trying to locate information of the actual procedure that would take place, and would like to know if we should get a second opinion since the specialist that we have gone to doesn't seem to concerned? See, we have three small children and when you put that into the picture, it makes me worry all the more.
Hi Michalle! I can understand your concern. Especially with 3 small children. I have a teen-age daughter. I just had my aortic valve replaced 6 weeks ago and am a 50-year old female. I also had a congenital bicuspid valve. A murmur had been tracked all my life, and finally its time had come. I am writing to let you know that the surgery is not as fearsome as one might think. I was walking the hospital halls the next day, went home in 3-1/2 days, walked a mile by the end of that first week, now walk about 3-4 miles a day. There is not that much pain, just stiffness and soreness mostly. I took very little pain medication. Probably the toughest thing is the fatigue, but if you walk, eat well, and do your breathing exercises, within 3 or less weeks one's stamina begins to return and just keeps getting better. At age 34, your husband should certainly do fine. The next question will be what kind of valve--tissue or mechanical. At my age, I chose St. Judes mechanical and take the coumadin (an anti-coagulant I will have to take forever, which also has been no big deal), but will not likely have to have another surgery to replace it. Tissue valves require no coumadin, but will eventually require replacement anywhere from 5 to 20 years. The doctor at this sight can tell you more. In the meantime, I just wanted to put your mind at some ease if possible. Your husband will be better for having the surgery and getting on with life. I know it can be scary; but when I look back, it is hard to imagine that just 6 weeks ago I had open heart surgery! Good luck and God bless!
