Re: St Judes Valves

Posted By Wes Flener on March 30, 1999 at 20:57:10:

In Reply to: St Judes Valves posted by Kathy on March 28, 1999 at 21:08:39:






I am wondering how long the St Judes Valves are lasting in general.  I have the mitral and the aortic valves.  What are the main factors in general health contributes to re-replacement.
Thank you
Kathy




Hi Kathy...
I had the St.Judes mitral and aortic valves put in my heart in 1994. I had open heart surgery in 1987...but the mitral valve was only repaired. Since my surgery in 1994..I have had 2 TIA's....one in 1996...and the latest on 3/16/99.
I also have a pacemaker which was put in while I was in hospital in 1994.
I had CHF. I have my protime checked as often as my cardiologist wants me too...
and I watch my diet very carefully....but it hasn;t helped with the TIA's.
My INR range is from 3 to 4...and it is usually in that or very close.
Each time after the TIA...I have had a TEE....and in 1996...my mitral valve had 2 clots hanging on...and this last TEE...showed several strands...or clots....
hanging again on my mitral valve. So..Kathy...I have a dilemna...and I need answers...about the St.Judes mitral valve...which was used in me in 1994...
is mine a faulty valve....or what????....am having difficult time getting answers...and my neurologist has said I should be very concerned since this is the second time this has happened..and with same valve. I am also very interested in knowing what will contribute in decision to replace my present St.Judes mitral valve.
Thank you...
wes.....