aortic heart valve replacement

Posted By  CCF CARDIO MD sc on March 09, 1998 at 09:40:12:

In Reply to: aortic heart valve replacement posted by Shelley Read on February 28, 1998 at 18:52:31:

: I am a 29 year old female, who is going to require heart valve replacement surgery within
  the next six to twelve months due to having rheumatic fever as a child.  I've been told that
  because of my age I will be getting the mechanical valve, but there is a possiblity that they
  might only have to do a repair. My questions are can you have more than one valve replacement?
  What are the side effects of having to take coumadin for the rest of my life?  What is the quality
  of life tha I will enjoy, will I be  able to normal things again like skiing, running etc.?
  What will I have to watch for, infections, palpatations etc.?
  If you could answer these questions for me, I'm sure it will help ease the fear of what I'm facing.
  Sincerely,
  Shelley

[CCF Cardio MD sc]

_
Dear Ms Read
Your questions are very appropriate and I will do my best to alleviate your concerns. There are a number of options for repair/replacement of the aortic valve. The choice  depends on a number of factors which include the patient