heart surgery question

[anne1948]

I was diagnosed with APL (anti phospholipid syndrom (syndrome)) in 1993 and first took aspirin and now take it together with coumedin to prevent too much mind fog and blood clots.
I have moderate to servere aortic incompetence, moderate to severe mitral incompetence, mitral valve prolapse and recently added mild pulmonary hypertension to the list. My cardiologists differ on when to have valve replacements. Of the ones I have consulted, one says within a couple months while I am still in good shape, another says wait until it all collapses, another says it will only get worse as soon as possible, another says the risk of a major stroke while in surgery is too great. I am 61.
Question: Is it possible it won't get worse? I could live with what I have now (shortness of breath, can't climb hills etc.) and I could avoid surgery altogether? Should I wait until I am much older? Should I do it now when I am in very good physical shape otherwise?
Thank you,
Anne1948


This discussion is related to anticardiolipin antibodies.