heart valve replacement

when the life expectancy of ten yrs is up on aortic valve replacement  is up what should I do

[ticker2008]

10 years? I had my first open heart surgery in Oct 85 and that was a mitrial valve replacement. My second was July 1996 and that was my aortic valve! They both are still ticking away :)

[Shelster56]

A mechanical valve may last the rest of your life. If you have a tissue valve then you'll need to have it replaced again when it starts showing signs of wear. However, tissue valves usually have a life span of more than 10 years.

[Nikki290]

I'm 28, I need an aortic valve repair/replacement surgery done and just waiting for my surgery to be scheduled.  I'm very active, I play volleyball, softball, have a 5 mth old baby girl, and an 8 yr old girl.  I still too like going out with friends and family, planning trips for Vegas, Hawaii, etc....the cardiologist says the mechanical valve will be best suited for me.  I'm not sure if I could take a blood thinner for the rest of my life.  Am I going to be able to have the same kind of life I have now, do I need to quit sports, drinking etc., I'm still young and don't want to have to be so cautious for the rest of my life with the mechanical one.   Which one would someone choose if they were in my situation?

[ed34]

Due to your age, they will choose a mechanical valve, however, they will do whatever they can to repair the original one if possible. Nothing is better than the original.

[ed34]

Oh and no, you will be fine doing sports as usual. If your valve is not functioning properly now, you will probably feel a good benefit from the surgery.

[nancybikerider]

Hi Nikki, My name is Nancy and I have a St Judes Aortic valve since May 2001, (at age 55) and am living a normal, active life.  I have been on coumadin ( I need a high dose too, because my body rejects it), and have done just fine on that as well.  My cardiologist told me last year at my yearly echo-cardiogram, that my heart is in fantastic shape, with the valve working perfectly, told me I didn't need to get re-checked for 2 years, because I was doing so well.
So after 11 years and counting, I trust my St Judes with my life every day and am tearfully thankful to God for having it.  I have a new lease on life, and enjoy every minute of it.  I would highly recommend the St Judes valve for your replacement, and you can be assure to live a very normal life.
Thankful & Doing well in AZ,
Nancy