3 valve replacement

[Icandoit501]

I have had 2 valves replaced in 1984.  Since then I've felt like a new person!  Unfortunately, at the age of 52, I now need 3 valves replaced.  I received a letter in the mail from the pharmaceutical company stating they accidentally put a double dose of the medication digoxin I was taking since my surgery because of an irregular heartbeat.  I feel that this is the reason I now need these valves replaced but all the doctors feel differently.  I would like to know if anyone has had 3 valves replaced at one time?  I had rheumatic fever when I was young and that's why I needed the valves replaced the first time.  I had metal valves put in. (St. Jude valves...he's my hero)!  I still feel great but am having some issues with my blood because  it cannot go through the valves and is breaking off and going different places in my body. My liver and kidney's are now effected.  Any words of encourgement would be greatly appreciated!

[kenkeith]

I suppose it is possible to replace 3 heart valves, but I have never heard of that before, and I have been a member of valve replacement forum.  If one is going to have 3 valves replaced, it would for me have to be one of the surgeons associated with a major hospital such as Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic or Texas Heart Institute (Houstion).

J Am Coll Cardiol Intv, 2011; 4:1-13, doi:10.1016/j.jcin.2010.09.023
© 2011 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation

...."Surgical treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR) has evolved from mitral valve replacement (MVR) to repair (MVRe), because MVRe produces superior long-term outcomes. In addition, MVRe can be achieved through minimally invasive approaches. This desire for less invasive approaches coupled with the fact that a significant proportion of patients—especially elderly persons or those with significant comorbidities or severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, are not referred for surgery, has driven the field of percutaneous MVRe. Various technologies have emerged and are at different stages of investigation...."

I am viewing my MVR in terms of the least intervention, and I have seen positive changes and some evolution in the past few years to procedures with quicker recovery and less intervention.  

[Icandoit501]

They CAN replace 3 valves at once. It's just a very serious operation. (aren't they all)? I just need to get over my fear!  Prayers help tremendously!  But, 2 weeks ago, my healthy husband had a "never saw it coming" heart attack.  He had 100% blockage in the main artery to his heart.  Thank God I made it to the hospital with him.  Hospital is 5 mins away so instead of calling an ambulance I drove him myself.  So now I've decided to put my life on hold and take care of him. I keep saying to myself that God never gives us more than we can handle so I believe I'm doing the right thing at the moment.  I keep my drs. appts. and get my bloodwork done so it's not like I'm just forgetting all about my problems.  But the Dr. in Pgh. said if I start to get shortness of breath then I need to call him.  If not, I can wait until June and we'll go from there.  Please keep me AND my husband in your prayers.  My children have been fantastic, so very helpful to the both of us.  Don't know what we'd do without them.  Thanks for the comment.

[Icandoit501]

That's exactly what my kids have been saying to me.  However, my cardiologist in Pittsburgh says that based on the records from 2 years ago, my valves haven't changed that much and since this will be a very difficult operation that I should wait.  I have another appt. with him in June, but I also need to make an appt. with my heart SURGEON in April, which I still haven't done.  You have definately given me a different outlook on this.  I am trying very hard not to let fear take over. I tell everyone I'm leaving it in God's hands and he's either going to fix the problem himself or let me know when it's time.  My mom says, "God helps those who helps themselves"  Very funny mom. :o) Thank you very much for your input on my ordeal.  It really means a lot to me.

[kenkeith]

Q: , I now need 3 valves replaced.  I received a letter in the mail from the pharmaceutical company stating they accidentally put a double dose of the medication digoxin I was taking since my surgery because of an irregular heartbeat.  

>>>>>A class I recall has/is being issued on all digoxin tablets, which may contain twice the approved level of digoxin.The existence of double-strength pills pose a risk of digitalis toxicity, which can result in nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, bradycardia and even death.  I remember as I was taking the medication abut that time...spring in 2009.

You may want to get a medical evaluation and get a professional opinion on the significance of digoxin with your present heart condtion....I have been answering heart related conditions for over 7 years, and I have never heard of replacing all 3 valves!  Maybe a repair and replacement. .

You have an unfortunate medical situation if you need 3 valves replaced...I don't even know if that is possible, and it would be helpful to other members if you have any further information on the subject.  Thanks for sharing on this forum.  Take care and I wish you well going forward.

Ken

[cindy707]

I think personally that you are heading in the right direction by listening to your docs and moving forward.  To me the positive would be that you'll get new equipment that is updated and pretty much foolproof because medical science has changed so much in the last twenty years and the surgery i am sure will be completely different then when it was done years ago.  Sounds to me front what you are explaining that you need to deal with this sooner rather than later to minimize any further issues with your other organs.  I have never had a valve replacement so i can't add anything to the mix in terms of personal experience however i can offer up a personal opinion which would be time to get your life back, bite the bullet and move ahead with getting this fixed.  I am about your age and would not hesitate for a mano second on having this done rather then waiting for the next thing to happen....you don't want to put yourself into a high risk group of something happening to you because your other organs are being effects or letting your heart become weak because you wait too long....my vote is power thru it and get it done and now risks of surgery have been super minimized because of the strides that have been made over the years...i say go for it........it obviously does not matter how this happened...just that it is happening and you can choose your battles after you have had the correction made and do your research to seek relief if you need to....Godspeed to you my friend.