Help!

[kalani97]

Hi... I'm 29yo, female and due for my 4th OHS soon due to severe mitral valve stenosis accompanied by moderate pulmonary hypertension...(I had 2 mitral valve repairs and 1 replacement (porcine valve))..... I was just wondering... is the PH ever gonna go away after the OHS?  If so... how long does it usually take? ....  Also (it might be a crazy question, but oh well) is it possible for the stenosis to heal on its own or is it just going to get worse? ... ....... I chose the mechanical  valve for the 4th OHS this time and I'm kind of worried about taking coumadin for life.... I now hate having bloodwork done....

Another thing is that I just had a baby girl, now 5 mos old, and I'm breastfeeding.... I don't really want to stop the breastfeeding, but my surgeon said I need to for the surgery... Is it really necessary?... If it is... (another crazy question... :)) can I ever resume breastfeeding afterwards?... I'm soooo lost....

[nan4]

Hi Kalani!

We're not exactly sure what happened with my mother's valve.  Her surgeon said it's extremely rare for a porcine valve to last only two years--and unfortunately, we won't really know what went wrong until they "get in there," so to speak.  They think it was probably either an infection, or, a misplaced stitch.  Regardless, at this point, we just want the surgery to be over, and a success!

I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts.  You sound like an incredibly brave young woman (I'm 29 too, and really impressed by how much you've been through, and how strong and positive you're staying for your family).  Let me know if you need to chat!

Best,
Liana

[kalani97]

Thank you... I'm just wondering... what happen to your mother's valve?  I thought they were suppose to last longer than that... My first 2 OHS were repairs, the 3rd one was a replacement, also a porcine valve(in 2002) lasted six years only because I went through another pregnancy with my daughter(now 6 1/2 mos old) ...this is why I need the 4th OHS...

Goodluck to your mom and I wish her all the best...

Kalani :)

[kalani97]

Thanx for the tip (valvereplacement.com)... I checked out the website and it is indeed full of information... I haven't join yet... I'm sure I will soon... Again thank you!

Kalani :)

[nan4]

Hi Kalani:

I've just heard from Connie (momto3) that you are about to undergo your 4th(!) valve replacement soon.  I just wanted to wish you a full and speedy recovery.  My mother had her valve replaced with a porcine valve two years ago, and she needs to have it replaced again already.  Her surgery is scheduled next Friday, and, needless to say, we just can't wait for it to be over.  I'm sending positive thoughts your way, and, if you need to chat, I'm happy to listen!

Best,
Liana

[suzzie1]

Hi,  I just wanted to recommend that you join  Valvereplacement.com  (if you havent already of course)...you will get LOTS of advice and support !!

Best wishes. 8-)

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

In general pulmonary hypertension almost always get significantly better with mitral valve surgery.  I think your are making the right decision regarding the mechanical mitral valve.  In terms of the breast feeding you may be on several drugs after the surgery and likely it would be better if you did not breast feed.