Diane Said:

Deep bone pain after Mitral Valve Replacement surgery?

We Answered:

Yes, the pain does sometimes persist for quite a while; luckily in decreasing intensity.

The pain may be worse doring coughing or deep breathing.

Your doctor must have prescribed you an antiinflamatory agent as well as an analgesic. Do take them regularly ,as prescribed, the pain should go away.

Best wishes.

Ross Said:

Is there any difference between bicuspid aorticvalve replacement and mitral valve replacement surgery?

We Answered:

Depends on what you mean by differences. The same surgeon would do either. There are choices of tissue and mechanical valves for each.

Differences would be aortic might include part of the aorta if damage to it also etc.

Different surgeons will suggest different treatments also, some will suggest trying to repair valves, moving valves, mechanical. These choices will determine what new methods of surgery are available. Technology changes constantly. Research surgeons and options based on what you need done.

Ben Said:

Bovine or Mechanical Valve for my Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery? Experienced people, please help!!?

We Answered:

Mechanical valves require lifelong anti coagulation.
This can cause problems of compliance (Forgetting to take the medicine), longer time to heal for cuts, and potential internal bleeding problems especially for women. They have a very long life.

Current bio prosthetic valves have improved considerably in durability. They do not require continuous anti coagulation. They do tend to calcify. This may not be a problem 55 years and above. These valves also have better blood flow characteristics.

These are the general considerations. Individual bio chemistries vary widely.

Your surgeon and cardiologist are the best fit to suggest what is best for you.

Beverly Said:

Mitral Valve replacement surgery...?

We Answered:

In the US, you would be in hospital for four days, and in post-op therapy for a month or two. The incision through the chest and sternum will be wired shut and can cause considerable discomfort post op. Be prepared for this, as you will be called upon to breathe deeply and cough every four hours, this is in order to prevent fluids from gathering in your lungs causing a common post op affliction known as pnuemonia. Good luck.

Jacob Said:

i underwent a heart surgery 5 years ago, it was a mitral valve replacement, can i still get pregnant?

We Answered:

Yes you can get pregnant, and yes you can have a baby. You would just need to see an OB as soon as you suspect you are pregnant. You would be considered to be a slightly higher risk pregnancy than ordinary, not because of the valve replacement but because of blood thinners. They would monitor your coagulation times throughout the pregnancy and probably change your medication to Warfarin for most of the time. Toward the end they might swap to using heparin, and start you on antibiotics during labor and delivery. I've seen it done very successfully before, a few times, and the babies were all just fine. You would do best to consult with an OB before you get pregnant, and follow the recommendation they gave you. Don't think it can't be done, because it has been and can be. It just might be a lot more visits than the average pregnant patient has, but the reward would be worth it.

Jeanne Said:

Mitral valve replacement surgery - want to know more about it - risks, when it should be done, etc?

We Answered:

I' m not sure why at this point someone has not addressed surgery. Is she being followed by a cardiologist? Unless something else is the cause of what sounds to be heart failure, it seems like her regurg. is finally become symptomatic. Has no one approached her about surgery? Has she been told for some reason that she is inoperable? You definetely don't want to jump into surgery if you dont need to. I feel like I need more info to adequately answer your question though. What I would do is direct these questions towards her doctor, preferably a cardiologist. Has she had a heart cath yet? If not, maybe see if its time. Email me if you find out more or if you have anymore questions. Im a RN in the cardiovascular ICU, I specialize in heart surgery. Good luck to you guys!