Kurt Said:

has anyone else here had heart valve replacement surgery?

We Answered:

yes it's common nowadays n it's always happened to those old age people.the surgery is quite expensive around 10k bucks but money here is inmaterial as life is more important.

Mathew Said:

No alcohol after heart valve replacement why?

We Answered:

since you had a mechanical valve you need to be on blood thinners, and since your are on blood thinners you cannot have alcohol, because alcohol is a Natural blood thinner and that will thin your blood even more which can be dangerous, also alcohol could effect the valve in some way maybe.

Edward Said:

I have aortic valve insufficiency, do I need heart surgery (valve replacement) and when?

We Answered:

You can have a minimal amount of AOV insufficiency and never need open heart. It all depends on how much that valve leaks and how fast it gets worse.

If you had an Echocardiogram then they are aware of how much it leaks. If they didn't mentions valve replacement then I would just ask to have an Echo done yearly so you stay on top of the problem.
I know that it is hard, but try not to stress over it too much.

Nobody can predict if or when you will need surgery.

Best of luck

Sharon Said:

Has Heart Surgery (Valve Replacement) changed since the 1980's?

We Answered:

- when performing the operation the surgeon will open the ribcage.
- you will have a scar down the front of your chest 6-8 inches
- you will spend 24-48 hours in intensive care unit then be moved onto the cardiac ward for round about 5days. and advised to rest for about 6weeks at home
- you will be 100% you will be able to run around and do anything any normal person can (apart from contact sports as this could cause bleeding.)
- i would seriously recommend the surgery it is the best thing i have ever done GO FOR IT !

Good luck

Karl Said:

Heart valve replacement surgery - Mechanical valve vs. cow valve...which is best and why?

We Answered:

In general, the mechanical valves will last much longer, but require chronic anticoagulation (blood thinning with a medication called Coumadin to prevent clots from forming on the valve). They are offered to the younger people, who want to avoid another surgery 10-20 years down the line. The cow or rahter pig valves last about that much time. They will wear down sooner, but they have the benefit of not requiring life long anticoagulation, which may have bleeding complications (though is generally safe..hundreds of thousands of people are on anticoagulation and they are doing fine). So in general, the younger patients get mechanical valves and the older patients get pig valves. It is all about choice...possibility of another surgery down the line vs. lifelong coagulation. Both valves work equally well otherwise. I would encourage you to talk to your cardiovascular surgeon about this in depth. Good luck!