Eva Said:

What are the factors that a doctor uses to determine the risk a patient faces having valve replacement surgery?

We Answered:

They take the statistic for people within a certain age group that had about the same health condition (regardless from the problem which requires the surgery). It's not a guess nor the doctor's personal number.

Andre Said:

How common is this mechanical aotic valve replacement surgery?

We Answered:

While it is not common it is also not rare I had my valve replaced in 1999 I am lucky my surgery went fine and I now feel normal. I would suggest getting a second opinion even if you trust the doctor another doctor may know of something that the first does not.

April Said:

Double Valve Replacement surgery -should I travel to India for this?

We Answered:

Many patients travel from UK, Ireland, and Scotland to get low cost Double Valve Replacement surgery in India. One of the most frequently asked questions when considering Double Valve Replacement surgery is the price of surgery in India.

But you should consider some other factors as well such as: ---

a) Check whether after the Double Valve Replacement surgery you will stay in the hospital or be discharged and taken to a hotel; ask about special care or assistance after the Double Valve Replacement surgery and about contingency plans in case of complications during the procedure or recovery time.

b) Do they recommend having a close friend or family member travel with you to provide support for Double Valve Replacement Surgery In India.

c) Find out when the India’s high season is so that you can avoid exorbitant flight prices and enjoy more moderate weather.

d) Read up on local costs, the prices of meals, transport and hotels, how easy is it to travel around and whether it is considered safe to do so

The reasons for choosing to travel abroad for Double Valve Replacement surgery are different for everyone but with lengthy NHS waits and concerns about MRSA advantage of affordable, high quality private healthcare in India, and combining it with a tropical, cultural or relaxing holiday saving thousands of pounds compared with having the treatment done privately in the UK.

I checked out the website of Forerunners Healthcare – which is the premier most medical tourism company in India offering Double Valve Replacement surgery in India to International Patients. They have served more than 400 International patients from across the globe (especially US and UK) to get low cost affordable surgery in India at the best Hospitals and Medical Institutions. I think this could be of help for you as well.

Pauline Said:

Anybody have experiences with pulmonary valve replacement surgery to share?

We Answered:

Not with "Pulmonary" valve replacement, but my husband has had his aortic valve replaced twice. The first time was in 1984 over at Stanford Medical Center. They put in a "Homograph" which is a valve from some one who has recently died. If a human one was not available at the time of surgery they would have put in a pig valve. We were told at the time that the valve would last about 15 years max and that he would not have to take anticoagulants as he would have if he had had a metal valve up in. The metal valves are hard on blood going through and sort of smash the blood cells and that can possible cause clotting...this the anticoagulants. In 1993 he had to have a new valve put in (at a different hopsital) becasue he had gotten an infection and it settled around the valve tissue and basically distroyed it. My husband said he did not want to have another "homograph" or a pig valve. He wanted to have a metal one that would not wear out. At first the sound of it bugged him, but it evenutally became a normal sound to him and he doesn't even notice it much at all...it no longer bothers him. He even says that when he does notice it in an odd way it is comforting to hear it beat strong and regular. He is on anticoagulants, but it has not been a problem at all. You just have to go get the levels tested on a monthly basis once you are stablized after starting. It too become "old hat".

I know for certain if my husband was answering this (he upstairs sleeping) he would advise everyone who goes through open heart surgery to do their coughing exercises when the nurses tell you to and try to do it more if you can. It doesn't feel good because you are sore, but it really helps so much with getting better and faster!!!! Other people who I have talk with that have had a valve replacement say the same thing.

Also, I don't know if it was the difference in proceedures (being 9 years apart...and progress etc) but his second operation was signifigantly less painful and he was off the stronger medication within a day or so. With any major operation, it an assult to your body and it takes time to get your strength back. Once you do though you will have a lot mor energy than you probably have now.
Hope some of this helps. All the best.