Sherri's Guestbook

Sherri Hendry  Replacement - Mitral Valve. Had it repaired back in 2009. We've decided to go w/ biological due to the fact I didn't want to be on coumodin. I'm to accident prone as it is. I'm always bumping into to something and I bruise really easy - so the thought of constantly going to have my blood tested - nope.

First surgery had absolutely no symptoms. was actually in denial I had a problem. This time around I noticed that I slowed down not having much energy after doing little things. Thought it was the fact that I was getting lazy and the weight, but now I know different. Was told back in April/May I need to get it done, but hey I had this great vacation planned in October and didn't want to cancel. By July I started to face reality and stopped ignoring my symptoms which are mild, but they are there - and scheduled surgery.

  so maybe you should have always had a replacement? The reason I ask is I am 3 weeks past a repair and mine went so well my surgeon said not to worry about any other surgeries. Should last a lifetime. I guess they are all different.

Sherri Hendry  Hi Dan, I was told when I had my Mitral repaired that it would one day need replacing. So I knew what I was in for. They basically rebuilt it with a ring, cords, and an Alfieri stitch. I was told that they like the patients to keep their own valves for as long as possible. The repair lasted over 7 1/2 years so I consider myself blessed. Anyhow, once the replacement is done, my cardiologist says my mildly leaky Tricuspid valve should get better. I also have a bicuspid aortic valve as well, but so far that is doing well. Of course, once they get you open, if they see anything that looks amiss, they will tend to it then. I am sooo looking forward to getting this done so I can move forward.