Flo's Journal

Flo Em  I was doing really well, until now...I started experiencing the same symptoms similar before I had my mitral valve fixed. My recent ECHO test shows calcification around the ring, and now I'm developing a mitral stenosis. My cardiologist is monitoring the progress very closely. I might need to get my valve replaced down the road... :-(

Emily Rowley  After having my Mitral Valve Repaired due to Regurgitation, I need another Open-Heart Surgery but I don't know of any Mitral Stenosis developing :| I know I have Regurgitation now.

Emily Rowley  Roughly 4.5 yrs later my Cardiologist decided I need another OHS. It took about 6+months of testing (by the time appointments made etc-all takes time), however I felt it earlier within myself. He said Replacement but my Surgeon said she might be able to repair. Did you have OHS for MVRepair?

Flo Em  Yes, I had on OHS back in January 2011 for MVRepair. So, it's been 5 years. Although my heart is ticking normal (unlike before), my shortness of breath and light headedness these days is taking a toll on me. I'm literally freaking out. But, I guess I just need to accept the fact that this thing is inevitable. I was really hoping I didn't have to go through with another OHS, but well... It is what it is.

Sophia Ridley  Hi Flo, so so sorry to hear that you face surgery once more. Have you received an explanation why this has happened? There's some information that it's to do with the ring (type/size) used during the repair, is that the case? (I've had a MV repair and this us the first time I've heard that this is possible. I'll be asking my surgeon at our next meeting.)

Flo Em  Yes Sophia, it is the ring. I requested a copy of my Echo test result...not that I could read them (LOL) but to have another cardio take a second look.

Emily Rowley  Yes. I had my Mitral Valve Repaired (+2 holes in my heart) 5 years ago. Over the past 12 months I have been experiencing symptoms which has increased in the last 3-6 months. I'm now having Open-Heart Surgery for the second time in January to try repair my Mitral Valve or replace if it will give me the best long-term result. You had MV Repair 5 years ago just like me and I had mine repaired in 2011. What symptoms do you experience? My echo showed up the regurgitation, but my two Stress Tests I had done showed up more. Please let me know if you have any questions. I'm wondering how long do re-repairs last.

I would like to keep in touch.

Emily.

Jeff V.  Flo, I had a MVP repair done in Cleveland in Dec., 2014. My surgeon advised that there was a 10% chance that another repair or replacement would be necessary down the road. Hang tough and don't let your imagination get the better of you. You've done it once and can do it again if you have to.

Wanda Mroz  That's what I fear down the road as well. But that being said, I've done it once and can do it again if I have to. With the advancements in surgery, the techniques get easier. I'm doing good so far and I hope you get good results and it's nothing. Let us know. Wondering myself how long these things last... I was told 15-20 years initially. Only time will tell.

Sophia Ridley  Here in the UK they favour MV repair over replacement. My surgeon gave me incredible odds of success if done through OHS and I had some goretex strings added to give some extra support all with the hope that I don't need to see him in theatre again.
I'm with Wanda on this. I've got through it, little bruises by a bumpy ride but frankly there was no option.

Wanda Mroz  Exactly Sophia... Here they favor repair also... Lasts longer as a general rule. In my case my surgeon fixed the valve and it was still leaky so he put me on bypass again to redo it with success. Even though he had a valve on standby he persevered to fix because that is preferred if at all possible.

Flo Em  Thank you all. I'm so blessed to have found this site...I could talk to people that could relate. So, over the last 3 weeks now, I've been feeling shortness of breath and light headedness. I am unable to carry over 5 lbs while walking without shortness of breath. My MVR was done in January 2011...so you can imagine what I went through Christmas 2010...and to experience it all over again especially right now, it's just bad flashbacks. I'll be calling my cardiologist this morning, and I'm really hoping that it has nothing to do with my heart. I just need to be strong. I will update. Thanks again!