I just had aortic valve replacement with full maze for afib on feb 25. At the time I also had mild mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. I recently ...Read more
I just had aortic valve replacement with full maze for afib on feb 25. At the time I also had mild mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. I recently had an echo and my cardiologist said I have moderate mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation now.
Shouldn’t the surgeon have repaired the mitral and tricuspid valve during surgery? Also the cardiologist said don’t worry about it we will keep an eye on it. How serious is the regurgitation. I feel like I’m right back where I was when we were keeping an eye on my aortic valve. I assume I will need surgery again to repair the other valves. Cardiologist said they didn’t do the valves all at once because it would mean more time in the heart surgery. I don’t buy that. Can anyone shed some light on this for me
I just had aortic valve replacement with full maze for afib on feb 25. At the time I also had mild mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. I recently ...Read more
I just had aortic valve replacement with full maze for afib on feb 25. At the time I also had mild mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. I recently had an echo and my cardiologist said I have moderate mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation now.
Shouldn’t the surgeon have repaired the mitral and tricuspid valve during surgery? Also the cardiologist said don’t worry about it we will keep an eye on it. How serious is the regurgitation. I feel like I’m right back where I was when we we were keeping an eye on my aortic valve. I assume I will need surgery again to repair the other valves. Cardiologist said they didn’t do the valves all at once because it would mean more time in the heart surgery. I don’t buy that. Can anyone shed some light on this for me
Susan Lynn Nicholas - I think you're asking a very valid question. Unless you have an underlying health conditi ... Read more
Susan Lynn Nicholas - I think you're asking a very valid question. Unless you have an underlying health condition that puts you at higher risk for extended surgical time, I think the cardiologist's response is questionable - it might be time for a new one. For me, the only acceptable answer to this question would be that many people live with mild to moderate regurgitation that never progresses any further and the repair is only warranted when the advantages outweigh the risks. Many of the folks on this site have had multiple procedures completed at one time, so it's possible to endure longer bypass time. Sorry you had to receive this feedback so soon into your recovery. Stay positive - you will address the regurgitation, if and when you need to, with the same tenacity and courage as your recent surgery. All the best! ❤
Nicholas Viglucci Susan, thank you for such an extensive and informative answer. I am very healthy and aside from the ... Read more
Nicholas Viglucci Susan, thank you for such an extensive and informative answer. I am very healthy and aside from the valves I have no other underlying health problems. I am 67 years old. I am in good health. I traveled to the #1 hospital to avoid any issues. Needless to say I am disheartened, disappointed and quite set back. I start my cardio rehab tomorrow. Now I’m a bit hesitant due to the thought that the regurgitation will cause the heart to work harder and enlarge . I am also concerned that a re-operation is more risky. Lastly I’m concerned about letting the regurgitation of the mitral and tricuspid valves linger for fear of permanent damage to my heart. I just don’t know what to do
Thomas Brusstar Hmm, I understand your frustration, but as I understand it truly mild regurgitation is not worth fixi ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar Hmm, I understand your frustration, but as I understand it truly mild regurgitation is not worth fixing. Some regurgitation is OK, many people walk around with mild or even moderate regurg and it never merits fixing. The mitral valve side of this site is full of people whose regurgitation got into the severe side. I don't personally know whether there's anything about an aortic valve fix that puts more pressure on the others and would literally explain why mild regurg in those valves would go up to moderate post-surgery. It's possible that new efficiency in the aortic valve exposes weakness in the others, I suppose. I would be seriously upset to hear that a different valve needs operation in fewer than 5 years from the initial surgery (or ever, really); but I wouldn't worry about moderate regurgitation only. If they start using words like severe in the next 5 years, that would be the time to get unhappy.
Louanna Miller I had mild regurgitation of my mitral valve for years. I had echocardiograms every 5 years to monit ... Read more
Louanna Miller I had mild regurgitation of my mitral valve for years. I had echocardiograms every 5 years to monitor the valve. It wasn’t until it was severe that I was referred to Cardiologist and a surgeon. Like Thomas wrote many valves do not deteriorate beyond mild or moderate.
Susan Lynn Nicholas - I wouldn't worry about going to cardiac rehab. Most people are able to continue exercisin ... Read more
Susan Lynn Nicholas - I wouldn't worry about going to cardiac rehab. Most people are able to continue exercising with moderate regurgitation. As long as you continue to monitor the leaks and are symptom free, you should be fine. Also remember, a repair doesn't mean another surgery - there are so many current procedures done via femoral catheter, including Mitra Clip for mv leaks, you may not be facing invasive surgery ever again. The advances keep coming and the procedures get easier and more effective. Don't borrow any worries - stay positive and enjoy life! There are many great adventures ahead!
Nicholas Viglucci Thank you all so much. I am working on absorbing all that’s happened with the surgery and now thi ... Read more
Nicholas Viglucci Thank you all so much. I am working on absorbing all that’s happened with the surgery and now this new information. It’s a lot to absorb
I am from: Sherman
