I'm 59, and had mitral valve replacement, after being able to barely make it to the top of my stairs. I had 1 Dr. tell me I was ok, and go home, come see me again in 6 months. I didn't listen to him and went to the ER at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk VA or there about. BEST thing I could have done. They caught it early and replaced the valve. I feel fine and even jump on the trampoline with a 5 yr old. Was the 1st time I'd had any major surgery. Never even a broken bone. Took almost a month for me to get out of the hospital, due to a complication with water retention and the need to have another tube, reinstalled to drain fluid, but other than 1 nurse, wanting to treat me like a sack of tatters when she'd come in to get me up, I had a GREAT experience. Anybody needing this done, expect a catheter to pee, a mid line for blood draws, take your own CPAP machine and a pen with your 6 foot cell phone cord. Play Diablo 3 and I'll meet you there for help with dementia or simple old age memory issues. There's a big crowd of older folks who play this game and it's easy to log into and get something done w/ just a few minutes to play. The repetition of the game is the point for memory issues, but it's fun and has seasons where you can get a new gaming experience every 3 or 4 months. Other than that you'll be bored to tears at the hospital while waiting for someone to come help you walk the halls or get up to go to the bathroom. I'd recommend getting your new heart valve, soon as possible. My experience was a great 1 and I wish you the best for your full recovery. Best thing I've done for my family in years! They'll have me for many years to come thanks to my choice for a mechanical valve replacement.
@@thivankafernando2699 I'm sorry. I didn't see this question till now. Yes! I do. 'Warfarin'. I specifically told the Dr. I'd choose to use the mechanical valve as long as the medication I had to take for the rest of my life didn't come from China. Just in case they decided to no longer import it. lol
Eight days ago I had a Pascal Ace mitral valve implant. I was a bit apprehensive about the whole procedure, especially since my particular valve had only been recently approved from the Edwards Laboratories. I found that not only did the Community Heart and Vascular hospital in my city, provide TOP NOTCH care, but the procedure went well with skilled hands and much prayer. I'm home a day later with relatively NO shortness of breath and optimistic outlook. Waiting for legs/ankles' swelling to subside and some normalcy to return in some other areas. Humbled beyond expression to think that I have a new lease on the rest of my life at 81 years old. Praise God!
I had a mitral valve replacement 10 weeks ago - using a mechanical valve as I’m 62. Recovery is going well and I’d like to be back at work (grocery delivery) before Christmas. No trouble with the sternotomy repairing, although the scar is still red and the skin is tight. This YT channel has been a great source of information before and since the operation.
Hi Mike, Great to hear you are on the "other side" of a mechanical mitral valve replacement! Wonderful learning that your recovery is going well and you are on the path to returning to work in the near future. Thanks for the kind words about the educational videos we have created for patents, their families and friends who are struggling with heart valve disease and its treatment. Many thanks!!!! 😀😀😀
@ Very well, thanks. No fluid on the lungs and have the okay from the surgeon to resume work at the end of the month. Still very tired some days but that’ll level out over time I’m sure.
@@miketaylor7440 Might I suggest a bicycle to help build up both core strength and stamina, just in time for Christmas too! My stamina is my issue. I want a bike but can't afford it right now, to build back up my stamina. Been 2 years and 3 months now for me.
Mitral valve repair last year. Age 60. Maze IV because of afib. Sternotomy. Didn’t feel any pain. Now: next week Olympic distance triathlon. Never ever felt so good!
Thank you very much for sharing this video. I am 62 years old scheduled to have mitral valve surgery on October 17th. After watching your video, I feel pretty much at ease about the surgery. God bless you❤
I just had open heart surgery in Mexico last spring. Fixed the mitral valve and had a maze procedure. It was an amazing experience and now I work with my cardiologist to let people know about his team.
I had mitral valve surgery in 2008. My mitral valve ruptured. I was 53. I had been walking around for about a year not breathing well. That said, I also was a severe asthmatic and overweight. So I thought it was my asthma. I remember in July of ‘08 having difficulty on a treadmill and exercising. By December, I was not able to take three steps without having difficulty breathing. The lightbulb went off in my head when I was in NYC and was not able to climb up the subway stairs. Then it dawned on me! And of course it’s now Christmas week! I was fortunate to get into see my FIL doctor. Two weeks later I was on the table for 8 hours. And then in a drug induced coma. My doctor said that I would have been dead within a week or two. I was in the hospital for about 5 days I think. Fifteen years later, I’m still doing great!
I Had a mechanical aortic valve replaced on Aug.24, 1974. I had the Surgery at Birmingham Heart Center in Birmingham, Alabama, by Dr. Kirklin. He us one of the first Broyk Sherin valve. I have been on Coumadin since then. I check my INR once a week. I would be happy to answer any questions about my experience.
@bendranski6882 yes it is and it's great. Gives the rest of sufferers from this condition hope and positivity, especially since heart surgery processes and materials have improved significantly since the 70s.
Can you make a long video and share with us your journey and experiences both good and bad as it’s been 50+ years you have been on blood thinners and how do you maintain the water levels in your body as you aged and do you have any other illnesses or any illnesses occurred afterward such as hernia or any kidney related issues and one more thing does AF occurred after surgery if yes how do you deal with it.
Just had my aortic valve replaced for the second time by dr Starnes, got a tissue valve this time. Had the st Jude mechanical valve for 20 years. Dr Starnes and his team are amazing. 3 weeks out from surgery and doing great!
I hope you’re doing well. My best wishes to you. I’ve recently been diagnosed with a leaking bicuspid aortic valve. I had thought it was my mitral valve but I was obviously a bit shocked when I was first diagnosed and didn’t hear my consultant correctly. Do you mind me asking what type of surgery you had? Im waiting on further tests to see how severe although I am getting heart palpitations, chest pain (cold hands and feet particularly bad) and fatigue. I’m pretty sure I will need surgery but waiting on what consultant says. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. All the very best to you.
Thank You so much for this video! It is a Godsend! My son, 38 years old has been diagnosed with Mitral valve regurgitation. Because of his weight he would be considered high risk although he does not have any other comorbidities like diabetes, however he does have high blood pressure. It is good to know that he does not necessarily have to have open heart surgery and go on heart bypass-which was an idea that scared the bejesus out of me. It is good to know there are other options BEFORE talking to a heart surgeon, who may want to push their own agenda. It’s good to have non-biased information. THANK YOU!
Thank you for this great channel and content. I have just had my mitral valve repaired - using minimally invasive procedure. My valve went from a small leak to severe within 5 years. I kick myself for not getting it checked out each year with an echocardiogram. I strongly recommend this check up. I went downhill over the past 6-12 months with fatigue, headaches, dizzy, funny sensation in my chest with odd heart beats from time to time. I went for a check up and was on the operating table within 3 weeks. Its a scary thought but as your posts show there are so many passionate experts that have dedicated their career's to such procedures - I found Dr Galloway at NYI Langone in NYC. Thankfully its a low risk procedure if you are in good health and I am so grateful to have had my valve repaired before damage occurred. Your channel helps prepare for the procedure and lets people know this is a common and repairable conditions. Thank you
Hi Ian, Thanks so much for the very kind words about our RUclips channel. And, we're glad to hear you are doing well after your mitral valve surgery using a minimally invasive approach.
@@salmark9080 sorry to hear. Mild is generally deemed ok to live with as long as it's not causing issues with more serious symptoms. I am feeling great. So much more energy and no more crazy heart rythems. My pulse is higher than it was but this is coming down every week with exercise. I've started doing more intensive exercise like a rowing machine and cycling and had my heart to 170 bpm. Amazing given surgery was only 4 months ago. Keep an eye on things with regular echocardiograms and if you start feeling fatigued or out of breath with little exertion then get checked out. I started getting headaches almost daily towards the end before my op. Virtually gone since.
@@ianbooth1290 Excellent to hear. This past weekend I had a lot of intermittent chest pain and shortness of breath episodes, i'm going to go to the guy you mentioned just in case. Your comment really helped, thanks
HI Doug, Great to hear you are doing well after your mitral valve repair surgery in 2008! So you know, we do not track the surgical approach (sternotomy, minimally-invasive, robotics, transcatheter, etc.) of every heart valve surgeon. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Vaughn Starnes, you can view his specific profile at www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Vaughn-Starnes-Los+Angeles-California.php. Hope that helps! 👍👍👍
I just got told I have mitral valve disease two days ago, my gp says i might not need open heart surgery but i would still need to see a cardiologist in the near future. I breathe difficult these days and cant walk far. My knees hurt so bad, the dizziness and also muscle weakness, as well as heartbeat goes wild when I attempt to do anything. My heartbeat is so loud when I lay down
Thank you so much for this video, I currently have severe MV regurgitation with a flail leaflet & I am having an MV replacement next week. I have had a heart murmur with mild regurgitation, I am now 62 I have eosinophillic asthma & Paget’s disease of bone I am otherwise fit & healthy, I eat well, I’m a healthy weight & I have never smoked. My team of cardiologists & pulmonologist think that I had endocarditis late last year when I had severe pneumonia after a minor rhino virus; I was hospitalised for 3 weeks & my mitral valve symptoms appeared when I was in hospital. I had all of the symptoms except for swelling of my ankles.
In some cases, the patient or the surgeon do not have a choice between valve repair or replacement . My surgeon attempted to repair my mitral valve but after testing it,was still leaking so I had to have it replaced.
went in on Oct 13th, 2020 for mitral repair, I was in the ICU for 2 days because they had to then put in a pacemaker on the 14th, most amount of any pain killer I needed was tylenol for maybe the first 3 days, after that I didnt need it. Feeling better each day, still very sore, cant sleep well, but the worst was how walking the hospital hall was like dragging a block of cement, just getting up and walking even to the bathroom was a big chore and let me somewhat out of breath. I think by day 3, I did a 900 foot walk and back, it was hard and I had to slow down some but I did it. Some may be related to the pacemaker needing final adjustments too, but expect to feel better each day. The worst was the laryngitus I had and that still comes and goes.
@@HeartValveSurgery Hi doctor after mitral valve replacement can u get pregnant am 28 n i have do the surgery n i want kids in the future, is it possible
@@HeartValveSurgery sir how can I take appointment with this dr I m also heart patient or Dr said to me that I need a heart surgery operation.m from Pakistan Punjab how can I contact with this perfessional dr
Thank you very much. Very useful Video. My husband 87 years old, had his Mitral valve OP through clipping, but it was not successful as we were informed today. This broke my heart. An open heart operation. doctors say is too risky because of his age. But, without an operation, he has no quality in life. He can hardly climb the stairs; three steps and he is out of breath. He also has Asthma. He was operated upon for grade II meningioma and unfortunately had a brain hemorrhage, which had to be operated upon, but led to some difficulty finding words and memory loss. He is currently undergoing radiation therapy. Otherwise, his blood values are normal and, apart from the effects of the brain haemorrhage, he is generally normal. Do you think in his condition, an operation would be too risky? Or what would be the options? Thank you very much.
Hi Ramose, Thanks for sharing your husband's story with us. We are so sorry to hear about the medical challenges he is experiencing. Unfortunately, as a patient advisory group, we are not trained or capable of providing specific medical advice. That said, we would strongly encourage you to discuss this question with your medical team. If you are not getting information that you are comfortable with then perhaps you should get a second opinion to validate and support next steps in the treatment process. We are so very sorry that we cannot be of more immediate help to you!!! ❤❤❤
@@HeartValveSurgery Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my massage. I fully understand and to be honest, I didn't expect of course that you would give me a concrete advice. Yes, we are planing to hear a second opinion to validate and support next steps. Despite the fact that the treatment is taking place at the Technical University in Munich and The German Heart Centre Munich , the fear of making the wrong decision is there. We hope for the Best and we place our trust in God's hands. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
The other valve is On-X and there is a study in phase ll with that to see if Eliquis can replace warfarin, but the study is using On-X which may or may not apply to a different make.
Victorian, You are correct. Here is more information about the PROACT Xa study you reference above - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/proact-xa-clinical-trial/.
@@HeartValveSurgery Excellent! In my case my surgeon determined the redundant leaflets could be repaired, so he did a repair and inserted an anuloplasty ring, so the only meds they have me on is Metoprolo and low dose aspirin 1x/d I was back to full time work in 6 weeks which surprised my doctor, the surgery was not bad, 6 days in the hospital I was ready to go by day 5 but needed to arrange a ride home.
I had my mitral repaired after refusing a valve replacement. I am a vegetarian and could not countenance the killing of a pig to use its valve to fix my heart. That was almost ten years ago and I have no regrets. A cadaver valve would have been acceptable or a mechanical valve could have worked too. The recovery was long and difficult but I am almost back to the way I was before surgery!
My mother has undergone mitral valve replacement surgery ten days ago but till now she is in ICU and she has now infection in lungs so she is in ventilator..kindly let me know for how long you stayed in hospital
Yes, the MitraClip is a great, less-invasive device which Dr. Starnes discusses in this video. However, at this time, the MitraClip is only available for certain patient segments that are higher risk. Please note, there is a clinical trial going on right now for moderate risk patients called the REPAIR MR research study. To learn more about the REPAIR MR Clinical Trial, please check out ruclips.net/video/nnTmtC0QMxI/видео.html. To learn more about the MitraClip, please check out www.heart-valve-surgery.com/mitraclip/. Hope that helps!!!
Your son is so lucky. Me, i was diagnosed with valvular heart disease secondary to mitral valve regurgitation. I feel shortness of breath, my leg is keep swelling. Im afraid of a surgery. Im just 24 years old girl live in Philippines. I prefer to have my surgery in states if ever my Cardio advise me that i need to undergo a surgery, sad thing is we don't have that much money to spent. So im hoping, medicine will help
Adam, I have been waiting for this! Thank you...I remain so grateful! I took notes..am seeing someone about this Nov. 2nd..I feel much better equipped with some knowledge, so I can make, with my doctor, a more educated decision concerning my particular situation. You remain a valuable and reliable source for all things valve related! Again, thank you so much.
Woo-Whoo!!!! Great to hear the interview with Dr. Starnes was helpful Margie! Thanks so much for the kind words. If you need anything, please let me know. Take care and stay safe!!!! Adam
This helped out a lot going thru this with my mom hope she has the option to do a Cather she already has a pace maker. They wanna do surgery 2mar but havnt spoke with Doctor at least I get to ask about all these procedures
At about the 10:45 mark they talk about anti-calcification coatings. Just wondering what your thoughts are on using vitamin K2 to prevent calcification?
I have severe mitral valve regurgitation, recently had a heart cath and TEE and and am now being scheduled with cardio thoracic surgeons to have a robotic heart valve repair which will be a less invasive procedure than having it done open chest. I’m super grateful that that option and technology is available!!
Do you know what the pros and cons are? I have it and I've gone vegan 100% and predominantly raw organic. I also IF so instead of dinner I exercise. I'm off BP pills now and have lost weight, but I doubt any of this helps my problem so I may need to get this fixed before the last string goes
I have Mitral Valve Prolapse with mild regurgitation. My cardiologist says I am fine. I did an echocardiogram with color flow Dopler, no issues. It also helped my mom, who is a critical care nurse spotted it when it was young and got checked out. I always take my meds before and after any dental procedures to avoid endocarditis which is a bacterial infection of the heart lining. Mitral Valve prolapse, either born with it or you develop it. Sometimes people dont know if they have it or not, sometimes doctors when they listen to your heart they can hear the gurgle or click and then boom you go to the cardiologist and get it confirmed. My brother is getting heart valve replacement, he didnt know he had MVP. I am active, not vegan, dont drink, dont smoke.
My dad was diagnosed of rhomatiod heart disease and was advised a mitral valve replacement surgery. I and my younger ones has been going through alot because we are struggling to come up with the money for the surgery surgery. I Wanted to know more about the surgery and I stumbled on this, thanks for this video.
thank you for giving people hope with you information and it has broadened my perception of my own dilema deaqling with with Mitral leakage , god bless you both , love and light to you.🙏❤🕯
Hey there, Great to hear the video interview about mitral valve disease with Dr. Vaughn Starnes was helpful to you! If anybody out there would like to learn more about Dr. Starnes, please click www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Vaughn-Starnes-Los+Angeles-California.php. Hope that helps!
Hi Crystal, Great to meet you! What is the severity of your mitral stenosis? Here is a page all about the symptoms, causes and treatment of mitral stenosis - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/mitral-stenosis-symptoms-narrow.php. Hope that helps!!!
Thanks for bringing up the Ozaki procedure. It appears to becoming more popular. Here's a video about the Ozaki - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/ozaki-procedure/.
How was it? How are you doing? I have aortic valve regurgitation and mitral. It’s mild but I just wanna go back to normal or feeling better than before.
On May 25th of last year I had my mitral valve replaced with a pig valve. I was born with mitral valve prolapse (mvp), but never had any issues with it, except occasionally feeling a fullness in my heart when my upper chamber was getting too much blood pushed back into it. These “ fullness feelings” didn’t last but a few seconds. Other than that, nothing else happened to me. All doctor’s visits I was asked, do you know you have a heart murmur? Some would even invite their colleagues into my examination room to listen to my heart, because the murmur was so intense! 😂 through the years I had echo cardiograms and results were fine. Just mvp, no damage to my valve. However, March of 2022, I have my yearly echo test done and my cardiologist says my valve has changed and he wants to do a TEE test as well as a CAT scan. After the TEE, he says I need either a repair or a replacement of the valve. I am just amazed at how quickly that much dam- age occurred in a year’s time! Personally, I think it was either the 2 Covid Vaccines I got or the virus itself, which I had once and got only a mild case of it! I live in AL and had the surgery done in Birmingham. My surgeon was Dr. John Richardson-he’s great and I can’t say enough wonderful things about him! If he could he’d repair it, otherwise he’d replace it with a pig valve. Said he’d done many of these, and I probably be in the hospital 5 days at the most. He would put a catheter in my right groin and put a little camera on a tube running upwards my heart. He made 3 small incisions on the side of my right breast. He did all the surgery through those holes through my ribs. Don’t know how long it took, just remember waking up in my room in the worst pain I have ever been in!! And every time I woke up I begged for more meds for pain. Nurse always said no. Guess it was too early or something. Found out several days later that the surgeon had accidentally nipped the heart sac when he was coming out of my heart. I was bleeding internally, they discovered it the next morning and opened the wound back up to repair the cut. They had to give me 4 units of blood. So I went through another night of awful terrible pain. The next day I went into AFib. My 5 days turned into 16 days in cardiac ICU!
my big question which I can't find an answer to what happens if the Mitral clip becomes totally detached later down the road. Is that basically instant death to have it floating around in your heart? Thanks
Hi Tullio, The cost of a mitral valve operations depends on many factors including your medical team, hospital costs, your insurance, government support and more. We would encourage you to discuss the potential cost of a mitral valve surgery with your medical team.
Like many things in life timing seems to be important here. I'm 58 and in otherwise good health. It seems to me that the choice I will have to make will be between repair and replacement, given the long-term time horizon.
I am post mitral valve repair, annuluplasty neochodae implatation.. its my 6th week.. i want to know what happens to the ring and suture inside the heart.. thank u so much
I had open heart due to HOCM at 54. I recently found out that the Mitral valve has severe calcification with moderate regurgitation. To be honest, Im not willing to undergo another open heart surgery as it took me 1 year to recover, I also do not want to be on blood thinners. Do you think there is a good possibility repair/replace the MV via transcatheder?
I know how you feel. I had tripple bypass surgery a year and a half ago and I also had a leaking mitral valve that was supposed to be replaced or fixed. The surgeon did the bypass but forgot to do the mitral valve. There is no way that I will go back for open heart surgery. It was way to painfull. Maybe if they can do it trans catheter I will but that is it. I am also a diabetic and this caused some problems with wound healing. I am still very tired at times.
I have suspected mitrial regurgitation. That is I don't always get shortness of breath when walking. Maybe one morning or evening then no shortness of breath on walking next excercise. It feels like I have something in my lung ie I cough a lot which helps. The shortness of breath stops when I stop walking. It's so annoying. I've alerted my Doctor and he sent me for a CT Scan. And a Ultra Sound. But the NHS is so slow. Any help would be grateful. X
Hi Srikath, Yes, that is possible. You may want to watch these videos to learn more: ruclips.net/video/zKa3jmkzs3Y/видео.html ruclips.net/video/qsRRdEc-Mqk/видео.html&t Hope that helps!
I have artial flutter which lead to dx of mvp and mvr. Currently going through testing to see the extent and what my treatment plan will be and doing some of my own research so I know what to expect. Thank you for this video.
Thanks for sending this because I have this same tthing theyve been watching it for years I,ll be praying for you . I love you sweety. Please be careful.
@@HeartValveSurgery thank you. Luckily they are mild at the moment and I was able to have my last baby with no heart issues. I'll have to find a new cardiologist unfortunately, because I don't like his attitude, but the research I've done has helped me immensely.
There are many different treatments for aortic regurgitation including replacement, repair, Ross Procedure, etc. We would encourage you to watch several videos on RUclips to learn more.
I have mitral valve prolapse. The surgeon wants to do open heart surgery. I DON'T want that. I want the MITRACLIP. He said I'm not a candidate for that. WHAT CAN I DO?
I’m in the same boat. I just found out two days ago after TEE and cath. I’m thinking about getting a second opinion at a mitro valve approved center. Certain centers have this special designation.
If the MitraClip is not indicated for the type of mitral valve disease that you have, there really is nothing you can do. That said, you may want to get another opinion just to be sure the MitraClip is not for you.
I had my mitral valve with regurgitation fixed with the clip/ring and I still have a lot of PVCs it’s terribly uncomfortable and I am still short of breath all the time…
I have bileaflet mvp and inverted t waves on ecg. I’ve also had nsvt and pvc/pac on holter. Would surgery decrease a risk for sudden cardiac death? Thank you
MGH, Tufts, Boston medical, Brigham Women Hospitals all those have excellent cardiac surgeons. Boston is the best medical community in country. You can Google best ones. Find out what your insurance covers. Get your doctor to get you referral to a cardiac surgeon. You need echocardiogram test before you see a specialist. At least get s consultation.
It's our pleasure. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Starnes, please visit www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Vaughn-Starnes-Los+Angeles-California.php.
Sir does mechanical valve change the life span of man.. Sir my father is suffering from MVR after consulting doctor he suggested us to do replace mitral with mechanical Sir is it good or any other suggestions from you
Hi Vishnu, As you are aware, life expectancy can be impacted by many different factors (age, health, etc.). That said, we would encourage you to discuss with your medical team.
hi there My cardiologist said that taking an aspirin a day, for life, after my mitral valve repair is something I should be doing. Told me this last week as a NEW development. LOL I had my surgery 6 years ago and I take NO medication. Have you heard of this? I feel fine by the way and I'm not taking it and never have.
Hi Minnow, You raise a really good question. Unfortunately, as a patient advisory group, we are not trained or capable of providing you specific medical advice. That said, we would strongly encourage you to discuss these questions further with your medical team. If you are not getting information that you are comfortable with then perhaps you should get a second opinion to validate and support your concerns regarding the use of baby aspirin. . For reference, here is a video about baby aspirin after heart surgery that you may want to consider for general education - ruclips.net/video/Vg1kCQXJG3E/видео.html. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Thank you for sharing this video. I have recently been diagnosed with a leaking left valve (I assume my consultant meant mitral valve). I wished I would have asked more questions having stumbled across your videos. I have now been referred for another echocardiogram to check how severe the leak is, and I am waiting on a MRI Scan of my heart. I have a couple of questions and would be very grateful for any information, or advice. 1) How serious is it? I have been feeling poorly for a very long time. Pain in chest (felt like my collarbone and sternum). I have had heart palpitations and my heart has raced a few times. I have been feeling out of breath. Cold hands and feet, and what feels like pain in my blood vessels. I was previously very fit so concerned by some of the symptoms. 2) What are the next steps following a definitive diagnosis? My Consultant advised me that a scan will be able to see if my leak is mild, moderate or severe. 3)Is there anything I can do before I go for my scan on the 5th January 2022?Any foods to avoid for example. Should I continue moderate exercise. By exercise I mean walking as I am unable to run, cycle or swim which I used to do a very lot before my symptoms kicked off around 18 months ago. Thank you in advance for anyone reading this and best wishes to you and your family for the holidays!
Adam, I hope you found your answers and are well on the road to treatment. Your story touched my heart ( pun unintended) because my 23 yr old son has just had surgery on his mitral valve. I just wanted to wish you well and God speed! PS: on the second day after surgery, my son told me he could feel a huge improvement on how he felt. Scary to think that feeling poorly with much the same symptoms, was normal to him….until the symptoms suddenly and quickly turned worse. I think you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel once you’ve had your surgery too. Best of luck to you!
@@itsmeanne many thanks for your kind reply. I’m so pleased to hear your son is doing well. I know it may same odd from a stranger but please pass my best wishes on to him. I wish him a speedy recovery and if he or you have any advice on his surgery (type of surgery, pre or post op, then I would appreciate it very much) I discovered that I have a bicuspid aortic valve which is leaking. I must have misheard my consultant when he spoke. I think I was in a bit of shock at the time. I have been experiencing pain for some time and always thought that something was wrong but must have been slightly overwhelmed when I was diagnosed. I’m still waiting on a cardiac mri scan and the a transesophageal echocardiogram. I have an appointment on the 10th Feb. I’ve been counting down the days as I’ve been feeling pretty poorly for a while and just want my health to get better. My best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you Adam, I will pass on your kind wishes to him. I just brought him home from hospital today! Feb 10 must feel so far away but hang in there a little longer! You’re almost there. The only advice I can think to offer is to follow 100% the advice/ directions of your health care team! Your Dr/Specialist will be THE BEST person to ask everything you need to know, specific to and for you!! Maintain a healthy well balanced diet, it’s very important to your healing and heart health. A family/friend to help care for you post-op while you recover as it will take time. Especially with driving you to follow up Dr appointments, blood tests, scans, etc. …..help with lifting or opening things…anything requiring any straining. Also, from experience, it would have been helpful to know, while my son was waiting for his surgery, to get any dental needs fixed! I’m assuming it’ll be same for you, but he needed clearance from his dentist before surgery could proceed because of the high risk of heart infection via dental problems. We lost a bit of time by not having his dental needs fixed sooner. Might be a good idea to get that sorted so it doesn’t cause you any further delays. And of course, please please take extra care to minimise any risk of getting sick so surgery is not delayed or complicated, both pre and post op. I truly wish you the best Adam. And in saying that, once you have had surgery and gone through recovery, you will feel SO much better….and that is something positive to look forward to! Take care & God Bless 🙏
All great questions. Considering the each patient is unique, we would encourage you to discuss these questions with your medical team. They will give you the best and most accurate responses as they will have access to your diagnostic tests.
My neighbor lost her 26 year old daughter several years ago. During autopsy they found her mitral valve was in terrible condition. They never even knew she had something wrong.
Hi my son 18years old ...he affected by rumatic fever...after taht double valuve replacement ...im worried about my kid please anyone suggest... My desire....he will live happily 100% im worried i didn't sleeep
My Mom is 78 and having this surgery next month (10/21) She's known about this since the 1970s. My question is, why now? And is it safe? My best friends Dad is still in the hospital 4 months later from bypass surgery and almost lost him and I'm freaking out about my mother. She's normal weight, never smoked or drank at all and is sensitive to medication. Please calm my nerves. Hugs🫂
Hi Wendy, We completely understand your concern and fear. Have you read this article about dispelling the fear of heart surgery? www.heart-valve-surgery.com/valve-mortality-surgery-repair-replacement.php. We hope that helps! Please give our best to your mom!
I'm 59, and had mitral valve replacement, after being able to barely make it to the top of my stairs. I had 1 Dr. tell me I was ok, and go home, come see me again in 6 months. I didn't listen to him and went to the ER at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk VA or there about. BEST thing I could have done. They caught it early and replaced the valve. I feel fine and even jump on the trampoline with a 5 yr old. Was the 1st time I'd had any major surgery. Never even a broken bone. Took almost a month for me to get out of the hospital, due to a complication with water retention and the need to have another tube, reinstalled to drain fluid, but other than 1 nurse, wanting to treat me like a sack of tatters when she'd come in to get me up, I had a GREAT experience. Anybody needing this done, expect a catheter to pee, a mid line for blood draws, take your own CPAP machine and a pen with your 6 foot cell phone cord. Play Diablo 3 and I'll meet you there for help with dementia or simple old age memory issues. There's a big crowd of older folks who play this game and it's easy to log into and get something done w/ just a few minutes to play. The repetition of the game is the point for memory issues, but it's fun and has seasons where you can get a new gaming experience every 3 or 4 months. Other than that you'll be bored to tears at the hospital while waiting for someone to come help you walk the halls or get up to go to the bathroom. I'd recommend getting your new heart valve, soon as possible. My experience was a great 1 and I wish you the best for your full recovery. Best thing I've done for my family in years! They'll have me for many years to come thanks to my choice for a mechanical valve replacement.
I just had my a mechanical valve replacement
Do you take warferin
I have a Mitra valve replacement and I always been taking a waferin all the time as you @@thivankafernando2699
Thanks so much for sharing your story and your tips with our patient community!!!
@@thivankafernando2699 I'm sorry. I didn't see this question till now. Yes! I do. 'Warfarin'. I specifically told the Dr. I'd choose to use the mechanical valve as long as the medication I had to take for the rest of my life didn't come from China. Just in case they decided to no longer import it. lol
This is so inspiring. I am 35 years and I’m having my surgery next week.
Eight days ago I had a Pascal Ace mitral valve implant. I was a bit apprehensive about the whole procedure, especially since my particular valve had only been recently approved from the Edwards Laboratories. I found that not only did the Community Heart and Vascular hospital in my city, provide TOP NOTCH care, but the procedure went well with skilled hands and much prayer. I'm home a day later with relatively NO shortness of breath and optimistic outlook. Waiting for legs/ankles' swelling to subside and some normalcy to return in some other areas. Humbled beyond expression to think that I have a new lease on the rest of my life at 81 years old. Praise God!
Godgotus 🫶
Wonderful success story!
I had a mitral valve replacement 10 weeks ago - using a mechanical valve as I’m 62. Recovery is going well and I’d like to be back at work (grocery delivery) before Christmas. No trouble with the sternotomy repairing, although the scar is still red and the skin is tight. This YT channel has been a great source of information before and since the operation.
Hi Mike, Great to hear you are on the "other side" of a mechanical mitral valve replacement! Wonderful learning that your recovery is going well and you are on the path to returning to work in the near future. Thanks for the kind words about the educational videos we have created for patents, their families and friends who are struggling with heart valve disease and its treatment. Many thanks!!!! 😀😀😀
how are you doing?
@ Very well, thanks. No fluid on the lungs and have the okay from the surgeon to resume work at the end of the month. Still very tired some days but that’ll level out over time I’m sure.
@@miketaylor7440 Might I suggest a bicycle to help build up both core strength and stamina, just in time for Christmas too!
My stamina is my issue. I want a bike but can't afford it right now, to build back up my stamina. Been 2 years and 3 months now for me.
Mitral valve repair last year. Age 60. Maze IV because of afib. Sternotomy. Didn’t feel any pain. Now: next week Olympic distance triathlon. Never ever felt so good!
Great story! Thanks so much for sharing!
Heck YEAH! That's what I'm talking 'bout! What a difference isn't it?
Thank you very much for sharing this video. I am 62 years old scheduled to have mitral valve surgery on October 17th. After watching your video, I feel pretty much at ease about the surgery. God bless you❤
My mother just had a mitral valve replacement a few days ago. And it went very well. Good luck and i will pray for you.
@@Notme5-v3j thank you, God bless you
How did it go? I hope you are doing good and healthy ❤🤝
@@tuleberdiev If she does not answer, she is not quite healthy.
How did it go? Hope u doing well 🙏
I just had open heart surgery in Mexico last spring. Fixed the mitral valve and had a maze procedure. It was an amazing experience and now I work with my cardiologist to let people know about his team.
Great!
How long did it take for you to return to 100% physically?
Who was doctor in Mexico.
I had mitral valve surgery in 2008. My mitral valve ruptured. I was 53. I had been walking around for about a year not breathing well. That said, I also was a severe asthmatic and overweight. So I thought it was my asthma. I remember in July of ‘08 having difficulty on a treadmill and exercising. By December, I was not able to take three steps without having difficulty breathing. The lightbulb went off in my head when I was in NYC and was not able to climb up the subway stairs. Then it dawned on me! And of course it’s now Christmas week! I was fortunate to get into see my FIL doctor. Two weeks later I was on the table for 8 hours. And then in a drug induced coma. My doctor said that I would have been dead within a week or two. I was in the hospital for about 5 days I think. Fifteen years later, I’m still doing great!
I Had a mechanical aortic valve replaced on Aug.24, 1974. I had the Surgery at Birmingham Heart Center in Birmingham, Alabama, by Dr. Kirklin. He us one of the first Broyk Sherin valve. I have been on Coumadin since then. I check my INR once a week. I would be happy to answer any questions about my experience.
Nearly 50 years is a long time.
@bendranski6882 yes it is and it's great. Gives the rest of sufferers from this condition hope and positivity, especially since heart surgery processes and materials have improved significantly since the 70s.
Wow! Amazing success story!
Can you make a long video and share with us your journey and experiences both good and bad as it’s been 50+ years you have been on blood thinners and how do you maintain the water levels in your body as you aged and do you have any other illnesses or any illnesses occurred afterward such as hernia or any kidney related issues and one more thing does AF occurred after surgery if yes how do you deal with it.
Dr.Starnes is the best! He did my surgery four years ago I will always be grateful to him ❤
Awesome! Dr. Starnes did my procedure too... A Ross Procedure... So grateful for him!
I remember Dr. Starnes! He did 3 of my 4 surgeries on my mitral valve back in 1997 at children’s hospital. All in the same year to.
Wow! Sounds like Dr. Starnes was a life-saver back in 1997 for you.
Just had my aortic valve replaced for the second time by dr Starnes, got a tissue valve this time. Had the st Jude mechanical valve for 20 years. Dr Starnes and his team are amazing. 3 weeks out from surgery and doing great!
Great to hear you are doing well Daniel!!!
What's your health insurance? Because I think HMO skimps on this
Lucky you
@@pawsitivenooz I have a ppo
I hope you’re doing well. My best wishes to you.
I’ve recently been diagnosed with a leaking bicuspid aortic valve. I had thought it was my mitral valve but I was obviously a bit shocked when I was first diagnosed and didn’t hear my consultant correctly.
Do you mind me asking what type of surgery you had?
Im waiting on further tests to see how severe although I am getting heart palpitations, chest pain (cold hands and feet particularly bad) and fatigue.
I’m pretty sure I will need surgery but waiting on what consultant says.
Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. All the very best to you.
Thank You so much for this video! It is a Godsend! My son, 38 years old has been diagnosed with Mitral valve regurgitation. Because of his weight he would be considered high risk although he does not have any other comorbidities like diabetes, however he does have high blood pressure.
It is good to know that he does not necessarily have to have open heart surgery and go on heart bypass-which was an idea that scared the bejesus out of me.
It is good to know there are other options BEFORE talking to a heart surgeon, who may want to push their own agenda.
It’s good to have non-biased information. THANK YOU!
Great to hear you enjoyed this video with Dr. Vaughn Starnes about mitral valve surgery!
What an outstanding human being. He operated 2x on a family member.
Wow! 2x? That's a lot of x!
Yes, Dr. Starnes is an extraordinary man and doctor!
Thank you for this great channel and content. I have just had my mitral valve repaired - using minimally invasive procedure. My valve went from a small leak to severe within 5 years. I kick myself for not getting it checked out each year with an echocardiogram. I strongly recommend this check up. I went downhill over the past 6-12 months with fatigue, headaches, dizzy, funny sensation in my chest with odd heart beats from time to time. I went for a check up and was on the operating table within 3 weeks. Its a scary thought but as your posts show there are so many passionate experts that have dedicated their career's to such procedures - I found Dr Galloway at NYI Langone in NYC. Thankfully its a low risk procedure if you are in good health and I am so grateful to have had my valve repaired before damage occurred. Your channel helps prepare for the procedure and lets people know this is a common and repairable conditions. Thank you
Hi Ian, Thanks so much for the very kind words about our RUclips channel. And, we're glad to hear you are doing well after your mitral valve surgery using a minimally invasive approach.
Hi Ian, I just got diagnosed with this at 29 years old and I feel like it's worsening even though it's mild. What's your condition like now?
@@salmark9080 sorry to hear. Mild is generally deemed ok to live with as long as it's not causing issues with more serious symptoms.
I am feeling great. So much more energy and no more crazy heart rythems. My pulse is higher than it was but this is coming down every week with exercise. I've started doing more intensive exercise like a rowing machine and cycling and had my heart to 170 bpm. Amazing given surgery was only 4 months ago. Keep an eye on things with regular echocardiograms and if you start feeling fatigued or out of breath with little exertion then get checked out. I started getting headaches almost daily towards the end before my op. Virtually gone since.
@@ianbooth1290 Excellent to hear. This past weekend I had a lot of intermittent chest pain and shortness of breath episodes, i'm going to go to the guy you mentioned just in case. Your comment really helped, thanks
@@salmark9080 good luck. You should get an echocardiogram done first so he can see what's going on. Hope all goes well.
EMT here. That doctor and format is informative and lovely!
Thanks Tom! Much appreciated!
I had robotic mitral valve repair in 2008 at 51 year old. Still doing great. Does this doctor every do the repair with robotics?
HI Doug, Great to hear you are doing well after your mitral valve repair surgery in 2008! So you know, we do not track the surgical approach (sternotomy, minimally-invasive, robotics, transcatheter, etc.) of every heart valve surgeon. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Vaughn Starnes, you can view his specific profile at www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Vaughn-Starnes-Los+Angeles-California.php. Hope that helps! 👍👍👍
I just got told I have mitral valve disease two days ago, my gp says i might not need open heart surgery but i would still need to see a cardiologist in the near future. I breathe difficult these days and cant walk far. My knees hurt so bad, the dizziness and also muscle weakness, as well as heartbeat goes wild when I attempt to do anything. My heartbeat is so loud when I lay down
I hope you are doing ok.
How are you doing now?
Thank you so much for this video, I currently have severe MV regurgitation with a flail leaflet & I am having an MV replacement next week. I have had a heart murmur with mild regurgitation, I am now 62 I have eosinophillic asthma & Paget’s disease of bone I am otherwise fit & healthy, I eat well, I’m a healthy weight & I have never smoked. My team of cardiologists & pulmonologist think that I had endocarditis late last year when I had severe pneumonia after a minor rhino virus; I was hospitalised for 3 weeks & my mitral valve symptoms appeared when I was in hospital. I had all of the symptoms except for swelling of my ankles.
Hi madam..r u fine now...is operation done
Great to hear you enjoyed the video and it was supportive to you in your time of need. How did the procedure go?
In some cases, the patient or the surgeon do not have a choice between valve repair or replacement . My surgeon attempted to repair my mitral valve but after testing it,was still leaking so I had to have it replaced.
Great point. Yes, this is one reason you want to find a very skilled mitral valve surgeon. If repair is not possible, then replace.
went in on Oct 13th, 2020 for mitral repair, I was in the ICU for 2 days because they had to then put in a pacemaker on the 14th, most amount of any pain killer I needed was tylenol for maybe the first 3 days, after that I didnt need it.
Feeling better each day, still very sore, cant sleep well, but the worst was how walking the hospital hall was like dragging a block of cement, just getting up and walking even to the bathroom was a big chore and let me somewhat out of breath. I think by day 3, I did a 900 foot walk and back, it was hard and I had to slow down some but I did it.
Some may be related to the pacemaker needing final adjustments too, but expect to feel better each day. The worst was the laryngitus I had and that still comes and goes.
Great to hear you are on the "other side" and feeling better every day!!!!
@@HeartValveSurgery Hi doctor after mitral valve replacement can u get pregnant am 28 n i have do the surgery n i want kids in the future, is it possible
@@HeartValveSurgery sir how can I take appointment with this dr I m also heart patient or Dr said to me that I need a heart surgery operation.m from Pakistan Punjab how can I contact with this perfessional dr
I stayed a week in hospital and I had no blood transfusion
Most surgical valve patients stay in the hospital between 4 to 7 days.
Thank you very much. Very useful Video.
My husband 87 years old, had his Mitral valve OP through clipping, but it was not successful as we were informed today. This broke my heart. An open heart operation. doctors say is too risky because of his age. But, without an operation, he has no quality in life. He can hardly climb the stairs; three steps and he is out of breath. He also has Asthma.
He was operated upon for grade II meningioma and unfortunately had a brain hemorrhage, which had to be operated upon, but led to some difficulty finding words and memory loss. He is currently undergoing radiation therapy. Otherwise, his blood values are normal and, apart from the effects of the brain haemorrhage, he is generally normal.
Do you think in his condition, an operation would be too risky? Or what would be the options?
Thank you very much.
Hi Ramose, Thanks for sharing your husband's story with us. We are so sorry to hear about the medical challenges he is experiencing. Unfortunately, as a patient advisory group, we are not trained or capable of providing specific medical advice. That said, we would strongly encourage you to discuss this question with your medical team. If you are not getting information that you are comfortable with then perhaps you should get a second opinion to validate and support next steps in the treatment process. We are so very sorry that we cannot be of more immediate help to you!!! ❤❤❤
@@HeartValveSurgery Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to my massage. I fully understand and to be honest, I didn't expect of course that you would give me a concrete advice. Yes, we are planing to hear a second opinion to validate and support next steps. Despite the fact that the treatment is taking place at the Technical University in Munich and The German Heart Centre Munich , the fear of making the wrong decision is there. We hope for the Best and we place our trust in God's hands. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
@@ramose83 You are doing all the right things to get the best care possible. Great job!!! 👋👋👋
The other valve is On-X and there is a study in phase ll with that to see if Eliquis can replace warfarin, but the study is using On-X which may or may not apply to a different make.
Victorian, You are correct. Here is more information about the PROACT Xa study you reference above - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/proact-xa-clinical-trial/.
@@HeartValveSurgery Excellent! In my case my surgeon determined the redundant leaflets could be repaired, so he did a repair and inserted an anuloplasty ring, so the only meds they have me on is Metoprolo and low dose aspirin 1x/d
I was back to full time work in 6 weeks which surprised my doctor, the surgery was not bad, 6 days in the hospital I was ready to go by day 5 but needed to arrange a ride home.
Just had Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Repair at the Cleveland in London, now I understand all the bits that hurt - I was in ICU for 6 days!!!
What were your symptoms ??
Yes... A little pain for a lifetime gain. Great to hear the Cleveland Clinic took care of you!
It must be so fun to be a surgeon! Fixing people up!
We understand valve surgeons, in particular, enjoy what they do!
I had my mitral repaired after refusing a valve replacement. I am a vegetarian and could not countenance the killing of a pig to use its valve to fix my heart. That was almost ten years ago and I have no regrets. A cadaver valve would have been acceptable or a mechanical valve could have worked too. The recovery was long and difficult but I am almost back to the way I was before surgery!
Brian, Great to hear you are "almost back" after your mitral valve surgery!!!
I am really thinking about the surgery I am 46 years wand very active it is hard not knowing when I will feel good or have energy to keep going!!
I am a vegan and couldn't take animal life for my own survival. Hopefully mine can be repaired.
Congrats god bless
My mother has undergone mitral valve replacement surgery ten days ago but till now she is in ICU and she has now infection in lungs so she is in ventilator..kindly let me know for how long you stayed in hospital
Dr. Oz and another doctor have developed a procedure to repair mitral valve prolapse that is less invasive.
Yes, the MitraClip is a great, less-invasive device which Dr. Starnes discusses in this video. However, at this time, the MitraClip is only available for certain patient segments that are higher risk. Please note, there is a clinical trial going on right now for moderate risk patients called the REPAIR MR research study.
To learn more about the REPAIR MR Clinical Trial, please check out ruclips.net/video/nnTmtC0QMxI/видео.html.
To learn more about the MitraClip, please check out www.heart-valve-surgery.com/mitraclip/.
Hope that helps!!!
I have mitral valve regurgitation im 36 yr old I just found out n my symptoms are somewhat painful
Hi I’m 46 years old and also have it how are you dealing with it daily
Now u ok
@@latonyarandle2651 how about that now
If you are experiencing symptoms, please consult your medical team. Symptoms can be a sign of severe mitral valve disease.
Dr Starns just repaired my 20 month old son's mitral valve. I'm so thankful it was a repair and not a replacement!
That's wonderful! We're so happy to hear that Dr. Starnes was able to repair your son's mitral valve!!!! #HappyDance
Your son is so lucky. Me, i was diagnosed with valvular heart disease secondary to mitral valve regurgitation. I feel shortness of breath, my leg is keep swelling. Im afraid of a surgery. Im just 24 years old girl live in Philippines. I prefer to have my surgery in states if ever my Cardio advise me that i need to undergo a surgery, sad thing is we don't have that much money to spent. So im hoping, medicine will help
Adam, I have been waiting for this! Thank you...I remain so grateful! I took notes..am seeing someone about this Nov. 2nd..I feel much better equipped with some knowledge, so I can make, with my doctor, a more educated decision concerning my particular situation. You remain a valuable and reliable source for all things valve related! Again, thank you so much.
Woo-Whoo!!!! Great to hear the interview with Dr. Starnes was helpful Margie! Thanks so much for the kind words. If you need anything, please let me know. Take care and stay safe!!!! Adam
This helped out a lot going thru this with my mom hope she has the option to do a Cather she already has a pace maker. They wanna do surgery 2mar but havnt spoke with Doctor at least I get to ask about all these procedures
Glad to hear the interview with Dr. Starnes was helpful! How is your mom doing?
At about the 10:45 mark they talk about anti-calcification coatings. Just wondering what your thoughts are on using vitamin K2 to prevent calcification?
I am taking Magnesium Glycinate and Vit D3 for calcification , I watched De Eric Berg
According to interviews with world-renowned surgeons, we have learned that Vitamin K2 does not prevent calcification of the heart valve.
Dr, Starnes has saved many. Mr. X
Yes, he has! (Me included)
I have severe mitral valve regurgitation, recently had a heart cath and TEE and and am now being scheduled with cardio thoracic surgeons to have a robotic heart valve repair which will be a less invasive procedure than having it done open chest. I’m super grateful that that option and technology is available!!
Great to hear you may be a candidate for a robotic mitral valve repair Kim!!!
Do you know what the pros and cons are? I have it and I've gone vegan 100% and predominantly raw organic. I also IF so instead of dinner I exercise. I'm off BP pills now and have lost weight, but I doubt any of this helps my problem so I may need to get this fixed before the last string goes
Hey Kim. Hope your surgery was smooth. I have a question to ask, is it life threatening to go for a surgery in case of problematic mitral valve?
Great to hear.. I may have this soon. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
I just had robotic arm surgery to repair my mitral valve and i'm doing great
Best description of "heart string" (chordae tendineae) and valve restoration and possible valve replacement (mechanical or pig)...
Glad you liked Dr. Starnes comments!
I have Mitral Valve Prolapse with mild regurgitation. My cardiologist says I am fine. I did an echocardiogram with color flow Dopler, no issues. It also helped my mom, who is a critical care nurse spotted it when it was young and got checked out. I always take my meds before and after any dental procedures to avoid endocarditis which is a bacterial infection of the heart lining. Mitral Valve prolapse, either born with it or you develop it. Sometimes people dont know if they have it or not, sometimes doctors when they listen to your heart they can hear the gurgle or click and then boom you go to the cardiologist and get it confirmed. My brother is getting heart valve replacement, he didnt know he had MVP. I am active, not vegan, dont drink, dont smoke.
Excellent to hear your proactive efforts to better understand the current state of your mitral valve prolapse! Please give our best to your brother!
My dad was diagnosed of rhomatiod heart disease and was advised a mitral valve replacement surgery. I and my younger ones has been going through alot because we are struggling to come up with the money for the surgery surgery.
I Wanted to know more about the surgery and I stumbled on this, thanks for this video.
Hows he now
@@sufyanjawaid3247 He is stable, but the surgery scare me because of the recent appointment with the doctor.
@@Brightamen what happened in the appointment
Thanks for the kind words. Our thoughts are with you, your family and your dad!
thank you for giving people hope with you information and it has broadened my perception of my own dilema deaqling with with Mitral leakage , god bless you both , love and light to you.🙏❤🕯
Hey there, Great to hear the video interview about mitral valve disease with Dr. Vaughn Starnes was helpful to you! If anybody out there would like to learn more about Dr. Starnes, please click www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Vaughn-Starnes-Los+Angeles-California.php. Hope that helps!
For mitral valve replacement, lungs should be in good suitable condition or not .....
We would encourage you to discuss lung function and cardiopulmonary bypass with your medical team.
I was just told I have Mitral Stenosis. Looking for more info
Hi Crystal, Great to meet you! What is the severity of your mitral stenosis? Here is a page all about the symptoms, causes and treatment of mitral stenosis - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/mitral-stenosis-symptoms-narrow.php. Hope that helps!!!
I had the Osaki procedure. Sure beats being on Warfarin with mechanical valve
Thanks for bringing up the Ozaki procedure. It appears to becoming more popular. Here's a video about the Ozaki - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/ozaki-procedure/.
I had a aerotic valve replacement
How was it? How are you doing? I have aortic valve regurgitation and mitral. It’s mild but I just wanna go back to normal or feeling better than before.
Understood. Fyi, it's actually called "aortic" not "aeortic". How are you feeling now?
On May 25th of last year I had my mitral valve replaced with a pig valve. I was born with mitral valve prolapse (mvp), but never had any issues with it, except occasionally feeling a fullness in my heart when my upper chamber was getting too much blood pushed back into it. These “ fullness feelings” didn’t last but a few seconds. Other than that, nothing else happened to me. All doctor’s visits I was asked, do you know you have a heart murmur?
Some would even invite their colleagues into my examination room to listen to my heart, because the murmur was so intense! 😂 through the years I had echo cardiograms and results were fine. Just mvp, no damage to my valve.
However, March of 2022, I have my yearly echo test done and my cardiologist says my valve has changed and he wants to do a TEE test as well as a CAT scan. After the TEE, he says I need either a repair or a replacement of the valve. I am just amazed at how quickly that much dam-
age occurred in a year’s time! Personally, I think it was either the 2 Covid
Vaccines I got or the virus itself, which I had once and got only a mild case of it!
I live in AL and had the surgery done in Birmingham. My surgeon was Dr. John Richardson-he’s great and I can’t say enough wonderful things about him! If he could he’d repair it, otherwise he’d replace it with a pig valve. Said he’d done many of these, and I probably be in the hospital 5 days at the most. He would put a catheter in my right groin and put a little camera on a tube running upwards my heart. He made 3 small incisions on the side of my right breast. He did all the surgery through those holes through my ribs. Don’t know how long it took, just remember waking up in my room in the worst pain I have ever been in!! And every time I woke up I begged for more meds for pain. Nurse always said no. Guess it was too early or something. Found out several days later that the surgeon had accidentally nipped the heart sac when he was coming out of my heart. I was bleeding internally, they discovered it the next morning and opened the wound back
up to repair the cut. They had to give me 4 units of blood. So I went through another night of awful terrible pain. The next day I went into AFib.
My 5 days turned into 16 days in cardiac ICU!
Wow. Thanks for sharing your story with honesty Sorry to hear the challenges you experienced!
my big question which I can't find an answer to what happens if the Mitral clip becomes totally detached later down the road. Is that basically instant death to have it floating around in your heart? Thanks
Great question. We don't have an immediate answer for you. But, we will do our best to ask a mitral valve expert.
How much it cost to make a mitral valve repair?
Hi Tullio, The cost of a mitral valve operations depends on many factors including your medical team, hospital costs, your insurance, government support and more. We would encourage you to discuss the potential cost of a mitral valve surgery with your medical team.
Like many things in life timing seems to be important here. I'm 58 and in otherwise good health. It seems to me that the choice I will have to make will be between repair and replacement, given the long-term time horizon.
Kenneth, Great point. If you have a choice, getting a repair typically provides the patient a life-long fix. Thoughts and prayers are with you!
I am post mitral valve repair, annuluplasty neochodae implatation.. its my 6th week.. i want to know what happens to the ring and suture inside the heart.. thank u so much
Great question. Here's a video about how long annuloplasty mitral valve rings last - ruclips.net/video/U6YBIVIYMOo/видео.html.
I had open heart due to HOCM at 54. I recently found out that the Mitral valve has severe calcification with moderate regurgitation. To be honest, Im not willing to undergo another open heart surgery as it took me 1 year to recover, I also do not want to be on blood thinners. Do you think there is a good possibility repair/replace the MV via transcatheder?
Hi, Yes! Check out this new video - ruclips.net/video/qsRRdEc-Mqk/видео.html. Hope that helps!
I know how you feel. I had tripple bypass surgery a year and a half ago and I also had a leaking mitral valve that was supposed to be replaced or fixed. The surgeon did the bypass but forgot to do the mitral valve. There is no way that I will go back for open heart surgery. It was way to painfull. Maybe if they can do it trans catheter I will but that is it. I am also a diabetic and this caused some problems with wound healing. I am still very tired at times.
I have suspected mitrial regurgitation. That is I don't always get shortness of breath when walking. Maybe one morning or evening then no shortness of breath on walking next excercise. It feels like I have something in my lung ie I cough a lot which helps. The shortness of breath stops when I stop walking. It's so annoying. I've alerted my Doctor and he sent me for a CT Scan. And a Ultra Sound. But the NHS is so slow. Any help would be grateful. X
Good to hear you are getting a solid set of tests to learn more. You may want to request a stress echo as well.
Is it possible ? To have mvr surgery to a person who already had mvr
Hi Srikath, Yes, that is possible. You may want to watch these videos to learn more:
ruclips.net/video/zKa3jmkzs3Y/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/qsRRdEc-Mqk/видео.html&t
Hope that helps!
I have artial flutter which lead to dx of mvp and mvr. Currently going through testing to see the extent and what my treatment plan will be and doing some of my own research so I know what to expect. Thank you for this video.
Thanks for sending this because I have this same tthing theyve been watching it for years
I,ll be praying for you . I love you sweety. Please be careful.
@@robingrantham5333 thank you I'm trying. So far, it's considered mild and doesn't affect me that much, bit it's getting more and more noticeable.
Good on you for doing the research! Knowledge is power!
@@HeartValveSurgery thank you. Luckily they are mild at the moment and I was able to have my last baby with no heart issues. I'll have to find a new cardiologist unfortunately, because I don't like his attitude, but the research I've done has helped me immensely.
How about aortic valve regurgitation? I have both issues
There are many different treatments for aortic regurgitation including replacement, repair, Ross Procedure, etc. We would encourage you to watch several videos on RUclips to learn more.
I have mitral valve prolapse. The surgeon wants to do open heart surgery. I DON'T want that. I want the MITRACLIP. He said I'm not a candidate for that. WHAT CAN I DO?
I’m in the same boat. I just found out two days ago after TEE and cath. I’m thinking about getting a second opinion at a mitro valve approved center. Certain centers have this special designation.
If the MitraClip is not indicated for the type of mitral valve disease that you have, there really is nothing you can do. That said, you may want to get another opinion just to be sure the MitraClip is not for you.
It is open heart surgery or bypass surgery?
They have different ways. Some is open heart (very painful long recovery) some is robotic thru the artery.
Mitral valve therapy can involve open-heart with a bypass or transcatheter without bypass. We know it's a little confusing.
I had my mitral valve with regurgitation fixed with the clip/ring and I still have a lot of PVCs it’s terribly uncomfortable and I am still short of breath all the time…
Sorry to learn you are still symptomatic following your Mitral Clip procedure.
@@HeartValveSurgerythank you I’m keeping an eye on it I have so many PVCs it causing a irregular rhythm and shortness of breath….
@@lindalucia6334 Great, please continue to monitor the PVCs with your medical team and regular check-ups.
Thank you Dr. Vaughn Starnes you did my open heart surgery in CHLA and after I woke I never got the chance to thank you
Wonderful! We will thank him the next time we see Dr. Starnes!
I have bileaflet mvp and inverted t waves on ecg. I’ve also had nsvt and pvc/pac on holter. Would surgery decrease a risk for sudden cardiac death? Thank you
Great question. We would encourage you to discuss this with your medical team.
My son is having symptoms but no health insurance:/ what can be done ?
How old is your son?
Great questions Adam
Thanks Audrey!!! :)
Thank You for this VIDEO!!
Our pleasure!
Looking for a heart surgeon in Massachusetts to preform a Mitral valve repair. Any Leeds would be greatly appreciated
Come to Cleveland Ohio. Best in the country
MGH, Tufts, Boston medical, Brigham Women Hospitals all those have excellent cardiac surgeons. Boston is the best medical community in country. You can Google best ones. Find out what your insurance covers. Get your doctor to get you referral to a cardiac surgeon. You need echocardiogram test before you see a specialist. At least get s consultation.
Here is a list of patient-recommended surgeons in Massachusetts - www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/massachusetts.php. Hope that helps!
hope and pray that my operation in mitral valve will be succesful.please pray for me
We are hoping and praying for you Pasturet!!
How are you ?
Thank you for this very informative and reassuring educational video
Great to hear you enjoyed the video with Dr. Vaughn Starnes!
How long is recovery
6 weeks or longer if complications
The recovery depends on the type of procedure - surgical or transcatheter - and the individual healing of the patient.
Thx 4 ur valuable information
It's our pleasure. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Starnes, please visit www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Vaughn-Starnes-Los+Angeles-California.php.
My mother have mitral stenosis severe ..EF:30
Any good suggestion ?
We would encourage you to discuss your mom's condition with her medical team.
Great information ❤
Sir does mechanical valve change the life span of man..
Sir my father is suffering from MVR after consulting doctor he suggested us to do replace mitral with mechanical
Sir is it good or any other suggestions from you
Hi Vishnu, As you are aware, life expectancy can be impacted by many different factors (age, health, etc.). That said, we would encourage you to discuss with your medical team.
Excellent interview, its a shame I am unable to get my mom treated by Dr. Starnes.
Thanks for the kind words about the video!
hi there My cardiologist said that taking an aspirin a day, for life, after my mitral valve repair is something I should be doing. Told me this last week as a NEW development. LOL I had my surgery 6 years ago and I take NO medication. Have you heard of this? I feel fine by the way and I'm not taking it and never have.
Hi Minnow,
You raise a really good question. Unfortunately, as a patient advisory group, we are not trained or capable of providing you specific medical advice. That said, we would strongly encourage you to discuss these questions further with your medical team. If you are not getting information that you are comfortable with then perhaps you should get a second opinion to validate and support your concerns regarding the use of baby aspirin. .
For reference, here is a video about baby aspirin after heart surgery that you may want to consider for general education - ruclips.net/video/Vg1kCQXJG3E/видео.html.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Thank you for sharing this video. I have recently been diagnosed with a leaking left valve (I assume my consultant meant mitral valve). I wished I would have asked more questions having stumbled across your videos.
I have now been referred for another echocardiogram to check how severe the leak is, and I am waiting on a MRI Scan of my heart.
I have a couple of questions and would be very grateful for any information, or advice.
1) How serious is it? I have been feeling poorly for a very long time. Pain in chest (felt like my collarbone and sternum). I have had heart palpitations and my heart has raced a few times. I have been feeling out of breath. Cold hands and feet, and what feels like pain in my blood vessels. I was previously very fit so concerned by some of the symptoms.
2) What are the next steps following a definitive diagnosis? My Consultant advised me that a scan will be able to see if my leak is mild, moderate or severe.
3)Is there anything I can do before I go for my scan on the 5th January 2022?Any foods to avoid for example. Should I continue moderate exercise. By exercise I mean walking as I am unable to run, cycle or swim which I used to do a very lot before my symptoms kicked off around 18 months ago.
Thank you in advance for anyone reading this and best wishes to you and your family for the holidays!
Adam, I hope you found your answers and are well on the road to treatment. Your story touched my heart ( pun unintended) because my 23 yr old son has just had surgery on his mitral valve. I just wanted to wish you well and God speed!
PS: on the second day after surgery, my son told me he could feel a huge improvement on how he felt. Scary to think that feeling poorly with much the same symptoms, was normal to him….until the symptoms suddenly and quickly turned worse. I think you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel once you’ve had your surgery too. Best of luck to you!
@@itsmeanne many thanks for your kind reply.
I’m so pleased to hear your son is doing well. I know it may same odd from a stranger but please pass my best wishes on to him.
I wish him a speedy recovery and if he or you have any advice on his surgery (type of surgery, pre or post op, then I would appreciate it very much)
I discovered that I have a bicuspid aortic valve which is leaking. I must have misheard my consultant when he spoke. I think I was in a bit of shock at the time. I have been experiencing pain for some time and always thought that something was wrong but must have been slightly overwhelmed when I was diagnosed.
I’m still waiting on a cardiac mri scan and the a transesophageal echocardiogram. I have an appointment on the 10th Feb.
I’ve been counting down the days as I’ve been feeling pretty poorly for a while and just want my health to get better.
My best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you Adam, I will pass on your kind wishes to him. I just brought him home from hospital today!
Feb 10 must feel so far away but hang in there a little longer! You’re almost there.
The only advice I can think to offer is to follow 100% the advice/ directions of your health care team! Your Dr/Specialist will be THE BEST person to ask everything you need to know, specific to and for you!!
Maintain a healthy well balanced diet, it’s very important to your healing and heart health.
A family/friend to help care for you post-op while you recover as it will take time. Especially with driving you to follow up Dr appointments, blood tests, scans, etc. …..help with lifting or opening things…anything requiring any straining.
Also, from experience, it would have been helpful to know, while my son was waiting for his surgery, to get any dental needs fixed! I’m assuming it’ll be same for you, but he needed clearance from his dentist before surgery could proceed because of the high risk of heart infection via dental problems. We lost a bit of time by not having his dental needs fixed sooner. Might be a good idea to get that sorted so it doesn’t cause you any further delays.
And of course, please please take extra care to minimise any risk of getting sick so surgery is not delayed or complicated, both pre and post op.
I truly wish you the best Adam. And in saying that, once you have had surgery and gone through recovery, you will feel SO much better….and that is something positive to look forward to!
Take care & God Bless 🙏
You
All great questions. Considering the each patient is unique, we would encourage you to discuss these questions with your medical team. They will give you the best and most accurate responses as they will have access to your diagnostic tests.
Excellent.
Many thanks Gordon!
My neighbor lost her 26 year old daughter several years ago. During autopsy they found her mitral valve was in terrible condition. They never even knew she had something wrong.
It is very undiagnosed often no symptoms. They estimate 2.5% of population has mitral valve disease.
So sad. This is an insidious disease that needs more awareness!
Got diagnosed yesterday to my surprise. I am an avid hiker, biker, vegan. Must be genetic.
From diagnosis to research in one day, that is.... GREAT! Keep it up!
i just found out i had this problem
Good to know that you have mitral valve disease. Now, you can track it and get it treated when the time is right.
Hi my son 18years old ...he affected by rumatic fever...after taht double valuve replacement ...im worried about my kid please anyone suggest... My desire....he will live happily 100% im worried i didn't sleeep
Great to hear your son is doing better after his rheumatic infection and double valve replacement!!!
I also took no blood how amazing I'm living
I would like to know can my break in half after my valve replacement
I'm asking can my valve break from my heart
I'm talking about after the operation
My stitches are very painful
That's great!
Thank you for informative understandable topic for Mitral Valve replacement, have been informed of necessary surgery
Great to hear you enjoyed the video!
More cow valve!
LOL!!!
Bad karma 👿
Moooooooo i have a cow valve
arnold shwartzenegger has a pig valve.== oink oink.
Mooooooo!
My Mom is 78 and having this surgery next month (10/21) She's known about this since the 1970s. My question is, why now? And is it safe? My best friends Dad is still in the hospital 4 months later from bypass surgery and almost lost him and I'm freaking out about my mother. She's normal weight, never smoked or drank at all and is sensitive to medication. Please calm my nerves. Hugs🫂
Hi Wendy, We completely understand your concern and fear. Have you read this article about dispelling the fear of heart surgery? www.heart-valve-surgery.com/valve-mortality-surgery-repair-replacement.php.
We hope that helps! Please give our best to your mom!