Hi guys, Thanks for your advice. RandyK is right, my dad's GP told me that if we don't get the valve operation, his heart will swell in years time and might cause more complicated illness. Just let you know my dad had seen his cardiologists recently and had some scan or tests done. The results will be discuss in next appointment, they suggested that mechanical valve would be used if the operation go ahead. At the mean time I just hope and pray his condition will under control by medication. Wendy, may I ask you how old are you when you had your valve operation? I am too scare to suggest or encourage my dad to do the operation. Because if there is any difficulties or worse ...during operation, I will be the one send him away......If anyone have a relative like my dad's case,(76 years old had valve operation) please give me some advice.. Many thanks
Hi David, just saw your post. I was young when I had my valve replaced. I was 37, now am 42. My mother had her valve replaced at the age of 54. Honestly, that is the oldest person I know of that has had valve replacement. As with any surgery, there are alot of risks young or old. The older a person is though it may be tougher especially if he has a lot of other health problems. Just take all of this into consideration when you and your father are discussing all the details, etc. and find out any and all options that he has before proceeding with surgery. Best wishes to you both.
A friend 65 and I , age 61, had our mitral valves replaced this year. I felt very tired at first. Barely could get up into a pickup truck. My chest felt stiff with difficulty raising my arms. I slept on a couch with 2 pillows awhile. If I laid down flat on the bed, I could not breathe comfortably. It felt so great to be able to lie down flat on the bed after about a month. I had little twinges in my chest occasionally. It has gradually gone away. After 6 months, I feel great and can do all I could do before surgery. I go to water aerobics 2 times a week and walk my dog. Many people are getting valves replaced at ages 60 and 70.
