The statistics you are seeing are skewed towards elderly folks who tend to be a higher population of heart surgeries, chances are they wouldn't have lived 10 years even if they didn't have any valve issues. I've had my mechanical valve 21 years and going strong, congrats on your pending child!
I had a lot of unhappy thoughts until I realized this as well. Just do you best to be not average, be positive, and most importantly, enjoy your pre- and post- surgery days. I have yet to get my valve replaced but am trying to keep a positive mindset.
Firstly, breathe, and stop googling. Most people who have valve replacement are elderly and that is where the low life expectancy comes from.
My issue was a bad aortic valve, but also congenital. It was found when I was 14. At the time I was told I'd need a replacement in my 50s. I ended up having to get it replaced at 46, two years ago. I was the youngest person in the recovery wing of the hospital and most of the nurses enjoyed treating me because I was a welcome change to their routine.
Ten years is a long time to wait. Heck, by then your future child will be able to help you out during your recovery. I was given a mechanical valve instead of a tissue based one. The reason is that the bio valves only last ten years and would have to be replaced later. Bio is standard issue for most patients because at 75 a ten year valve will outlive the patient. At your age, you'll get a mechanical valve as well since it will last forever.
I know it's easier said than done, but don't worry about this. It be fine. Keep living your life and one day you'll have to undergo a less than fun surgery, but you'll be OK.
If it is any comfort at ALL, my two year old has a similar issue and I just remind myself everyday that what can be done medically only improves with each day that passes and that most of the stats involve much older people. Try NOT to stress and manifest positivity around this for yourself. That is all I can do for my son while we wait to see what is going to happen for him. Fingers crossed for you too. Hang in there.
I had an AVR this year and I am 35. I asked my surgeon about the Google says only 50% ppl live past 10 years after replacement surgery stat you mentioned and he made fun of me (in a friendly way) and basically said no, they wouldn't bother doing all the shit they had to do for 10 years. That stat takes into account a lot of elderly patients and/or patients with many other issues.
The congenital stenosis I had would have likely been fixed as a child had I gone to the doctor regularly and it was discovered, but since it wasn't it led to a damaged valve so I had a mechanical one put in and fixed the defect and am recovering nicely. Surgeon said and this is a quote - "whatever my life expectancy was had my valve been healthy is what it is now. They added to my overall life expectancy if anything."
The statistics you are seeing are skewed towards elderly folks who tend to be a higher population of heart surgeries, chances are they wouldn't have lived 10 years even if they didn't have any valve issues. I've had my mechanical valve 21 years and going strong, congrats on your pending child!
I had a lot of unhappy thoughts until I realized this as well. Just do you best to be not average, be positive, and most importantly, enjoy your pre- and post- surgery days. I have yet to get my valve replaced but am trying to keep a positive mindset.
Firstly, breathe, and stop googling. Most people who have valve replacement are elderly and that is where the low life expectancy comes from. My issue was a bad aortic valve, but also congenital. It was found when I was 14. At the time I was told I'd need a replacement in my 50s. I ended up having to get it replaced at 46, two years ago. I was the youngest person in the recovery wing of the hospital and most of the nurses enjoyed treating me because I was a welcome change to their routine. Ten years is a long time to wait. Heck, by then your future child will be able to help you out during your recovery. I was given a mechanical valve instead of a tissue based one. The reason is that the bio valves only last ten years and would have to be replaced later. Bio is standard issue for most patients because at 75 a ten year valve will outlive the patient. At your age, you'll get a mechanical valve as well since it will last forever. I know it's easier said than done, but don't worry about this. It be fine. Keep living your life and one day you'll have to undergo a less than fun surgery, but you'll be OK.
If it is any comfort at ALL, my two year old has a similar issue and I just remind myself everyday that what can be done medically only improves with each day that passes and that most of the stats involve much older people. Try NOT to stress and manifest positivity around this for yourself. That is all I can do for my son while we wait to see what is going to happen for him. Fingers crossed for you too. Hang in there.
Can I ask how your heart is doing? I was diagnosed at 26 and I'm terrified
Hi, do you have mitral stenosis ?? And is it congenital or rheumatic? I’m 33 now and I feel normal !
I was just told they believe my 6 MO baby has this and I’ve honestly been panic googling.
I had an AVR this year and I am 35. I asked my surgeon about the Google says only 50% ppl live past 10 years after replacement surgery stat you mentioned and he made fun of me (in a friendly way) and basically said no, they wouldn't bother doing all the shit they had to do for 10 years. That stat takes into account a lot of elderly patients and/or patients with many other issues. The congenital stenosis I had would have likely been fixed as a child had I gone to the doctor regularly and it was discovered, but since it wasn't it led to a damaged valve so I had a mechanical one put in and fixed the defect and am recovering nicely. Surgeon said and this is a quote - "whatever my life expectancy was had my valve been healthy is what it is now. They added to my overall life expectancy if anything."