Richard Munson
Who says they do ?
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Private Please posted an update
3 years ago (January 31, 2023)
Here's another question. When age is NOT a risk factor, why do many patients choose to have their mitral valve replaced rather than repaired?
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Susan Lynn reacted to this
Susan Lynn
Most mitral valves are repaired- experienced mitral valve surgeons repair whenever possible - usually over 90% of the cases. Once an artificial valve is part of the heart, life-long blood thinners are required to prevent clotting and stroke risks. Finding an experienced Mitral valve surgeon who does a high volume... Read more.
Klara ÄœiäIä‡
I am not sure about that statistic, but if it is really the case, only reason for that could be the surgeon's lack of skill to repair (it is more complex than a replacement). Otherwise, reapir is always the first option, when there could be one done. Rarely mitral valves... Read more.
Richard Munson
Happy with my repair but then my annual echo is today so i will know more later.
Klara ÄœiäIä‡
Good luck Rich, let us know how it went!!
Donna Casaletto
Good luck Richard and remember to request for my stay your old room with the spectacular view 😉😂‼ï¸
Ginny Turner
I second Susan's comment above. As you research surgeons, always ask their repair vs replacement percentages. Of course, each case is individual, and replacement may be indicated, but a repair likely will avoid blood thinners and a possible repeat surgery years later. My first opinion surgeon had a much lower... Read more.
Rita Savelis
A repair is always attempted and a replacement is then done if it can't be repaired. The mitral valve is tricky and everyone hopes for a repair.
Kimberly Eisenhut
Richard, let us know how it goes today!
I am still looking for someone like me who had moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation. I do know how rare it is, but would be so nice to be able to talk with someone who has same thing. Dr. has told me... Read more.
Richard Munson
Had my echo but will wait till my local cardiologist appt. The 17th to get results. Assume if i’m on deaths door, they will advise me earlier. Donna: i am now getting the echo locally. I love mgh but it is a bear trying to get in there plus parking... Read more.
Donna Casaletto
Richard now I rememberI You mentioned that before about going locally!! I don’t blame you as parking is crazy! No news is good news ðŸ™until the 17th
Brady Busch
Sounds like either go local or go loco.Okay,I'll leave the jokes to Richard.
Richard Munson
No brady, please contribute jokes, i get stale. I’m already loco in case you didn’t know.
Ana Brusso
Richard, will wait until the 17th to get your update. I will pray for good results. We were all locos and enjoy all of your jokes. Laughing is a good medicine.
Leona Resch
Praying you get great results on the 17th Richard!
Private Please posted an update
3 years ago (January 29, 2023)
How does one join this 'group'?My 87 year old Mamma has moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. She also has multiple other health issues including two auto-immune diseases. Her cardiologist doesn't think the mitral clip has enough available long-term information. He believes that if Mamma decided to have surgery that the... Read more.
Hello, it seems you just joined. Welcome
Thank you! I hope to find advice or experience from others
Are you from Mobile, Alabama? I don’t know what is available in your area but, you would feel more comfortable if you get a second or third opinion or until you find a cardiologist you are comfortable with for your Mamma. Some of our heart warriors on this site can... Read more.
Mamma has also had A-Fib for maybe22 years or so, and her cardiologist never thought ablation was the right way for her to go because she didn't have symptoms from her A-Fib. We are actually fond of her cardiologist, but we don't know why open chest is his preference for... Read more.
I agree with Ana to get a second opinion. Also, the mitral clip was invented for persons like your mom, so not sure why your cardiologist said what he did.
I think Deena and Ana are right on. Get a second opinion, and if you really want to learn about the options, check out the videos on this site, if you can handle them. You will learn a lot. I know a woman who got the mitra-clip here in Greece... Read more.
I think my response to that would be unprintable.
Being fond of your cardiologist or not, you should get a second opinion.
You’ve received lots of good advice. I also say to get a second opinion. This is a problem that does NOT improve and there’s nothing you can do to make it better other than surgery. It only worsens, and could cause other heart problems. No matter how fond of your... Read more.
The less invasive procedures , like Mitra Clip and TAVR were developed and found to be a great choice for elderly or very sick patients. A friend of mine had TAVR years ago at age 98, and lived to 101. I doubt she would have survived full open heart surgery... Read more.
Thank you Marie! I really appreciate hearing about your friend.
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