Multiple valve replacements

[sir_dan]

Hi Dr's,
I was born with heart defects, and because of this am lining up for my 6th open heart surgery operation at aged 28.  I have had my pulmonary valve replaced twice before, but this time I am supposed to get both the pulmonary and aorta valves replaced.  I guess i am a little (lot) scared about it as I feel I have just entered a phase where I have a lot of living yet to do and really don't want this to end me now.

I am just wondering if you know how big the risk is for an operation like this?  Do many of these operations happen?  Because i have had a few operations before, does that greatly increase my risk this time (due to scar tissue around the heart)?  I live in Australia and my specialist here gave me the talk of it being a high risk operation, etc. but he is only very young and actually quite slack (When he gave me that talk, I was supposed to be seeing him so he could let me know a date for my operation... I later found out he hadn't even sent his referral letter to the surgeon yet, so figure that this "chat" was a time filler and may be a load of crock).  The surgeons office however seems a lot more positive about the operation.

Can you lend me some help on this matter?
Cheers
Dan

[Ktucker0512]

We’re all 6 surgeries to the heart valve

[Ktucker0512]

They actually told me the 3rd sg was less than 10% risk.

[Ktucker0512]

I have had my aorta valve replaced 3 times.  Each time my immune system attacks the valve at 16 months.  They have changed from mechanical to porcine valve and I have had to have it reopened with a balloon at 16 months twice.  My cardiologist said if they had to open me up a 4th time.  My risk is 50/50.  He is not the surgeon so that might not be right.  Also my problems did not start till I was 50, so you are so much younger your chances should be better.  Anyway I was told because of scar tissue and my immune system.