Hello anyone.....I'm new to this site and would greatly appreciate any advice! In March of 2002 I was diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitaion 4+, as a result of my phen-fen use. (2 years...never weighing over 118lbs.) My heart is enlarged, blood pressure sky high and I am limited in so many activities. I have a tentative surgery date to replace the Mitral Valve in Sept. My dilemma is this: I'm only 28 years old, single and need some expert advice on the type of valve that is best for someone who's goal in life is to have children. I have only a short time to make these decisions and would love some help. Since March I have educated myself as much as possible regarding this matter. I have two wonderful attorney's who are representing me w/ the class-action and pray I will be compensated! I would welcome anyone's experiences, advice and prayers on this matter! Thank you in advance!

Anyone there?

Can't help you but I will Pray for you!

Cathy
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

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God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference.

Thank you for your support! My surgery is Sept. 24th.......

I am not an expert in cardiovascular surgery. Both mechanical and porcine valves can be used in pregnancy. The mechanical valve is more durable whereas the porcine valve might need replacement in about 10 years. Mechanical valve requires continuous anticoagulation. It means you will be taking Coumadin pills and checking you blood every few weeks until rest of your life. Since Coumadin is contraindicated in pregnancy, be ready to switch to Heparin or Lovenox or Fragmin injections while you are pregnant.
The risks of fetal loss, hemorrhage, prolonged hospitalization, and possibly teratogenesis associated with mechanical valve replacement and anticoagulation during pregnancy remain considerable. (From Duke University Medical Center.)
Therefore, the answer to your question is: Bioprostheses (porcine valve) remain the devices of choice for young women willing to trade earlier reoperation for the opportunity of pregnancy.

[This message has been edited by bird123 (edited 07-19-2002).]

Thanks for your advice! After a month of back and forth I have decided to go with the porcine valve if repair is not an option. My Dr. firmly believes that the risks associated with the mechanical valve and pregnancy are so extreme he would reccommend that your tubes be tied after surgery. In that case, I have elected the porcine valve and he gave me 5 solid years to have my babies. I'm just hoping his 90% chance of repair will be true! Thanks again!

Good luck nikkit let me know ok?

I wonder why you had to wait so long for the surgery. When did the damage show up. My valves were bad and they got better. I pray that they stay this way. My Dr is not very good at addressing the issue. Good luck with your operation I will say a prayer for you.
PS
Those of us who have settled cannot talk about our case because we had to sign a contract with the drug company.
[This message has been edited by jlsen5 (edited 07-25-2002).]

[This message has been edited by jlsen5 (edited 07-25-2002).]

I was just diagnosed with mild mitral insufficiency (regurgetation). I have had it for at least 5-8 years, I can remember when my symptoms started. In the last year I have taken a wheight loss supplement. After reading your post I am leary of this and would like your comments. Thank you.

I wish you all the luck with your surgery.

Hello Alocke...My heart palpitations and tiredness with exercise were becoming more and more evident within the last few years. I guess I just thought that this is how everyone lives! After several Dr.'s, OBGYN's, Primary physicians, whom I saw normally for typical colds, bronchitis, etc. always listened to my heart and said it sounded a bit odd. I ignored them, of course, and continued on, contributing the abnormalities of my heart to Mitral Valve Prolapse, which I have had since I was a child. Finally, in Dec 2001, I went to the emergency with a migraine headache and the physician referred me to a Cardiologist. I thought, might as well see if anything is wrong, even though I never experienced any out-of-the-ordinary problems. So, to make a long story short....I had an echo done in March 2002, finally, and the results were bad. I have severe mitral regurgitation (4+) and need surgery. The diet pills that I continued to take caused most of the damage, they believe. It has now dawned on me as I am approaching surgery that there is truly no quick-fix! I have come to terms that I have an addiction to food as well as other substances and need to work on those before my life can be complete. Please try another form of dieting and or therapy instead of taking these pills. Life is way too short to take for granted. I now pray for god's will and not my own in hopes of getting through this. Hopefully we'll chat again.

I also took phen/Phen. How long were you on it?

Two years and then I continued to take Phentermine to curve the appetite. Bad move on my part as this continued to contribute to the enlarging of the heart. How are you feeling?