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Hello my name is Laurel. I am having open heart surgery to replace my tricuspid valve in a few weeks. I am, as you can imagine not looking forward to this event. It is a procedure that is usually done when they are replacing another valve. That will not be the case with me. The doctors, like doctors must do, have told me that they don't have a lot of stats on my procedure, because it is not a common surgery. They told me the 10 - 15% worst that could happen. My condition is due to radiation therapy to my chest area that I had years ago. It has now caused a lot of calcification in my chest and in my valves. They tried to repair the tricuspid twice to no avail.

  • 1.  Hello my name is Laurel. I am having open heart surgery to replace my tricuspid valve in a few weeks. I am, as you can imagine not looking forward to this event. It is a procedure that is usually done when they are replacing another valve. That will not be the case with me. The doctors, like doctors must do, have told me that they don't have a lot of stats on my procedure, because it is not a common surgery. They told me the 10 - 15% worst that could happen. My condition is due to radiation therapy to my chest area that I had years ago. It has now caused a lot of calcification in my chest and in my valves. They tried to repair the tricuspid twice to no avail.

    Posted 07-29-2018 12:59
    Hello my name is Laurel. I am having open heart surgery to replace my tricuspid valve in a few weeks. I am, as you can imagine not looking forward to this event. It is a procedure that is usually done when they are replacing another valve. That will not be the case with me. The doctors, like doctors must do, have told me that they don't have a lot of stats on my procedure, because it is not a common surgery. They told me the 10 - 15% worst that could happen. My condition is due to radiation therapy to my chest area that I had years ago. It has now caused calcification in my chest  and in my valves. They tried to repair the tricuspid twice to no avail. Have any of you had this procedure. 



  • 2.  RE: Hello my name is Laurel. I am having open heart surgery to replace my tricuspid valve in a few weeks. I am, as you can imagine not looking forward to this event. It is a procedure that is usually done when they are replacing another valve. That will not be the case with me. The doctors, like doctors must do, have told me that they don't have a lot of stats on my procedure, because it is not a common surgery. They told me the 10 - 15% worst that could happen. My condition is due to radiation therapy to my chest area that I had years ago. It has now caused a lot of calcification in my chest and in my valves. They tried to repair the tricuspid twice to no avail.

    Posted 07-31-2018 14:05
    Hi Laurel, 

    Welcome and thanks for sharing. I have not personally experienced this surgery, but I know that there are a lot of members who have their valves replaced via open heart surgery. I am wishing you well and letting you know that we will be thinking of you. Hopefully some who have had their tricuspid valve replaced can chime in and offer their perspective.

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    Andrea Baer
    Grapeville PA
    (724) 396-7820
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Hello my name is Laurel. I am having open heart surgery to replace my tricuspid valve in a few weeks. I am, as you can imagine not looking forward to this event. It is a procedure that is usually done when they are replacing another valve. That will not be the case with me. The doctors, like doctors must do, have told me that they don't have a lot of stats on my procedure, because it is not a common surgery. They told me the 10 - 15% worst that could happen. My condition is due to radiation therapy to my chest area that I had years ago. It has now caused a lot of calcification in my chest and in my valves. They tried to repair the tricuspid twice to no avail.

    Posted 08-03-2018 17:12
    Hi Laurel, 

    I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve in 2016. While it was a different valve, I am certainly familiar with the emotional and physical aspects of open heart surgery.  

    I also know that the aortic and mitral valves are more commonly replaced as compared to the tricuspid valve so I think you are wise to research.  Do you know much about the type of valve? mechanical or bio prosthetic? Have your doctors provided recovery information? 

    I had a traditional sternotomy and I can share more about my experience if you think it would help.  

    Sending good thoughts, 

    Lea


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    Lea Parker
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    Original Message