I'm getting a new pulmonary valve. Why? Because the one I have is tired and needs a tune-up. My pulmonary valve is not closing properly, and had been continuing to get worse as I get older. It is very common for adults with Tetralogy of Fallot to get a new pulmonary valve.
As this valve has gotten weaker, it has been allowing more blood to flow back through it. This is what causes my heart murmur. This backflow causes my heart to have to work harder to get blood thru my weak valve. The continued backflow has been causing my right ventricle to inflate, kind of like a balloon, from all the extra blood coming back thru.
Why operate now? Because if the pulmonary valve is replaced now, chances are good that my right ventricle will "shrink" back down to a normal size. If we wait any longer, and allow the ventricle to get larger, chances are it will not shrink, and will stay inflated regardless of surgical intervention.
I'll be getting a bovine (cow) heart valve. (no vegetarian jokes, please). It's really kind of amazing. They grow a new valve around a mechanical base with tissue from a cow's heart, and is expected to last 10-15 years.
3 comments:
Hi Shannon,
What a great idea to start this blog! It will be great for Chris and me to be able to follow along with you on your journey!
Can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks.
Libbie
You had mentioned there was a "vegetarian" alternative valve. Do you have a link or information on that type of valve, and why it was not a feasible choice? I think you said something about not being able to have children?
Hey Chicky Monkey,
I am so glad that you started this blog, Your so smart!!! Thinking about you lots.
Love Ya
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