Congenital Heart Disease Support Group

Hi, my son has had his mitral valve replaced with a mechanical valve three times, and a homograph once. Also his aortic valve has been replaced 3 times.

I'm sure it's different for adults, than for young children. He was just 2 months old for his first replacement. His last surgery was when he was 2 1/2. He has done really well with his new valves and will be 6 next month. He had open heart surgery to replace his valves. Are you having open heart, or another type of surgery?

You will probably go through the same type of recovery as you did for the repair. The hospital stay shouldn't be that long, less than a week.

A side note on mechanical valves, is that you will be able to hear it click as your heart beats. When I sit with my son and we are still and the room is quiet I can hear his valve click.

I wish you luck and a fast recovery!

Thank you Callie344 for your response. I'm so sorry to hear that your son has gone through so much @ such a young age. He is one strong little boy:)
I will be having open heart surgery this time around. I'm a little nervous but I've been getting alot of positive feedback.
God bless you and your family:)
Hugs TJ

Good luck on your surgery. Yes, it is a little wierd to hear those valves click, warn your doctor and nurses also. I've been listening with a stehoscope and it is a little shocking!
I think you will have to be on blood thinners also at least for a while, to prevent clot formation. That was one of the major complications of this surgery, lots of others too. Love and blessings, Diane