[livingwith]

I had aortic valve replacement in august of 2007, I chose on the advice of my surgeon to have a pig valve replacement. After a week stay in the hospital, I returned home, resumed walking after another week, at first just about a block, when a little further each day, after another 2 weeks I was walking 2 miles per day.
I had smoked for over 40 years, my surgeon advised me that if I continued to smoke after surgery, I would probably be back for another replacement within 3 years, an I might no...Read the full article

[alex2005]

i also had valve relacement surgery. i had a mechanical one put in in 2005. i was only 32. i work full time at a wharehouse doing extremely physical work. but i lost 35 pounds which only made me stronger. i am on coumadin everyday but am otherwise in good health . the drs told me i would need to replace my valve in like 25 years but i have been reading that the normal life expectancy after a valve replacement is 10 years. have u heard of anyone living longer? they said my case was different because i was so young when i had mine replaced. hope yours continues to go smooth. best wishes.