Another MN Valve Girl

First I want to thank Michele for setting up this blog.  For many years I have been trying to locate someone out there to talk to about the issue of valve replacement and pregnancy, so I'm thrilled for this resource.  My name is Shelly, I live in the Twin Cities area of MN as well.  I'm 32, and I've had two mitral valve replacements.  My valve story began when I was 12.  I became very ill with bacterial endocarditis after a routine dental appointment.  Two months of antibiotic treatment in the hospital haulted the illness, but not before it ravaged my mitral valve.  My dotors put in a tissue valve with hopes that it would last me into my childbearing years; it did not.  My valve calcified quickly and I had it replaced with a mechanical St. Jude's 4 years later.  My doctors always told me that I would not be able to have children with the mechanical valve, though in my 20's I found out that it may be possible with the use of Heparin.  I got married in 2000, and it was about 2 years ago that I started to seriously contemplate pregnancy.  With the support of my cardiologist and OB, I became pregnant last Oct., the first time trying believe it or not!  I switched from Coumadin to 7500 units/3x daily of Heparin about 3 weeks post conception; they hospitalized me during the switch.  My PTT stayed in range, with labs checks 2-3 times weekly; they wanted my blood at 2.5 - 3 times the control.  I was finally beginning to ease into my pregnancy when I miscarried at 11 weeks.  We went into our appointment and the heartbeat detected at 8 weeks was no more.  I was so focussed on my own health, for the baby, that the miscarriage was a total shock, especially given how bad my morning sickness was.  I, like Michele, fell into a pretty dark emotional slump.  Grieving the loss of a baby as well as the possibility of never having your own is tough stuff.  I have to keep reminding myself of everything that I'm grateful for; namely that I've had two second chances at life.  Anyway, it wasn't until after my loss that I started to seriously examine the issue of valve replacement and pregancy.  I knew generally what the risks were, but felt comfortable that my doctors and I would do our best to manage the potential risks.  Well, at this point I just don't think I'm willing to try again.  I'm terrified to be honest.  I've always had my heart open to adoption, so that may be our path to parenthood.  I'm looking forward to connecting with this group to see how other women have come to their decisions, and to explore the issue in general.

Comments

[Carista]

Hi to you too! I'm suprised to find so many MN girls on one site. Just wanted to say welcome to you also and good luck with all your decisions. I'm also looking foward to listening to how everyone reaches their decisions. :)

[Michelle]

Hi. Your story is really touching. Thanks for sharing and I'm sure that you'll find your way to parenthood eventually, one way or another.

Michelle