Leaking heart valve

My mum is 90 this year, also sharp as a tack, not a thing goes past her!! She's still at home, unaided. She has arthritis, though, which means she can't be as active as she'd like but she bears it gracefully.

My dad died at 92, he was also razor sharp and physically fit until the last three months, when cancer got him.

I hope you can find a solution for your dad and he can enjoy life again.

Hi Sue
yes, he has had a battery of tests! I'm really interested in the new procedure but it is not available yet. Many thanks for highlighting it to me as I shall keep it in mind and make sure he asks about it.
He does great for 90 - mind is sharp as a tack,no dementia, no diabetes, little arthritis, no cancer. But I fear he is now succumbing to depression.

There is a newer, less invasive option for valve surgery, although it seems to still be in the early stages. This article tells you about it. www.rbhh-specialistcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Case_notes_Winter2015-web.pdf

Has your dad had simple things checked, like anaemia? I hope he improves soon, as 90 is a fine old age to reach!

Thanks Eglantine - I had no idea what was involved. I don't think Dad's consultant is doing a very good job of explaining this. Dad says he would willingly undertake the operation as he'd rather die on the table than live this way. Of course, no cardiac surgeon would agree if the outcome is so pessimistic!"Do no harm"!

Valve replacement is a massive operation. It involves breaking the chest open, attaching the patient to life support, stopping the heart and starting it again. The bones then have to be held together with wire for the rest of your life. It's not a simple thing for a 90 year old.

Dad was really active until relatively recently, and the tests show he is in otherwise good condition. So I don't think he is wearing out.
Your Mum sounds lovely! Dad is driving me up the wall with his frustration at being confined like this.

Mum at 99 tomorrow is also suffering from the same breathlessness and has done for years. Never been any mention of heart valve though. She is more or less confined to her flat now with the occasional outing which leaves her exhausted for a couple of days.I think to be honest when you get to your 90 s you are simply wearing out. She says " I'd rather wear out than rust out". Good attitude helps!!