symptoms following open heart surgery

[AdamJames157]

hello,

I had aortic valve replacement in 2022 at the age of 32.

I’ve noticed that I can see my pulse in my right bicep/arm. It’s very visible. Not been feeling great the last few days and every now and again my heart feels a dull ache.

My right eye is twitching a lot too.

Has anyone had any of these symptoms that can possibly point me in the right direction?

Many thanks.

Adam

[Cat04]

I had Avr 15 months ago. I can hear my heart beat pounding in my ears all the time, see it pulsing in my vision, and see it pulsating in my abdomen and in the blood vessels at my wrists. No idea whether it has any significance, I mentioned it to my cardiologist but he did not comment.

[AdamJames157 in reply to Cat04]

many thanks for replying. I appreciate the time you’ve taken.

I find it all a bit unsettling and in my case, I have very rarely been checked following surgery. I had an echo 4 weeks after my surgery and that’s it.

I appreciate they are busy but I would have thought an annual thorough check-up would be in order.

I had to go private to get diagnosed after 2 years of being unwell as my GP said I was okay. Turned out I had a severely leaking aortic valve and enlarged heart.

I was more time was given to preventative medicine/ lifestyle and I think we would all be better for it.

Thank you again. Sending best wishes to you.

[Cat04 in reply to AdamJames157]

I'm still awaiting an echo 15 months post surgery, All I have had is a telephone conversation during which I was told "you seem to have slipped through the net". Now waiting for an echo appt & a 5 day holter monitor appt (10 week wait)............!Do you know whether your heart has returned to a more normal size since surgery? I had a very dilated left atrium, left ventricular hypertrophy and a dilated ascending aorta which I was told should all improve post op. I would love to know whether it has now returned to a more normal size.

[Isobel1 in reply to AdamJames157]

Adam, if I were you I'd ring the secretary of the cardiologist who did your tests and tell them about your symptoms and say you haven't been seen for 2 years. In my experience, you don't get anywhere unless you kick up a fuss!

[PinkKizzie]

Hi AdamJames157, sorry to hear you are not feeling great. There is nothing worse than feeling or seeing your pulse, Sometimes, I have palpatations. My right eye also twitches a lot too, this started about a month ago. Do you think this has anything to do with heart failure? I'm a bit worried now. Take care.

[theonethatgotaway1]

yes i also have heart failure and my eye twitches a lot. I also get dull heart ache, sharp heart pains and palpitations of skipped beats. The dull heart ache is horrible but sometimes the sharp pains catch you off guard. It sucks tbh!