AORTIC VALVE AND HEART BYPASS

[sarum1967]

Hi there

I had an angiogram at Papworth yesterday and have been told I now need bypass surgery.

I've known since February that I need an aortic valve replacement (have a bicuspid valve) and have an appointment with the surgeon on 18th August.

I guess they will do both procedures at the same time.

Anyone have a similar experience?

Bit worried tbh but trying to stay positive xx

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi sarum1967,

I'm sorry you have been dealt this double whammy but just so that you know,angiograms are routinely performed before valve surgery for this very reason. Although your surgeon will talk you through the procedure,this is common place and shouldn't make a difference to your recovery- having it all done at once as it were. Feel free to call our heart helpline on 0300 330 3311- someone is there to talk to Mon- Fri 9-5. if you want one of the nurses to talk you through what to expect. You can also look on our website for information about having heart surgery and also about cardiac rehabilitation to guide you on what generally happens afterwards. Being positive is the best place to start- Here's to a speedy recovery!

I hope this has helped,

Take care,

Philippa

[23skidoo]

Hi Sarum, Good luck with your op I hope you get a date really soon, I had a aortic valve replacement (i had the on x valve a prosthetic valve which requires a low dose of warfarin daily) and a single bypass 18 months ago at glenfield hospital I was 48 years old at the time, the care I received was first class, I don't think you would be normal if you wasn't worried about it, I was anxious too,i spent 8 days in hospital, then just 12 weeks off work, then i returned after that to fulltime although you can have a phased return, any things you want to know please ask if i can be of any help. best wishes Simon

[getrico]

Hi. I'm recovering from aortic valve replacement 15 days now. It's a bypass procedure anyway but consult whether yours is minimal invasive or not ? Mine was minimal Talk to cardiologist or secretary after angio results to understand where you stand?

It's painful after first few days then heavy painkillers will be needed but it's an estimated 12 week recovery. Be positively prepared mentally and physically.

[Hidden]

Thanks for replying Philippa_BHF

If you'd like to download or order a hard copy of our heart surgery booklet for free you can do so here: bhf.org.uk/publications/hea...

Take care, Chris

[Fredders]

I had my aortic valve replaced with a tissue valve in 2011 as I was told they were lasting about 15 years, unfortunately I now need to have it done again as the replacement one is now leaking. This time I'm having a mechanical one though. I am relatively high risk, not of the surgery itself but because I had my spleen removed last year when it turned rogue and started killing off my blood cells. Last time I was off work for 13 weeks. The worst thing I found was trying to get comfortable in bed and will be worse this time as I have rotator cuff damage in both shoulders - basically I'm falling apart and only 58 😸. Can't say I'm looking forward to yet another op, but hopefully this will be the last one on my heart. Just waiting for a date now but been told it will be October/November.