Short of Breath and Chest Discomfort.

[Liam47]

Hi Everyone,

I had a valve sparring aortic root replacement heart surgery done just over 4 months ago but I’m still getting short of breath and I get chest tightness on exertion. Even walking up one flight of stairs puffs me out and I get a discomfort in my chest. Also when walking up a hill. I can even get so puffed out that I start breathing in short sharp breaths.

I try and keep as active as I possibly can, giving the fact that I have over serious health issues that are slowing my progress, which I knew before the heart surgery, would play a vital role in slowing my recovery. Unfortunately due to lack of communication on all parts, I’ve only started cardiac rehab a couple of weeks ago. Due to my other health problems, I can’t do the 5 day course because it would be too strenuous for me.

I’ve been discharged from the care of my heart surgeon as everything was fine. He did say if I had any more problems then to get in touch with the cardiologist that referred me to him.

Can anyone tell me if this is normal to still get short of breath and have chest discomfort after 4 months? As I said at the beginning of this post, my aortic valve was sparred from being removed as it was in perfect shape when he looked at it during surgery.

The reason why I ask if this is normal is because I’m really worried that this shortness of breath and chest discomfort might be a sign that the aortic valve may of become weakened or one of the other valves my be damaged. Is it common that after surgery, any of the valves can become weakened?

I’d really appreciate your thoughts and knowledge of this.

Thank You,

Liam.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Liam, not had that surgery but four months in I would be expecting improvement. Shortness of breath may be your medication but to ve sure, go see your GP or back to the referral cardiologist

Good luck Mark

[Liam47 in reply to skid112]

Thank you Mark!

Thanks for pointing out it maybe medication related, I’ll browse through my medications info patient leaflets to see if the shortness of breath is related In some way. I’m trying not to get my cardiologist involved at the moment, unless I don’t improve. Don’t want to worry everyone too much.

All the best to you Mark!

Liam.

[melville999]

hello.you need to get your GP to send you straight back to the cardiologist as I think they would want to take a clear look at you with the problems ongoing.You have to 'rattle the cage ' of the NHS system to get action at times like this.also ask your GP for a blood check for anaemia and an ECG and a chest x ray as those might help the GP to see what isn't as good as it should be.good luck with it all

[Liam47 in reply to melville999]

Thank you! I’ve been in touch with the doctor that referred me to the cardiologist. I’m waiting for a date to see the cardiologist now. It’s not usually long before I get a date.

I’m hoping it’s just I’m taking longer than the average person to get fitter rather that there’s something wrong mechanically with the heart.!

All the best to you too!

Liam.