Thought I would introduce myself

[Linda83]

Hi my name's Linda I'm 34 I'm 8 weeks post op having my aortic replaced with mechanical valve I had bicuspid aortic and moderate to serve stenosis recovery going ok just feeling it all bit overwhelming would be nice to get to know people

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Linda and welcome to the forum.

Really sorry to hear of your issues but you've cone to the right place, we have a number of members with similar heart issues and I'm sure they will be along to give their own experiences.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed hopefully we can give you some help and let you know you're not alone

Good luck Mark

[Linda83 in reply to skid112]

Thanks mark

Think it's more fighting the INR level now on tinzaparin (was only ever on it in hospital)

Linda

[iandeare in reply to Linda83]

Welcome

[Lisa4]

Hi Linda

Welcome to the forum. I also had a bicuspid valve which was moderately blocked but I had a large aneurysm above it so got both done at the same time. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions post op don’t worry we’ve all been there. Happy to answer any questions.

Take care

Lisa

[Linda83 in reply to Lisa4]

Think it's just catching me now as I had a week to prep for op n my family bless have been fantastic but just feel I've been a burden on them

Did you have problems with sleep after operation?

Think I'm scared it valve fails

[Lisa4 in reply to Linda83]

I can relate to feeling a burden, in addition I felt useless. It will pass, be patient you’ll slowly get your life back week by week. Don’t be too hard on yourself this is a huge operation and your family want to support you.

Yes sleeping was a problem mainly getting comfortable if you really struggle ask your GP to prescribe some sleeping tablets. I didn’t need them but I know some on here wouldn’t have slept without them. Always make sure you take adequate pain relief before going to sleep, that got me through. Take care Lisa

[Rosie1066 in reply to Linda83]

Don’t be scared. I had my AVR nine years ago and it’s still going strong! I still have Warfarin problems with my INR but have got used to the regular tests with no problem.

[Linda83 in reply to Rosie1066]

Thanks rosie

[Fredders]

Hi Linda

I had my second AVR last November but this time had a mechanical valve, so now also on warfarin. Thankfully my clinic support home testing and although I had to fork out for the machine, lancets and testing strips myself, it makes it much easier now I’m back at work.

I had trouble sleeping to start with and still do occasionally. I use a bolster pillow, which gives me support and stops me rolling over too far. I know others have used the v-shaped pillows or even just a normal pillow down their side. If you’re still having pain, definitely make sure you take your painkillers before going to bed and have them to hand if you wake up during the night and are in pain. If you’re in pain you won’t sleep well.

You’ve had a big op, so give yourself some slack, it’s not like recovering from a cold. You will have good and bad days, so be kind to yourself.

Take care.

Wendy

[Linda83 in reply to Fredders]

Thanks Wendy for your kind words my nurses and doctors often say I'm trying to run before I can walk

I shall try your suggestions of pillows 🤗

[Hidden]

Hi Linda.

You're very young to have had the op. While I was in, all the staff said that younger people find it a lot harder in the initial stages of recovery.. I can't remember the reason for it though! 😂

Anyway, I also had this operation 17 weeks ago now (just had the count the weeks on my phone). My life is now completely back to normal, except for the scar, bit of annoying ticking now and again and trips to the warfarin clinic. I've had to go weekly as it's been hard to get it stable but it's now been at target for the past 2 tests so I dont have to go for 3 weeks!

I also had a mechanical valve and also had ascending aorta replaced and initially felt horrendous.

Yesterday, I decided to redecorate our tiny hallway and today I am so stiff and sore. Silly me.... mind you, I think I would have been stiff and sore with or without open heart surgery.

You will get there, promise 😊

Happy to ask any questions. Xx

[Linda83]

My consultant said I was gray area so was hard decision for him to make but best for me with the symptoms I was having

When my surgeon did the op he actually said it should have been done alot sooner

[JayceeW]

Hi Linda,

I’m new to the forum. I have been reading your post and the replies with interest. I am 76 , have moderate to severe aortic stenosis and have been referred on to see the Cardiac Surgeon on the 9th April with a view to the operation. Must say the idea frightens me, but I am trying to stay positive and look forward to the improvement.

Hope things continue to improve for you.

Carol.

[Linda83]

Hi carol

My appts all came through like quickly the stenosis was picked up Nov when seen cardiologist seen surgeon 2 weeks later (mid Dec) then start Jan pre op then week later op so I didn't have time to think about it

The operation it's self is ok stay positive

Linda

[Helen_BHF]

Hey Linda83 , great to have you here! Glad to hear that your recovery is going well. Keep us updated and don't forget you can give the BHF heart helpline a call if you're feeling really overwhelmed: bhf.org.uk/heart-health/how...

Hope this helps.

[Linda83 in reply to Helen_BHF]

INR low again 5 weeks running 😥

[KazSumm]

Hi Linda

I am 8months post op AVR

I had chronic Stenosis, genetic birth defect, I had no idea and it pack up 4 days before my 57th Birthday. I had a tissue Value and everything things fine. Regarding sleeping I couldn’t sleep when I got home, and it was driving me mad and making me very irritable my GP gave me sleeping tablets and I had the best sleep ever and felt so much better in myself and it aided my recovery, I only took them for 2weeks and then my sleep pattern returned and I’ve never had a problem since, I really do recommend. As I’ve said before my body and V pillow became my best friends along with tiger balm which my husband rubbed on my back this helped with the aches.

I hope you get your INR sorted , from reading other post on here it does seem to take time to sort out. Wishing you a speedy recovery and some sleep 💤

Kaz💕💖❤️