AVR op 7 days ago

[Mo44]

Hi All

At last I’ve been done (after 2 cancellations) and am now home.

I can’t believe how well I feel considering what has been done to me. I was expecting to be in a lot more pain but I seem to be managing that ok.

The worst bit I’m finding is not being able to lie down and therefore I’m not sleeping very well - any tips from you lovely people will be gratefully received.

I got out for a short walk to the end of the road today - I’m not really sure how far I should be aiming to go?

Thanks for all your support before my op when my mental state was so low - feeling much more positive about the future now that the op has been done.

Mo x

[Fredders]

Hi Mo

Congratulations, glad you finally got there. See, it wasn’t so bad was it!!!

After my first op I used a rolled up duvet to raise my top half up slightly, a bit like the hospital beds, as I found it hard to sleep lying down. This time I bought a bolster pillow which I have found really comfortable to use, even once I could sleep on my side, as it stops me rolling onto my front too far.

If I couldn’t sleep at all, I got up and went downstairs, but I have a recliner so it made it easier. Are you still taking your painkillers? Even once I was able to cut down on them during the day I still took a dose at bedtime and sometimes during the night if I was in pain. You won’t sleep if you’re in pain, so no heroics. In the early days it’s worth having naps during the day too.

As far as walking is concerned, don’t over do it. Start off with short walks and gradually increase it. Initially it’s a good idea to have someone with you if possible. Just take that nags steady and you’ll be fine.

Take care.

Wendy

[Sina-6491]

Hello Mo,

Glad to read it all went well and you are feeling good.

Took me quite a while to lay down completely. For moving around in bed and getting in and out, I used the rolled up towel method. I still have to use a small flight pillow sometimes just to feel supported.

The walking, well we are all different. But I found little and often, the end of the road is just fine. You'll know when you can manage a little more each time. The key is not to push it too soon. Because if you do, it will land up being one step forward and ten steps back.

Just because you can't see or nessesaraly feel the wound trying to heal. Doesn't mean it isn't doing just that.

Broken leg or arm, would receive more respect and attention as it is visual.

So please visualise your wound every time you evan think of over doing it.

Now you take it easy, your body and mind has been through a huge trauma.

Very best of wishes, keep smiling, Jo xx

[Hidden]

Hi Mo

So pleased to hear all went well and you're feeling not too bad.

I remember getting home after mine and going for a short walk the first few days and round the supermarket etc and felt ok. I built up my walking and by 4 weeks post op was walking 1.5 hours per day. Since I've been back at work this has diminished considerably!

I don't remember having much trouble sleeping except for my annoying husband grinding his teeth and snoring but I only moved about very gently in bed except when I was throttling him 😂

Like you I was surprised how little pain I felt and took nothing at all once home.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things but don't run before you can walk. 😊

Take care

Claire x

[XlMardyBumlX]

Hi, glad to hear you're doing well!

I had my aortic valve replaced 3 weeks ago Yesterday. I am still struggling with the lying down, although I am slowly getting lower down!

I used an adjustable backrest that I bought from Argos, it was a life saver in the beginning! I now have 1 pillow and an orthopedic V shaped pillow for bed so I am still raised enough that it doesn't hurt but low enough that I feel like I'm nearly lying down! I'd highly reccommend a v shaped pillow at least.

I had the ross procedure done which is technically double valve replacement and have developed mild pericarditis (slight bit of fluid around my heart due to the op) so I am struggling a bit with the getting active side of things and feel quite breathless after a walk, especially in the cold! So you are doing really well!!

If you need any info just let me know!

Hannah x