Aortic Valve Replacement

[Ticktock61]

Just been put on an 8 week waiting list as my bicuspid Aorta needs replacing I’ve been told I’ll be having minimal invasive surgery and a new valve Inspiris Resilia by 3dwards with a potential life span of 30 years I’m 61 has anyone been through this procedure and had this valve fitted . I don’t mind admitting I’m petrified but inquisitive about the whole experience .......... hope someone can help

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

With minimally invasive surgery you will recover faster than those of us that had OHS. However, you will need to take it easy for a while - someone else may have an idea of timescales. Accept the offer of cardio rehab.

[Ticktock61 in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi Michael thank you for replying this is why I’m on the site ....... what does cardio rehab consist of please ?

Pete

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Ticktock61]

Basically to help your recovery and improve your fitness. As everyone's cardiac story is different the program will be tailored to suit you. But with other "Hearties" there you will get additional support. The timing of rehab depends on your history. Minimally invasive treatments could be followed up after a few weeks but OHS patients six weeks plus. I actually have never been as my pre-rehab assessment is not till mid-August.

[Ticktock61 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael that’s good to know I hope your assessment goes well and you get a full recovery soon

[Madyy in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi all

I done cardio rehab for just over 13 weeks at Prince Charles hospital and loved it, I was getting fit then all stopped because of COVID….it was the best thing I ever did in my life after my AVR but now I have got very bad anxiety and depression Iv lost that support not much support around so please go to rehab it builds up your confidence

[Ticktock61 in reply to Madyy]

Hi MaddyIt is a well know. Fact that many people suffer from depression and anxiety after having an AVR my consultant warned me about it more than once so it didn’t surprise me when people on the site who has the operation around the same time as me suffered from it I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t but I helped support many who did

It will pass I promise you . Your body has gone through a massive operation and depression can be one of the side effects . Go out for long walks trying to set yourself little goals to achieve and congratulate yourself with a treat every time you achieve one. Talk to family and friends about your worries and how your feeling it does help.

Try to stay positive as it helps your recovery and if your struggling post something new on this site so people like me who have gone through it can help and advise you

Take care

Pete 😀😀

[Madyy in reply to Ticktock61]

Hi Ticktock61, bless you for your reply and great support , and your excellent advise which I am doing , with the walks.and will take on board

My health concerns with anxiety and depression I have several other health issues one being a condition called Trigeminal neuralgia

It’s a condition where Trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, severe facial pain. It's often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums.

It usually happens in short, unpredictable attacks that can last from a few seconds to about 2 minutes. The attacks stop as suddenly as they start.

In most cases, trigeminal neuralgia affects just one side of the face, with the pain usually felt in the lower part of the face. Very occasionally the pain can affect both sides of the face, although not usually at the same time. most of this are my Symptoms, in 2014 they took all my theeth out ,29 in one day, I have had 3 operations on the nerves itself where they go through my roof of my mouth to get to the nerve at the back of the brain I have lived with this condition on very strong meds and loss of cognitive function born with the condition because the sinuses were where they should be and compressed they said when I was being made lol I got made wrong like my heart lol

I’m have two brothers and two sisters they are fine , anyway between one thing and another The AVR only was known because I blacked out and fell down stairs So the Trauma of all these operations I’m sort of not believing that I’m able to do the good bit I’m held back by my mind if you get me mind I still got big issues with my heart because of the Aortic Biscup valve Iv comprises the heart muscle but I’m hoping that will get better you know it’s the dizziness is really getting me down I have made a appointment on the phone for next week I’m going to ask if I can get bloods done or check blood pressure you know can’t make a appointment with COVID like us all the good old days lol

Anyway that’s my rant for today it’s the management of our condition I think it gets to us all being ill is making us ill lol

[Ticktock61 in reply to Madyy]

I like you were born with a bicuspid aortic valve and I had no symptoms and it was found by mistake I went into hospital for a problem with my leg but there were no beds so I ended up in a cardiology ward and the consultant insisted I had an ECG and an echo as he thought I was his patient and that’s how they found it I decided to do a blog on this site from pre operation to the end of my first year after the operation click into my profile and you’ll find it . It’s a warts and all account of my experience of having an AVR loads of people followed it and found it helpful give it a read

I’m sorry about your other conditions you have to deal with it must be tuff BUT there is light at the end of the tunnel and I know you’ll get there

Pete 👍

[Madyy in reply to Ticktock61]

Thank you so much your positive support is so appreciated Big hugs

[Alison1960 in reply to MichaelJH]

We are at the same stage of our journeys I think! Where are you having it done?

[Ticktock61 in reply to Alison1960]

Hi Alison

I’m having it done at St Thomas hospital in London

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Ticktock61]

Excellent hospital! I had my femur plated there after an accident. Hope the food is better these days!

[Ticktock61 in reply to MichaelJH]

Hospital food is never good but I hope they do the old fashioned puddings like treacle sponge and custard etc don’t get them these days lol 😂😂

[Madyy in reply to Ticktock61]

Food at Prince Charles hospital in Merthyr Tydfil is fist class I couldn’t fault it

[Alison1960 in reply to Ticktock61]

Me too! I’m going up there to meet the surgeon on Thursday!

[Ticktock61 in reply to Alison1960]

Alison I was there last Thursday 26th July and met my surgeon and had loads of tests and decided to go ahead and get it done so I’m now on the waiting list and it will be 8 weeks . My emotions are all over the place but I’m hoping that’s normal it would be nice to keep in touch and talk each other through the journey. I was born with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve and that’s why 8 need my surgery now

Pete

[Alison1960 in reply to Ticktock61]

I know exactly how you feel. I’m there tomorrow for tests, meet surgeon and talk through options. (I’m 58 and asymptomatic but with severe stenosis, BAV and a 14 yr old daughter so aiming to be here until I’m 96 like the rest of my family!) What tests did they do and why only 8 week wait? That particular valve and surgery - they sound ideal! Did you decide or did they decide for you? Sorry about so many questions! Are we allied to mention which surgeon? Who knows - we may be there at the same time!!

[Ticktock61 in reply to Alison1960]

Although I had only had these tests done recently they decided to do the following

An ECG

An echo with the jelly

A CT scan

8 files of blood

Then just height weight and BP

Appar3ntly there’s an 18 month window when it’s best to get it done but if you leave it too late there can be complications or the chance of a heart attack or stroke or your heart just giving up due to the stress it’s under . I’m already just inside that 18 month window so I decided to get it done rather than take chances even though I’m scared shitless ( sorry for the language )

Alison I’m going out shortly if I don’t get the chance to reply to you till tomorrow don’t worry I will come back to you as we are virtually on 5be same journey at the same time

Pete 😀

[IanGordon]

Dream ticket, Ticktock62. Minimally invasive AVR and the new Edwards long life valve. Congratulations and good luck with the precticed short recovery - weeks, not the Gold Standard 3 months for OHS sternotomy with the 9" badge of honour.

With your good fortune (all is relative), I'd buy a lottery ticket! No dodging the cardio rehab and any recommended lifestyle adjustments though to help the surgery heal and deliver the new you. Don't worry, be happy!

[Ticktock61 in reply to IanGordon]

Hi Ian thanks for replying they still go in through your breastbone which I’m led to believe takes approx 6-8 weeks to heal and recovery is 8-12 weeks but your right I won’t qualify for the 9 inch club , ........ that’s the 2nd time that club has passed me by lol 😂😂

I know I’m lucky with what I’m being offered but it doesn’t make the prospect of the procedure any less scary I’m having days when I’m constantly thinking about it and not all positive then days where I forget im having it done . It’s quite an emotional time where I’ve told myself off and given myself a few kicks up the bum don’t know if this is how others have found it.

[IanGordon in reply to Ticktock61]

I was pushing for what was termed porthole surgery , was offered partial sternotomy but this offered no real healing time advantages. Surgery is brutal but the pain manageable and not as bad as anticipated. Still some muscular twinges at 14 weeks but pretty much fixed. Regaining fitness takes time and energy but just hang on in there as all will come good.

[gal4God]

I’ve had a replacement valve via keyhole many times and it’s not nice but easy to get though just painful and I had breathing difficulties. My next valve replacement will be OHS so not happy. I struggle to cope wen told I need heart surgery.

[Ticktock61 in reply to gal4God]

So sorry you’ve had to endure this procedure quite a few times I hope the OHS finally sorts it out for you and you can get on with your life saying you struggle to cope when told you need heart su4gery sounds normal to me it’s not like you’ve been told you need a filling at the dentist is it !!

Good luck with the op 👍👍

[-fudge-]

Hi ticktock and Alison I to have biscupid valve and severe aortic stenosis . I have heard about this valve inspiris ..but don't think they do that at New cross hospital. I have had mri and various tests and had letter saying they are "watching and waiting "! Have echo end of year.. Have requested to see cardiologist sooner as suggested by my gp as she said I'm symptomatic. Emotions all over shop . Im 58.Please keep me updated . This site is great for us all to share our experiences and feelings and to find support. You both take care

[Ticktock61]

Hi Fudge

Insist on seeing cardiologist now get all the tests done I had an Angiogram 4 weeks ago which confirmed it needed sorting now. Sometimes you just have to be a bit pushy as cost is everything to some doctors and hospitals but they are not you and this is your life. Im 61 and don’t mind admitting I just started crying the other day for no other reason than I think I was just a little angry with life and the “ why me syndrome “ and probably a little scared. Don’t beat yourself up if you get emotional just let it go I did feel better afterwards and I’m sure it will happ3n a few more times in the coming weeks and months.

Pete

[mewg]

i had minium invasive 9 months ago and still feel like a bus has hit me i have a big chest with loads of muscle my surgeon said lol. i said it was fat lol.the ticking takes a while 2 get used 2 im slowly getting used 2 it take rehab after its a godsend as tmits a roller coaster after with emotions pain depression but does get easier good luck