Anxious and overwhelmed by it all - but sure I’m not alone

[Cobra2018]

So I’ve already got my adjustable bed support and my v pillow, trying to be as prepared as possible. I have my first appointment on Tuesday at the hospital where I will have AVR to discuss my surgery and valve options. I’ve already made my mind up and that is tissue valve but worried that he will say I’m too old (63) and that the mechanical will be better for me. Most of my questions have been answered from this wonderful group so I haven’t prepared a list atm. I also worry that my hospital is never mentioned anywhere. I scour the internet constantly re AS and AVR, just wish I could focus on something else but I just cant. Hopefully I will feel better after my appointment on Tuesday.

[wee-sharrie19]

Hiya which hospital are you attending? I am sure after your appointment on Tues you will feel calmer. For the 2 nights before my appointment I could hardly sleep with questions (some related and some not). Write down any questions you come up with - I ended up keeping a pen and paper at bedside as when you get there you get a lot of information given to you which can distract you from your own concerns.

Hope all well on Tues.

[Cobra2018 in reply to wee-sharrie19]

Thank you, Hammersmith Hospital.

[sandybrown]

One of my family member had valve replacement at the age of 85, and doing very well at 89.

Which hospital and the surgeons name?

[Cobra2018 in reply to sandybrown]

Jon Anderson, Hammersmith Hospital. Back in July when my doctor at my local hospital (cardiology) told me that he was going to put me forward for surgery, he asked me if I had a preference between Old Brompton and Hammersmith. I tried to look up reviews without success and basically left it up to them.

[sandybrown in reply to Cobra2018]

Thank you and all the very best. Just relax and take it easy.

I was with my relative two days before an operation, was there during pre op discussion and 4 weeks after the operation to help with the recovery. Family commitment. All went very well. I will be looking forward to read your experience is pre op discussion and recovery.

[IanGordon]

Nearly there then Cobra 2018. I too opted for tissue valve at 65 without any resistance. Although I was not aware of it at the time, there is an Edwards Inspiris bioprosthetic valve that has a predicted 25 year life.

Hope all goes well.

[Cobra2018 in reply to IanGordon]

Thank you. Yes it certainly is getting near 😬

[Nic25]

Good luck Cobra2018! I'm due AVR next month (probably) so commiserate! If it's any help I've found the posts of Pete (ticktock61) really helpful as to what to expect. He went through AVR in September and did a blow-by-blow account on this site. Good luck and keep us posted as we're all here for you! Nic x

[Cobra2018 in reply to Nic25]

Thank you. Yes I have been following his post they are great x

[JayceeW]

Thinking of you and wishing you all the best. I am 77 and had a tissue aortic valve replacement in May. My surgeon was not happy with older people having to take warfarin therefore didn’t recommend a mechanical one. I must say, apart from initial complications that were dealt with swiftly and effectively, I have been great and now have to remind myself by looking at the scar that I have had the operation. Try not to worry too much. A positive attitude helps enormously.

[Cobra2018 in reply to JayceeW]

Thank you x

[Alison1960]

Hi Cobra

I had my AVR 13 days ago and just ventured to the shops with my husband and daughter (it’s his 69th birthday. Met someone who’se friend had AVT in Hammersmith in April and us doing fine! Re your valve - I got the Edwards one that may last 25 years - I’m 58. Also, it is made so that if you need another in future it can be replaced by TAVI.

Two weeks ago today I was checking into hospital. Had a tougher ride than many but still here to eat birthday cake!

Good luck and be brave. Feel free to ask any questions!!!

[Cobra2018 in reply to Alison1960]

Thank you. I have been following your posts and it’s good to hear that you are making a good recovery. Finally Hammersmith gets a mention 😃 x

[Alison1960 in reply to Cobra2018]

My advice is just to choose the surgeon you feel comfortable it’s and trust and then let them do their job. We are all entitled to choose as far as I know!

Someone be on here gave me some good advice - don’t worry about the things you can’t control and take control of the things you can eg choosing valve and surgeon, forget the op which you can’t control then take control of your recovery.

Xxx

[Cobra2018 in reply to Alison1960]

I was only asked if I had a preference of two hospital but didn’t as I didn’t know anything about either of them.

[Alison1960]

60th birthday I meant!!!!

[Sammycat]

Hi cobra2018

I am still in hospital having had my avr 6 days ago. I too had the Edwards valve which will hopefully last a long time. My biggest issue has been pain relief as I react badly to the traditional strong ones used, hampered by it being a weekend with fewer staff. However hopefully it is sorted now and I am on track to go home tomorrow. My advice is to make sure you are assertive about things which are important to you and chilled out about everything else. Good luck.

[Cobra2018 in reply to Sammycat]

Thank you. Sorry to hear that you are having problems with pain relief. I hope that you will soon be comfortable and make a speedy recovery xx