One year on!

[Janemags]

Hi all, I felt I wanted to post an update on my status one year after having a mechanical AVR plus graft to replace an aneurysm on ascending aorta. (I actually wrote a long post some months back but deleted it by accident before posting, doh!). You'll see from my profile I was readmitted with sepsis a few days after getting home but all was ok in the end. I had a clicking sternum, but think it was maybe just healing.

I now have a hernia just below my sternum, I think caused when drainage tubes were inserted when I developed sepsis and fluid around my heart. At the moment I don't want to think about further surgery though.

Anyway, the reason I wanted to post was that I am now 100% fighting fit (although heavier than before) and back to the gym, part-time work, gardening (I moved a ton of compost with just a shovel and wheelbarrow recently!) and canoeing with the family. So it is possible to get back to the life you had before, even if youre on warfarin (I still enjoy my g&t). Even the scar doesn't bother me. I'm just happy that it's all done, I'm enjoying life and my heart will always be checked periodically.

So anyone who's waiting for the op, don't despair. Yes, it's nerve-wracking and it takes time to get better but take things one day at a time. You'll get there and have a new lease of life. And in this country we get it free, hooray for the NHS! Good luck xx

[Dragon1973]

Thankyou so much for your positivity in such a terrifying situation. I am awaiting AVR and aneurysm graft and your post has given me hope.

[Janemags in reply to Dragon1973]

You're welcome. I think part of the great relief that it's over and done with comes in part from the great anxiety you have beforehand. Everyone's different but even with my additional complications, I'm still very glad it was done. I wish you good health and hope it happens soon for you. Take care xx

[SerenK]

I am awaiting AVR and aneurysm graft, although you had problems, it is good to hear the positive side, I hope I am writing a similar post on here one year from now.

[Janemags in reply to SerenK]

I'm sure you will be. I kept reminding myself that this is run of the mill stuff for the surgeons and nursing staff even though it's one of the biggest events in our lives. They do it all the time. Hope you don't have to wait long to get it over with. Look after yourself xx

[Nic25]

Great post Janemags and so glad to hear you're in a good place physically and mentally now. I'm six months post-AVR and to be honest feeling great - pretty much "normal" again - but very much aware of not counting my chickens. So so pleased for you. And yes definitely hooray the NHS! Hope your recovery carries on and no more complications and that the hernia can be sorted relatively easily. Keep well. Nic x

[Janemags in reply to Nic25]

Thanks Nix, and congrats on getting over the big hurdle! I felt good too after 6 months, but still had to nap a lot. The surgeon told me the true before and after comparison isn't usually apparent until about a year down the line. So in 6 more months I dare say you'll feel better than you did before surgery. Keep well and enjoy life xx

[Hidden]

That is SO encouraging! I'm waiting for Surgery shortly and feel very nervous about it. Not quite as much since I joined this Site mind. Like you, I have nothing but praise for the NHS. Where would we be without them??? Thank you.😊😊😊

[Janemags in reply to Hidden]

There are so many aspects of this op to think about, it can feel very overwhelming. This site gave me so much encouragement beforehand and useful advice too. When I was just coming around from the anaesthetic, I remember thinking 'that's it done then and I'm still here!' From then on it's just thinking about your recuperation. Keep well and best of luck xx

[Hidden]

Aren't there just and you're right, it can be very overwhelming. I just can't wait for it to be done and dusted with now and then, hopefully, the road to recovery....!! X

[Gundoglady]

Good to hear X a lovely positive post X

I had the exact same surgery 7 years ago, with one small set back just a few months ago, but a pacemaker fitted and everything's back ticking along nicely X

I've never had an issue with the warfarin, I still enjoy a drink or 3 😉

Just keep on what you're doing, and enjoy life x

[Janemags in reply to Gundoglady]

Thank you. Great to hear that you're doing so well after 7 years and that your set-back didn't hold you back. Take care xx