Aortic Valve Replacement - The begining

[road2ruin]

After reading Robinangel's excellent posts' and how much they helped me, I felt I would start my own diary for those who are still on the list and those of use who are the other side and want to compare notes.

I was diagnosed with Aortic Valve Stenosis due to a bicuspid valve, quite common apparently. I noticed the issue during exercising; Chest pain (angina), short of breath, but no matter how hard I breath I cant't catch my breath. This soon subsided when relaxing.

After a couple of visits to the GP someone referred me for an Echocardiagram, this revealed the issue. At the time I wasn't told how severe, just that I will be contacted. A short time later I received an appointment to get and angiogram (not as bad as you think) . After this, and speaking to the surgeon, he said I would now be put on the waiting list for an operation. I didn't meet the actual surgeon doing the Op for a while after, maybe weeks.

At the meeting we discussed how I felt, symptoms etc, and then finally what type of valve would I want! This is one of the all important questions. I went with a mechanical valve as I was only 49 (50 now) and didn't fancy going through this again. I knew it meant life long Warfarin, but that's the way it was. I can't help other people with their choice, it's a very personal thing.

I had no further contact until I received a letter in the post in early October, with a pre Op assessment and an Op date of 29th Oct.

The pre Op assessment was very straight forward, a number of straight forward tests ECG, Echo, Bloods, Swabs, height, weight and I am sure more, four hours in total. I was also given a body wash to use five days before the operation and a nasal cream for the same reason. These are all to help prevent MRSA and similar. The body wash was actually okay, just pink! The cream gave me a sore throat, but I pushed through it.

That's all for my first post. I will post the operation week next.

R2R

[Nic25]

Great post. Sure it'll be helpful! Good luck with the op and hope you're on the mend soon. Nic x

[road2ruin in reply to Nic25]

Hi Nic,

I have already had the Op, just not enough mental energy to write about it today.

Soon though.

R2R

[Nic25 in reply to road2ruin]

Ah should have read more closely! Apologies.

N

[seasider18]

Can patients with mechanical valves have a Watchman device or an Amplatzer amululet fitted as I did to avoid Warfarin with my tissue valve ?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

It appears your journey is progressing well. Having had a quadruple last year I know you are knocked out for the first few weeks. The main thing to remember is steady progress. Overdo it and you pay for it! And if in pain take the painkillers. Being hard just slows recovery! Good luck!

[road2ruin in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael, I appreciate it.