Immune system

[bee862]

Hi I had aortic valve replacement surgery in February 2018. I was just wondering if I was considered to have a weak immune system now or is everything back to normal.

Thanks 😊

[Cottagegardener]

Cheers Bee!

Merry Christmas! 🌸🎄

[Fortepiano]

I have a replacement valve. It doesn't affect your immune system.

[bee862 in reply to Fortepiano]

That’s good to know. Thank you for your reply

[marigoldb]

At last I have found this group, I’d really like to join, as could do with some support, and maybe support others. I had aortic valve replacement, and a single bypass using the mammary artery. That was July 30th this year.

Won’t say any more now till I know how one gets accepted for this group.

So good to read all your comments to and fro.

[bee862 in reply to marigoldb]

Hello marigoldb. I hope you are well. If I can help in any way just let me know. If u have any questions I will do my best to answer them for you. People are very kind on here and I’m sure they will be happy to help you too.

Best wishes

[marigoldb in reply to bee862]

Thank you for your reply. Following my surgery, I had an infection at the lower end of the wound. It was that very hot spell of weather, and I did not find those front fastening bras very helpful! Anyway I was put on antibiotic, I was at home then, but my daughter had to drive me weekly back to the hospital where I had the op, Harefield. Awful journey, if anyone knows what the M25 is?

Anyway it took 2 hours each way, and an hour there! But the drs knew what they were doing and it eventually healed. I was so anxious during this time, made worse because the antibiotic made me nauseous 24/7

Moving on, and gradually getting stronger, I’m elderly by the way, widowed 6 years ago, and live on my own.

Sep 17th 10pm walking between kitchen and sitting room, a crack sound in my calf and excruciating pain. Put ice on, and rang my son who took me to local UTC, said torn tendon.

Under physio, and wearing boot, which is very supportive, and at last tomorrow having ultrasound on it. Pain far far less, but it’s not right.

Interesting thing is, one of the side effects of the antibiotic I was on is risk of tendon tear, from 48 hrs after to several months later!

Oh well, at least I have a mended heart, and can get upstairs without having to lie on the bed for a few moments as so breathless. Yes I am really so thankful.

I do have a few questions to ask, but leave that for another time. I wonder if anyone else has had a tendon tear?

Sorry this has been rather a long chat, again so pleased to have found you all,

Best wishes

[JayceeW in reply to marigoldb]

Welcome to the forum! I am 78 and had my aortic valve replaced and a double bypass in 2018. I have found this forum very friendly and helpful. I’m sure you will find the same. Love and best wishes for Christmas.

[marigoldb in reply to JayceeW]

Thank you for your reply and best wishes. I am nearly 5 months post

surgery. I have to pick up a Holter tape on 23 Dec to return the following morning, and an echo on/16th Jan. Is this the usual follow up?

By the way JayceeW are you really feeling the benefit of your mended heart?

Best wishes to you for a happy Christmas and all you hope for in 2020.

[JayceeW in reply to marigoldb]

I took part in the TAVI trial at Manchester Royal and was selected for open heart surgery because of the bypasses. There was lots of follow up - not exactly like yours but I think that must depend on individual cases.

Yes, I have definitely found the benefit although I must admit the cold weather is no pleasure.

[marigoldb in reply to JayceeW]

Like you it had been suggested I had a TAVI, but as I needed a bypass as well it had to be open heart surgery. Just one bypass so they used the mammary artery. Clever isn’t it?

So pleased it’s behind me now! Best wishes to you for a happy Christmas.

[bee862]

I also had a infection in the lower part of my wound. My wound opened back up at the bottom. You poor thing you haven’t had a very good time. I know the m25 very well I live just down the road from Harefield.

Feel free to ask away I’m more than happy to help if I can.

[marigoldb]

Did you have your op in Harefield by any chance?

Did you have Pico , think that was the name of the dressing, came with it's attachment a square plastic box with batteries, and flashing blue light all the time telling you if it was working ok! Amusing at night time! Anyway it worked, then changed to a different type of dressing, what a relief when it healed!

I can honestly say I could not fault the nhs in any way for the treatment and care I’ve had, and still on going.

I’m a retired nurse by the way, and worked for the nhs myself.

Best wishes to you bee862 for this Christmas time, and for a healthy and happy New Year.

By the way I’m on Bisoprolol and Losartan, can I have at least one drink over Christmas ? I love whisky and dry ginger!

[bee862 in reply to marigoldb]

No I had my op at harefields sister hospital Royal Brompton in London they are fantastic. I was going to go harefield but I went on a medical trial. Wow no I didn’t have that dressing. I had silver put on it to help it heal.

Did yours take a long time to heal. Mine took ages I had a open hole for about 5 months.

I am on bisoprolol but not losartan. I have had a drink on the odd Occasion. But I did ask my doctor before. I find I’m scared of everything now.

I wish you a very happy Christmas and a healthy happy new year. 🎄

[marigoldb]

I was fortunate the wound infection gone and wound closed in about 8 weeks. I had a Mr Gaer as my surgeon, he operated on my husband for replacement aortic valve 20 years ago! My husband died 6 years ago, but nothing related to his heart.

I think as the years go on you become more confident re your heart. I think because of my leg problem I actually don’t worry about my heart, though when I first came home I was really agitated, especially when it felt as if it was bounding and wanting to burst out of my chest!. I do take my BP every few days, and that’s settled, and my heart rate around 60.

Started the cardiac rehab at my local hospital, but have only been able to go to the talks, which were very informative. Was just nice being with a small group, mostly men, only one other woman.

I had my valve problem picked up in 2006, was always told as a child I had a heart murmur but it was innocent. Then in 2006 had anaesthetic to have bunion op, and anaesthetist said it needed to be checked. Anyway it was and I was seen every year, and finally it got to the measurements showing now was the time!

So the rest is history. I shall be pleased when I have seen my cardiologist in March next year. Funny how they hand you over and then take you on once again!

Bye for now.

[marigoldb]

Your photo, is it a boxer dog? or am I barking up the wrong tree?

[bee862 in reply to marigoldb]

Hello so sorry for late reply. I have been so busy with Christmas stuff. Yes he is a boxer 😊

[marigoldb in reply to bee862]

Years ago we had a boxer called Hector, what a character. Nobody would get into our house uninvited! Once the window cleaner got over our side gate which was locked, using his ladders. Hector pinned him up against the back wall! Good job we were in. Could relate many tales about him, but we are here for heart tales!

Incidentally following infection at base of my ohs scar, cleared up by the antibiotic Cepholoxin, think that’s it’s spelling, and the tendon tear on Sept 17th which can be a side effect of that antibiotic!

Anyway to and fro to physio dept local hospital, had ultrasound last Friday, guess what Achilles Tendon tear! Should have had operation straight away.

Had phone call this afternoon, and referral to be made to orthopaedic surgeon ASAP. I can’t tell you how frustrated I feel, 3 months down the line. But I must remember I do have a mended heart! Also I’m probably stronger than I was in Sept, only weeks after the heart op.

I asked if there was an alternative to surgery, he said only if I wanted to hobble around for the rest of my life!

Sorry To go on so long

I am now putting it on the back burner, keep wearing my boot, and enjoy the festive time,

By the way I’ve got a Holter tape on for 24 hrs, hope no surprises from that!

Happy Christmas one and all x

[bee862 in reply to marigoldb]

Aww boxers are wonderful dogs. Sadly mine passed away last month. We miss him terribly.

Oh you have had a tough time. That was the last thing you needed.

Your not going on at all. Sometimes it helps to get it off your chest.

I wish you the best of luck for your holter tape results. I have my fingers crossed for you.

Try relax and enjoy Christmas. I hope you have a fantastic time.

[DodgyRog]

I had my Aortic valve replaced in 2012 and am on Bisoprolol 2.5 mg daily plus 2 soluble aspirin. I’m currently trying to get life insurance. Any tips from other AVR s would be welcomed

[DodgyRog]

In short. No

[seasider18]

I had mine replaced in 2012 and have never felt that to be the case nor why it should be so.