Out of character after Aortic Valve Replacement

[Frankievalli]

Hello again and thank you for all your replies I’m really grateful. I just wanted to ask for help again, sorry but wondered if anyone experienced behaviour totally out of character. Hubby is on a major spending spree and anything he thinks of that needs doing or buying it has to be done now, not tomorrow, now. It is so not the husband that I had before his op 3 weeks ago, has this happened to anyone else or aware of side effects such as this. We’re struggling Thank you x

[Yorkshirehead]

Hi Frankievalli,

When I had my new valve, many years ago, I was very sceptical of what my doctor told me. This was to basically get on with life! I wasn't sure I had much of a life left to get on with. In time this feeling has much reduced. I simply try and live to the mantra of 'do it while you can'. It sounds to me that your husband is feeling the same as I did and wants to get everything in order, just in case. Of course you could turn this to your advantage and throw things like new clothes into his shopping list!😀

Apologies if my sense of humour is misplaced for you but I find it helped, and still helps, me.

[Frankievalli in reply to Yorkshirehead]

No apology needed at all I think a new handbag is in order 😂 I’m sure you’re right it’s just he was the most laid back, no stress type of person you could meet, also thank you for taking the time to reply it does help x

[Yorkshirehead in reply to Frankievalli]

New handbag? Is that the best you can do after all he has put you through?😉 Keep smiling😀😀x

[Shar28]

Hi, it sounds a challenging situation. Perhaps call the BHF nurses on 0300 330 3311 Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm. They’re so kind and helpful and I'm sure they can talk it through with you.

Best wishes.

[Frankievalli in reply to Shar28]

Thank you for that info will make a note of the number.

[it-whiz]

Hi Frankievalli

I can empathise with your situation, having had a mitral valve repair in 2016 and then having it replaced last November.

Although physically I'm doing very well, mentally & physiologically, I am struggling. I've concluded this is a side effect of the surgery & general anaesthetic and being on bypass. As we're all different, I suspect those things could affect different people in different ways.

What I learnt from 2016 it does improve in time, as did going to cardiac rehab, which I would thoroughly recommend when the time comes for your husband.

If he only had his surgery 3 weeks ago, it is also still very early days and whilst I haven't gone on a spending spree, he might be feeling time isn't on his side. But from my experience, this is only the beginning of the next chapter of his, and your lives.

Talking to the BHF nurses is also an excellent suggestion, as they are more expert than I am.

I how this gives you some positivity?

All the best

Mark

[Frankievalli in reply to it-whiz]

Hi Mark, that is reassuring to read and also he starts rehab in 2 weeks so fingers crossed. It is early days and we’re realising its best to take it one day at a time, just a bit of a rollercoaster. ! X