Update on mum’s AVR

[Pebbles16]

Hi me again,

Just a little update on how my mum is doing after her AVR. Hard to believe this time last week she was in theatre having the operation. I arrived at mum and dad’s house on Friday to stay and help my dad look after her. She had messaged to say she may be coming home that day, but her heart rate became erratic and she had to stay another night while they checked they had brought it under control. At the time she was disappointed but now looking back she says she was glad as she was still feeling quite unwell. She was moved to a 4 person ward that night and had a lovely chatty lady opposite who really lifted her spirits - she was in her own room the night before and although she was glad of the quiet it meant she was alone with her thoughts which brought her mood quite low. So Saturday she washed, dressed and ate breakfast and was feeling much more positive. She was discharged Saturday afternoon and it was so good to see her! She looked amazing considering and spent the evening on the sofa chatting to me and dad. Mum was lucky to have the minimally invasive surgery, so her breastbone is not as sore as it would have been and she is managing with just paracetamol for pain relief. The surgeon was apparently extremely pleased with his handiwork when he came round to see mum! She has managed a couple of walks around the garden every day so far, and is doing her deep breathing exercises. Her main concern at the moment is she feels very bloated in her stomach and ankles and wondered if anyone else experienced that? She has tablets to help with this and we’ve told her fluid retention is normal and it will go but she’s bemoaning her cankles and says her legs have been swapped for someone else’s! 😆 If anyone can offer her any reassurance she’d be so grateful x

[080311]

Hi Pebbles16

So pleased to read your Mum is home, sorry can’t help with the bloating I didn’t have it but have read it can happen, remember it’s baby steps and be prepared if she gets a bit emotional, that’s again normal. Doing the breathing exercises is great for helping her lungs, I called it huffing and puffing!

It’s great you are there to help your Dad, my best wishes to you all, Pauline

[Hidden]

When I had open heart surgery I had fluid retention, I weighed a stone heavier, it quickly when with the tablets they gave me. If she’s worried give the hospital a ring, they should advise.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I gained 9kg of fluid after my bypass. This was die to an electrolyte imbalance which took a few days to correct. I was on Furosemide for over four weeks. The initial weight (fluid) loss was dramatic and really got me walking 😁 but the last few kilos took a while. Otherwise it all seems good.

[123ghana]

So pleased to hear your mum is home and doing great .

Thankyou for your posts regarding your mum has im sure inspired us all certainly inspired myself to read about her progress .

Stay safe .keeping loving each other .❤

[tapfoot]

Hi Pebbles, I’m pleased to hear about your mum’s progress. Watching from afar as I have AVR coming up soon and any information is useful. Thanks for posting and stay safe x

[road2ruin]

Hi Pebbles, thanks for the update, so good to hear people's continuing stories.

I was the opposite when I came out of hospital I lost over a stone! Not sure I fancy that diet again though 🤔.

I had an erratic heart beat, which is quite normal, and was on amiodarone for a couple of months.

It sounds like your mum is doing great. Best wishes to you all and keep us posted.

I love to hear the good stories, it helps me with my mental recovery.

X