Home post-op

[Tubbylardo]

I posted a while ago, prior to my op at Glenfield. Well, it all went well (completely unremarkable surgery according to the doctor), and I am now home.

They couldn't save the valve, so I have had a aortic root replacement and a mechanical valve.

I won't lie - I found it all a bit traumatic but already feel much better. Breathing, dizzy spells etc, all gone. The chest pain from the scar is a bit of a drag and I am struggling with the whole sleeping on my back and not stressing my chest getting out of bed/chairs.

I have even dropped all of the water I picked up post op. In fact the only thing I am concerned about is my elevated pulse .... which I am hoping will drop as the heart muscle heals?

I really can't speak highly enough of the nursing team at Glenfield. They really looked after me and supported me in those first few hours post op on AICU and during my stay on Ward 31.

[Heythrop51]

Looking good!

[kefalonia1]

Hi, great to hear you are so positive. l am 3 years 4 months post mechanical Aortic valve replacement and all is well. You will get used to the ticking (like the crocodile in Peter Pan) which kicked in about two months later with me. Relax and be kind to yourself, take care. Sue.

[080311]

So pleased to read you are doing so well, remember it’s early days and take it easy, listen to your body it will tell you when it needs to rest.

Welcome to the mended heart road, it’s onwards and upwards.

Best wishes Pauline

[Fredders]

Hi, good to hear everything went well. The Glenfield staff are lovely aren’t they, couldn’t have asked for better care for both my ops.

Have you tried sleeping slightly propped up? I used a spare duvet after my first op and got a bolster pillow after my second op, found that it really helped me to get some sleep over the first couple of weeks.

You can always ring the cardiac ward at Glenfields if you are concerned about your pulse, they’re really helpful.

Hope your recovery continues to go well.

Wendy x

[Jillymo]

I am pleased to here you are now in recovery and your op went well - I also like your attitude. As for tubby yep I can relate to it.

I have a top end enlarged aortic root plus small vessel heart disease. I can relate to the fluid I swell up like a damned telly tubby - how do feel about doing a double act ? 😉

The PA on top of everything else makes it impossible to shift any weight through exercise - me and exercise simply do not mix it puts me flat on my back for days.

I appreciate your now on the mend so 🍻 cheers to a speedy recovery.