My husband is two weeks post AVR Now and doing ok. Naturally very tired though and has good and bad days. I was wondering about his medication which he is on about 8 tablets. A few of them stop this weekend. One of the drugs is spironolactone, which we were just told it’s a potassium sparing drug and because he also has frusomide it helps? I did read about the drug and it is used for people with heart failure but he hasn’t been diagnosed with heart failure. So I’m wondering why they would have given it to him?
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Jewel7
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There are a number of diuretics (water tablets) and they are used to treat (in no particular order) fluid retention, blood pressure and heart failure. After my bypass I had an electrolyte imbalance and gained 9kg! I was initially put on Furosomide for six weeks although the GP stopped them after four weeks as I was back to my normal weight and my ankles had reappeared! I would imagine the Spironolactone were prescribed temporarily to supplement the Furosomide and avoid the risk of low potassium levels.
Hello, when my husband had his AVR he too was discharged with both Furosemide and Spironolactone. They’re different types of diuretic and work well together. As far as I recall they were to help whilst his heart healed after surgery and prevent water retention. The Furosemide was stopped then the Spironolactone but in his case the Spironolactone needed restarting to help control his BP.
The BHF nurses would be able to provide a better explanation or the hospital should have given you a phone umber for queries if you’re concerned about anything post-surgery.
Also, as you’re probably aware, Heart Failure just means the heart isn’t worked as effectively as normal. It doesn’t mean that the heart has failed or is failing to work. So a drug for heart failure is one to help it work better, which both these diuretics do.
Thank you for your reply. It’s is so daunting and frightening... I feel as though because of COVID that pretty much you are left to get on with it and no real input in person from the GP or the hospital post op. My husband had a drain site infection post op I rang the GP, explained how the would looked. Got the medication all without him even seeing the GP. All our communications have been by phone with no not a nurse or home visit or hospital call to see how he’s doing. I know it’s unprecedented times but just seems so impersonal. There is a certain amount of reassurance that one needs and many questions we want to ask... when my husband left hospital I picked him up from the main doors from a porter and no hand over of his care or what to do at home. It’s very difficult at times to know if your doing right or wrong.
Can I ask did your husband have an arrhythmia when he came home and did his hard go back to normal rhythm as s his heart improved.
Hi, it’s hard and I do sympathise. Do you know what sort of arrhythmia your husband has? My husband went into AF (atrial fibrillation) whilst he was in hospital, a couple of days after surgery. It’s quite common and is a known risk of this surgery and should have been listed in the i formation provided by the hospital beforehand. My husband was treated with Amiodarone via injection and drip and then he needed DC Cardioversion (an electric shock to the heart to reset the electrical system) which isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds. Everyone we’ve spoken to before and since says they don’t know why they worried beforehand! My husband was discharged on Amiodarone tablets gradually reducing over some weeks and has been fine ever since.
He didn’t have any follow-up until his post-op check 8 weeks after surgery. We found the booklet issued by the hospital very useful.
Please don’t think that your husband will need the same treatment in respect of his arrhythmia because everyone is different. If you have concerns about your husband then seeking proper professional advice is best - the BHF nurses are wonderful in explaining things and suggesting what questions to ask of whom so it might be worth phoning them next week. They’re available weekday office hours 0300 330 3311. Or his GP or the hospital ward should have given you contact details so you can phone with queries. Make a list of questions as you think of them and jot down the answers as you come across them.
Also, if you have a BP machine and/or Oximeter at home then it’s worth checking his readings regularly and keeping a note. Then you have an objective view of how he is as well as subjective how he’s feeling.
Try not to worry too much but at the same time, go with your instinct. If something changes or he just seems more unwell then phone 111/999 for help straightaway.
Hi.. yes he went into AF after his operation and they did the same.. he came out with an arrithymia but we were told that it would all go back into the norm in time. I have been taking his blood pressure since he has been home and today his diastolic was 57, so a bit low, it is usually 66 to 75. Because he felt dizzy I rang the GP who said to take him off his Bisopriol tomorrow morning. He felt it may be that he is suffering BP dropping when he stands. In some ways I just wanted him to see him for piece of mind.
After I came out of hospital after my AVR I didn’t have contact with anyone until I had follow up with my surgeon 8 weeks after surgery and then 6 months after saw my cardiologist. Saw my GP as I developed a cough on Ramipril that was 3 months on, and he contacted my surgeon to ask what he wanted me on and then for usual blood tests. I know it’s worrying when you are not sure if things are going as they should.
Gentle walking building up his stamina again, hopefully it won’t be too long before cardio rehab starts back up, and then he will have contact with cardio nurse a couple of times a week. Where he can discuss any problems he as.
As Shar28 said go with your instincts if you feel something is wrong, contact your GP or the unit where he had his op, try and stay strong and look after yourself.
I do know how had it is when you are worrying about your partner, 5 weeks after my op my husband had a stroke and I became his career, as you say it’s hard, his life as completely changed and so as mine. But we celebrated our Golden wedding this year and we still laugh with each other.
Things will get better for you, he will get stronger every day, but please look after yourself.
I’m So sorry to hear that your husband had a stroke, I just hope you both can enjoy life as full as possible. It’s good you both can still laugh, that in itself goes along way. A big congratulations to you both on celebrating your golden wedding.
Thank you for your kind words, we are nearly 4 years on and our lives are different than they were but we cope.
We had no health issues for 46 years of our marriage so we have no complaints. He was an officer in the Merchant Navy so was used to looking after himself and now being reliant on me he as found very hard.
Having a sense of humour helps if you can’t see the funny side of things you would be in tears. We have said my heart was mended so I was able to look after him!
Sounds like your doing an amazing job totally.caring for him 8n these scary times .when support is either video call or phone call.your absolutely right .must of been scary for you with all.the responsibilty n worry .
But hey you will both look back on this and smile .
As I am sure my wife will tell you after my AVT, it's tough for both patient and relatives. I was given the phone number of the HDU ward I was on and told we could call anytime after discharge if we were worried.
I had AF after I was discharged, which was very frightening, but looking back it was all detailed in the patient information book. I am still on Ramipril, Bispprolol and warfarin because I have a mechanical valve.
I am sure your hospital wouldn't mind you ringing if you are worried.
I’m glad to hear your husbands operation went well and he is now doing ok. I can’t give you any advice I’m afraid as my husband is due to go in for his operation next week.
The thing that is frightening him the lost at the moment is not being able to have any visitors. Can I just ask how did this affect your husband or wasn’t it as bad as he thought it would be without visitors due to needing to rest. Obviously we will hopefully be able to video call him and phone him but it’s not the same for any of us. I’ve packed some photos of our grown up children and the grandchildren, especially as it’s going to be Fathers Day whilst he’s in there. I’ve told him I’m sure the nurses will go even further to make sure he isn’t lonely and isolated.
Both my husband and I were very much the same as you guys. It is a big and frightening thing to go through but my husband said for the first few days certainly all he wanted to do is sleep, the next day after the procedure he rang me on his mobile from ICU as the ward phone didn’t work. He was so tired that whilst speaking to me he fell asleep. We did the same I had a photo book printed with all the family in and little messages they wanted to say to my husband. To be honest when he got on the ward which was 24hrs after the operation the nurses were always doing something with him, such as observations, tablets, fluids, the washing etc. Also the physio start mobilising them the day after the procedure, so it’s breathing exercises etc. It is hard leaving them at the ward and not being able to visit and we had many a tear but I can say the nurses are brilliant and are well tuned into the fact that loved ones cannot be together at such an emotional time. One your husband is on the ward he can FaceTime/ call you at any time which will be a great comfort to you all. My husband only took messages from those outside of the family unit because he was so tired. I also told other friends and family that he would call them when he was ready. As I said they are so tired and just want to test.
It is obviously different for everyone but I’m sure your hubby will be fine. One other thing he will be with others who are having the same or similar those of operation and when I spoke to my husband on FaceTime often he would chatting to one of the other patient lol.
So best wishes and played if you have any other questions and I can be of help please do text.
Thank you so much for your reply. I’ve told my husband and its very reassuring. I’m also worrying I pack enough personal items to last him as obviously I can’t go in with extra clean clothes etc and he’s worrying about taking in too much!
I packed my husband with a clean set of pJ’s for the 5 days he was in. I also packed two extra crew neck t shirts and two pairs of short. Whilst he is in ITU He will be in a hospital gown. When my husband came out he still had clean PJ’s that he hadn’t worn. Just make sure he has all the items on his pre op leaflet that was given to him. If he has an iPad maybe download some films whilst waiting for his op in hospital. Also maybe a good book or a crossword book. And some antibacterial hand gel. Also a bottle of squash. On my husband pre op leaflet they said about mouth wash corsodyl. We also got some anti back wipes. Where my husband had his op they said no towels or flannels as they provide them and use think wipe to wash with to stop infection. I guess all hospitals could be different. Don’t forget his iPhone charger easy mistake to make.
Easy said but try not to worry he will be in very good hands and they are used to doing these procedures everyday. Before the procedure my husband could not walk a short distance without getting out of breath, he would wake himself up because he couldn’t catch his breath, we are now nearly three weeks post op and he is walking to the end of our road and not a bit out of breath. He also sleeps without waking himself up.
Lol, that made me chuckle...I went in the two pairs of PJs but didn't wear either of them! When I cam round after my op I was in hospital issue pyjamas and they stayed with me the whole time. It hurts so much to do anything and takes so much energy, changing pyjamas is low on the list of priorities. I even had a wash one day sitting down at my sink and if one of the lovely nurses (for whom I shall be eternally grateful for) hadn't helped me I probably wouldn't have bothered. She even, bless her, gave me a shave which nearly brought a tear to my eye. Amazing people.
Thank you SO much! The part about the improvement your husband has seen in just 3 weeks makes it all worthwhile. He’s got 5 new, washed pairs of PJs and 2 pairs of leisure shorts plus a couple of tops. I’ve bought 2 bottles of squash and I have anti bacterial hand gel. Nothing was said about the mouth wash but I have a shopping delivery coming Monday before he goes in on Tuesday so I think I’ll try and get some and some anti bacterial wipes (not been able to get those either we have been using a bleach solution and disinfectant on everything at home. I’ve put hand soap in too and one small towel as I wasn’t sure about the towel situation.
Packed him a crossword puzzle (must remember a pen!) and a packet of Kit Kat’s in case he fancies one with a cup of tea lol.
We have face coverings ready for the journey there and entering the hospital.
He has a kindle and iPhone so he can get the news, FaceTime, Social Media and books. I’ve got travel size toiletries as I thought they would be enough.
Thank you so much for your replies, it has put my mind at rest a little. He was first diagnosed with Severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation in December 2018 and was
told in January 2019 he would need surgery. It took until December 2019 to get to the point where he saw the surgeon and was told it wouldn’t be long. His surgery should have been mid February this year but was cancelled 4 times and then lockdown! So it’s been a long wait and he has deteriorated with tiredness and breathlessness so it will be a worrying time but if he can improve and return to how he was before all this started then we will both be very happy. He was always very fit for his age so it’s been hard for him mentally to feel the deterioration. I keep telling him when he’s fully recovered and coronavirus not a worry he can look forward to having a kick about with our 3 year old grandson.
Thanks again, take care and wishing your husband continuing recovery. X
Your welcome!! You sound as though you have it all covered. As I mentioned before it is all so daunting and it is great sites like this that make it easier to get your head around things. Like your my husband was very active before he was diagnosed with severe aortic valve regurgitation, he would go to the gym twice a week, golf on a Saturday morning and used to do track running. He started to notice that he was struggling to do the things he used to do and became quite depressed. The result already has been positive. We went for a walk today and he said how nice it is to be able to breath and to not feel breathless. We live 1.5 hours away from the hospital my husband had his procedure at so like you and because of no visiting you feel like your packing the kitchen sink. Glad you mentioned the masks we have both masks and disposable gloves in the car with hand gel. Going anywhere now we have down to a fine art lol.
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