Hi everyone this is my 1st post so here goes this Saturday I’m going in for a value and aorta root replacement and feeling very nervous to say the least just looking for some advise and knowledge of operation and recovery. Counting down the days don’t want it to arrive but know it needs to be done . Any information would be great and thank you 🙏🏻 in advance
Sunflo247
Hi Sunflo247,
I can’t help you as I’m in the watch and wait room but I can say
“Good luck and take care”
Keep us posted and tell us your experience when you can.
I hope it all goes well
Ali x
Hi, I’ve had an AVR and my aortic root wrapped (originally was going to be replaced but once inside decided it would be safe to just wrap it). I was in hospital for a week and back at work after 12 weeks. Immediately after your op you will be in ICU but as soon as possible they will move you back on the cardiac ward. They will get you out of bed almost as soon as you get back to the ward, it helps your recovery the quicker you are up and mobile. You will feel like you’ve been run over by a bus to start with, but you will quickly start to feel human again. Take the painkillers offered and ask for more if you need them, as you won’t want to move if you’re in pain. You may find that your memory and concentration levels are pretty naff to start with, this is normal and will gradually return to normal. Ditto your sense of taste, although I have gone off certain biscuits that I used to love ☹️.
Take something to read, a puzzle book, MP3 player etc in with you because there’s plenty of time to kill. Don’t forget charging cables for phone, kindle, tablet etc. I also recommend taking earplugs with you as it can be very noisy even at night. Do warn the night shift nurses if you use earplugs though, for when they wake you up to do observations on you! If you have trouble sleeping with lights on, an eye mask is also a good idea.
For when you come home, it is a good idea to get a v-shaped pillow, or use spare pillows or duvet so that you aren’t laying completely flat in bed, you will struggle to sleep/get comfortable to start with, again this is normal. Don’t use your arms when getting out of an armchair, you’ll only do it once cos it hurts like hell! Don’t pick up anything heavier than a half filled kettle and don’t raise your arms over your head.
Whilst you are recovering remember it’s baby steps. Don’t go overdoing things, it’s very easy to think you feel fine and do more than you should. Remember what your body has been through, particularly your ribs, and take things slowly.
There are lots of us on here who’ve had open heart surgery so ask away if you have any questions, need support etc pre and post op.
Hope this helps and everything goes well with your surgery.
Wendy
Hello Sunflo247,
Welcome to the forum, I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass done nearly 4 years ago, it’s a scary place you have found yourself in but it’s not as bad as our imagination makes it.
I spent the first 2 days in ICU I was fit enough to move to HDU after the first day but no bed. The first day cardio physio was there I was out of bed walking on the spot! Still with all the drains and pacing wires in.
After 2 days in HDU All the drains were taken out there. I was put in a room on the cardiac unit I live in Scotland and had my op at the Golden Jubilee and it’s all single rooms.
Home after 7 days remember when you get home no arms above your head and no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water. You have to let your sternum heal. That can take 10-12 weeks. Gentle walking listen to your body when your tired rest, your thoughts will be all over the place, but remember there are plenty of us here that will listen if you want to talk. We have been where you are now and where you are going. You are heading to the mended heart road that we are all travelling on.
I had a rolled up baby blanket that I use to hug to my chest, if I had to cough or a sneeze! That blanket went everywhere. Do the exercises you will be given I called them huffing and puffing helps get your lungs working better.
If cardio rehab is up and running again it’s very worth while going I found it invaluable as much for my mental health as my stamina, being around others who have been through the same experiences as you they know just how you feel.
If you have any questions post and someone will be along to answer you.
I wish you lots of luck let us know how you go.
Stay safe Pauline
Hi Sunflo247,
I too am awaiting surgery for both valve and root replacement. You've come to the right place 🙂. I have been given so much useful advice from other members on here from what to take to the hospital to what to expect in recovery. I'm currently in the two week self isolation period we're currently have to wait before having surgery. I'm on day 5 although I've still not been given a date as of yet for the surgery. Sorry I don't have any info or advice for you.
All the best and take care
Mandy
Good luck Sunflo247,plenty of support on here for you at this time!!In my prayers.
I had my aortic valve and root replaced 3 weeks ago. I was up and walking around the next day. When you go in, follow their advice. The first few days are hard as you have drains and a catheter attached but on day 3 or 4 they are removed and things start getting better.
Take headphones and music to listen too. Don't bother with stuff to read as you won't be able to focus for a few days post op.
Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I feared. Good luck.
Thank you for your advice . Hope your recovery is a good one for you with no set backs x
Hi sunflo
How did your op go please? Trust all ok now.
Thanks
Alps
Aorta Valve Replacement within 2-3 weeks
Atrial Fibrillation after Aortic valve replacement and aorta Aneurysm repair.
Leaky valves and enlarged aorta
ascending aorta graft
