So many of you have posted messages and replies I feel I should keep you updated with progess since my 'procedure'.
I can't bring myself to read my notes - part of me doesn't want to know. I know it started a bit later than planned and the surgeon phoned my wife at 6:30.
She then called me which was shortly after the breathing tube was removed
The morning after I was still high on morphine etc..and had to say goodbye to the angels who looked after me so well immediately after the operation. I remember faces and voices appearing out of the darkness - one moment that had a big impact was when the nurse held my hand when helping me to move on the bed - I'm sure something that would have happened more often in pre-COVID times in the pre & post op stages.
Around mid-day I was moved to the High Dependency Unit where I was looked after almost 1:1 - and had tough time in the night. But I suppose that's only to be expected after having been through OHS.
At mid-day, having had catheter removed, walked to and used the loo (laxative assisted), had drains removed and was transferred to a normal ward. It felt quite quick, but surgeon visit each day had said this is on plan.
So Monday night I managed a few hours sleep (having had 'on demand' morphine taken away).
During today (Tuesday I think) I actually have had something of an appetite - managed a couple of walks along the corridor and had a shower! This another big point score in I-spy book of 'the path to discharge.
More later -
Written by
StevepH2012
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Hi Steve. Congratulations and well done! It sounds like you're making great progress, amazing in fact. Take it easy, take the painkillers and remember it's called 'patient' for a reason - take it slow and steady. Hope things continue to improve and you're back home in short order to enjoy the summer. Good luck. Nic x
Thanks Steve. I'm very flattered! But there's so many great 'hearties' on here who all really helped me before, during and after my AVR. And now it's so good you're post op too...
Sounds like you’re doing really well Steve. Don’t think I managed a shower until day 3! If you need painkillers, ask for them. You won’t move around as much if it hurts and I found I especially needed them at night just to get comfy and get some sleep. Hope you’re recovery continues to go well and that you are soon allowed home. It’s a big step when you get to go home and can be quite scary when you no longer have nurses around you, but we’re here if you need us 😺. Take care.
A positive attitude is the way to go setting small goals along the way !
One of mine was to walk the length of ICU to be able to toilet properly lol.
It may seem a long journey but following the advice of staff and engaging in the exercise plan which I found brill progressed me although some days early on had to dig deep to take part.
Day by day mate ! one of my goals was to play golf again which I am now doing.
Speedy recovery and remember you are not the first there are many of us out here 👍
Hi Steve. Congrats and well done indeed. October brings round the fourth anniversary of my emergency surgery to repair an Aortic Dissection, the Aortic Root, and the valve. All in all, and including an infection aquired along the way I was in hospital for 21 days.
I remember, very well, the steps to eventual release. The first movement, the first shower, climbing the stairs, the physios and their "Can you cough for me please?"
The joy of getting home, for me, was beyond belief. Four years on andbthe joy of being alive is still beyond belief.
My very best wishes to you and your family. Keep up the good work.
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Aortic Valve Replacement : The Op itself and beyond 
