A new path - 4 weeks after Aortic Val... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

50,115 members31,632 posts

A new path - 4 weeks after Aortic Valve and Root Op

StevepH2012 profile image
10 Replies

Hi,

The 4th week post op has been uneventful. Daily walk up to 25 mins.

I did have a lazy day because just felt a bit tired - my legs feel as though I've been doing serious amount of running/cycling most mornings.

Heartbeat still seems loud.

Am now in Cornwall visiting in-laws which is nice change and the 6hr car ride wasn't any more uncomfortable than 'before'.

For those in waiting room - stay strong.

Steve

Written by
StevepH2012 profile image
StevepH2012
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
10 Replies
ITSINTHEBAG9 profile image
ITSINTHEBAG9

Fantastic news Steve. X

Calliope153 profile image
Calliope153

I think I had the same as you - bicuspid valve replaced and aortic aneurysm dealt with - 16 weeks ago but as emergency surgery. The heart beat you hear gets a lot less at week 6 and now I rarely hear it. It was like the theme music from Jaws at one point and I thought I would never get used to it. Overall, I feel better than I have for the last couple of years - slow and steady recovery with some setbacks.

Fredders profile image
Fredders

That’s great news Steve. Hope you have a good break in Cornwall.

Wendy x

Purple1935 profile image
Purple1935

Great to hear you are progressing well... 25 mins walking a day sounds good to me!

Especially pleased you are resting when you need too... still early days

So encouraging that you are well enough to travel & see relatives ( bet it felt good to get a change of scenery & feel ‘normal’ again

Take good care

swingyourpants profile image
swingyourpants

Hello mate,

I'm 5.5 months out now. Walked 11.04km off road (with flip flops/Thongs. I'm English/Australian) and cycled 8km to and from the Pub today. I've ordered walking shoes from Amazon today! Mrs says about time!

It gets better and better as the days/weeks go by as i've said.

RoyM profile image
RoyM

Nice to hear you're up and about and going from strength to strength

. Well done. Roy

Mikedabike profile image
Mikedabike

Good luck with your continuing progress. Just keep remembering, it’s not a race. Listen to your body, don’t be afraid of taking it easy. The body is still very busy repairing itself. Onwards and upwards.

IanGordon profile image
IanGordon

Good news, Steve. Walking yourself well worked for me and the timing of my AVR meant

a summer to recover. And rest days are fine - listening to your body is a good and effective thing. One cardiologist told me that the material of bioprosthetic valve was slightly more rigid than the real thing so a slightly louder beat.

My experience was that week 10 was the point at which things began to be the new normal and I started to really feel the benefits of surgery. Two years on and regular tennis and cycling is the order of the day as I approach my 68th birthday. Life is good.

I'm sure you'll soon be fully mended

Take care.

Vicky12345678 profile image
Vicky12345678

Oh thank you StevepH2012 H2012, that is reassuring - I am due aortic root replacement 7th Sept and it's nice to know that 1 mth in it's possible to be well enough to do a nearly 1/2 hr walk. Reassuring as suggests by a month in I could hope to be back to being relatively independent albeit at a slower pace (this will be the tricky bit for me!!!) and with LOTS of rest :)

StevepH2012 profile image
StevepH2012 in reply to Vicky12345678

Hi Vicky,

From a glance at your other posts you seem to be well prepared for your op. Assuming that you don't have any other medical conditions to hinder recovery and are reasonably fit/active you should be fine.

We got V pillow but found collection of normal pillows just as effective. We also added a recliner to sitting room furniture that I used for first couple of nights at home.

I do feel for you at the moment - the last few days in the 'waiting room' were v stressful - all I can say is try to put it out of your mind as much as possible. I did this by telling myself that now I've a date there's no point in worrying - much like flying it's out of your control now and in control of the people who do it every day- and try not to look internet too much!

Steve

You may also like...

A new path - 3 weeks after Aortic Valve and Root Op

more tired than others, but have begun to do some helping at home (dishwasher loading etc) Steve

A new path - 1 week after Aortic Valve and Root Op

deep breathing as you can manage must have helped. Steve

A new path - 6 weeks after Aortic Valve and Root Op

PPI (unless indigestion starts happening) from daily meds, leaving Bisoprolol, Aspirin and Statins;...

A new path - 3 Months after Aortic Valve and Root Op

and reassurance amongst those still in the waiting room and eases anxiety as much as those of...

A new path - 2 weeks after Aortic Valve and Root Op

beat is v noticeable when lying down. Early days! Steve