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

[StevepH2012]

Hi,

Today (6 weeks and 2 days) my surgeon has 'discharged' me following telephone follow-up conversation.

Based on my description of current level of exercise and discomfort (close to zero) along with a photo of my scar taken this morning I am:

- able to drive; and

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

- to have regular check-ups by the cardio team at my local hospital.

In the last week I've completed two cardiac rehab sessions from the videos produced by BHF, increased maximum walk to just over 1 hour had 2 rest days.

The re-hab videos are very well made and easy follow and the re-hab nurse I spoke to extremely knowledgeable across all areas for which I had questions - definitely worth doing.

It seems I'm on track to being 'Normal' in another 6 weeks or so, after which I should consider myself not to have heart disease (unless/until new valve deteriorates). I do need to stay extra vigilant for signs of any infection and obtain antibiotics promptly if present.

I hope my story so far is encouraging/ re-assuring to those in-waiting, and not too irritating to those whose journey is harder than mine has been (so far!).

All the best to you all

Steve

PS During the last year or so when researching my condition I got the impression that those OHS candidates of us with just defective Aortic Valve disease (with or without aneurysm) are far fewer in number that those needing CABG - this document (hqip.org.uk/wp-content/uplo... contains UK OHS statistics for 2019 suggesting that those having just AVR number some 5000 each year in the UK.

[080311]

Please to read your post, I am 4 years on from my AVR, so far have had no issues, so we are very lucky.

Grateful to everyone who had input into giving me my life back.

So wishing you a continued good recovery, and getting your stamina back.

Best wishes Pauline

[Fredders]

Hi Steve, that’s brilliant news, I’m so glad everything is going so well for you. Onwards and upwards 💖

Wendy

[swingyourpants]

That's it mate. Done and dusted.

I was signed off by my Surgeon a few weeks ago and now I'm seeing my Cardiologist this Thursday which should be my final sign off.

I'm six months out and I feel totally normal and back on the Mountain Bike, Golf & walking miles everyday.

[ITSINTHEBAG9]

Brilliant just brilliant Steve x

[RoyM]

Well done Steve.

So Pleased for you I hope my journey when it starts is has relatively trouble free has yours as been .

Cheers Roy

[MiriamB]

Hi Steve

I am awaiting my AVR, probably having it in the next month. I have been following your progress on here and I am so glad you are doing well.

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your posts, they have really helped me as I try to prepare for what is ahead.

Thanks

M

[francesw47]

Excellent news. So glad you are doing well and back into life with zest.

Frances

[Oboebec]

Great news! Onwards... 😘

[MountainGoat52]

Onwards and upwards as I often say (being into hill walking). Great news indeed! 😀

[Purple1935]

Well done Steve, you are a great example & certainly very encouraging to me waiting for Mitral Valve surgery.

Positive attitude I feel has gone along way in your speedy recovery & I am hanging onto to that to keep me going in the waiting room!

That big black cloud hanging over you has now gone & it’s definitely onwards & upwards but taking care of yourself on your road to recovery.

I’m so looking forward to that! Thanks for keeping us updated, it really has helped

[MydogBrandy]

So pleased for you. I have been off my meds 18 months now, it like a new lifestyle and I love it. Stay well xx