Aortic Stenosis pre-op symptoms

[Templar889]

Hi all. Whilst Waiting for my angiogram I am getting strange feelings in my chest. These range from palpitations to feeling weak. Difficult to explain really. Has anyone who has this condition experienced the same?

[Alisbabas]

Hi,

I haven’t but I hope you get an answer and good luck with your op

Take care

Ali

[Templar889]

Many thanks.

[francesw47]

Hi

Just seen this. Do you have a date for pre op assessment yet, or is that still some way off? I'd try getting a telephone apt to speak to GP or speak to one of the BHF nurses who are very helpful.

[Templar889]

Hi. No date for op yet. Had lung function and carotid artery tests. Waiting for angiogram prior to op.

I’ll be speaking to my local doctor on Friday so will mention it then.

[Templar889]

How do I speak to a BHF nurse?

[woodlandwonders]

Call 0300 330 3311. Our Helpline is open weekdays 9am - 5pm, Saturdays 10am -4pm

Here you go. They are really easy to talk to and very knowledgeable

[Templar889]

Many thanks. Will do.

[tapfoot]

Yes I absolutely recognise how you feel. I also had dizziness, patches of vision disappearing and especially the ‘weakness’ you mention. And utter exhaustion where sleeping was more like being unconscious. I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis in March and due to lockdown heard nothing further till June then thankfully had replacement valve fitted end of July. I didn’t find my GP helpful at all. They said I was safe to carry on working even though my first ‘episode’ happened whilst driving. I’d stick with the experts- the BHF nurses are very knowledgeable. Good luck with you op and swift recovery x

[Templar889 in reply to tapfoot]

Talking if GPS. Had ecg in early July. Heard nothing by early August so rang my go. Was told no results had come through. Symptomatic by this time so another ecg ordered. Heard nothing from n two weeks so rang go again, this time told my results had been there all along!! Great.

[Templar889]

Hi tapfoot. What type of valve did you have?

Also. I get palpitations when I’m in bed.

Did you get any advice on sleeping positions? Jon

[francesw47]

Hello again Templar 889.

Hope you manage to speak to BHF nurse.

I had aortic valve replacement and have a prosthetic valve - Inspiris to be precise. These are quite new and are meant to last longer than other tissue valves as they have an anti calcification coating. No hard data yet as to whether the projected life expectancy of valve is accurate. In view of my age - 67 at the time - and fact that this was my second AV, surgeons agreed to fit Inspiris. You may be given a decision to make - from your question it looks as if you have been - as to whether you have a tissue or a mechanical valve. Tough call, and ask all the questions you can before making your decision.

None of us is medically qualified here - hence my suggestion that you talk to either GP or to BHF nurses. I always found the latter helpful.

I had severe aortic stenosis second time around - and felt increasingly dreadful in the very long wait for my op. I was dizzy much of the time, found sleeping lying down hard as I was short of breath, fatigued like nothing I had experienced before and had gradual exercise intolerance. In layman's terms - I felt ill. Although I was apprehensive I was desperate for them to do the op !

Keep us in the loop about your progress and let us know what happens - and have a chat with the BHF nurses!

[Templar889]

Hi Francesw47. Your symptoms marry mine exactly. I’m looking into the Resilia valve for exactly the same reasons you mention. Have spoke to BHF but only around medication. Having to push hard for my angiogram as not being given a date for it even though being described as urgent. Anxiety levels going up everyday. Am so grateful for this forum and the personal experiences such as yours which help so much.

[BernieMB]

Yes, I was getting chest pains and palpitations especially at night, just had my angiogram and it was fine. I think stress is a big factor