Aortic valve replacement

[d3488k101093]

Hi, I'm due to have a Aortic valve replacement op very soon, I'm getting really down with my body aching all the time ang having no strength in my muscle, for those of you who have had this operation does the aching and muscle strength get better.

[Hidden]

I have found that all the symptoms beign experienced prior to surgery have pretty much disappeared. However, you should expect some now gripes to annoy you - such as aching sternum and shoulders whilst they heal. It does disappear, but duration very much depends on the person.

But i wish you well with your op, and be prepared to be shocked at how you will become a product on a production line. Some of the patients who i was in with were out in less than 7 days after checking in!

[d3488k101093 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou

[080311]

Hello

Welcome to the forum, had my Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 4 years ago at the age of 68. Before my op sheer exhaustion and breathlessness was a daily occurrence.

From the minute I opened my eyes in ICU felt so much better. Getting your stamina back is a slow process but it does happen. Follow all the instructions you are given as regards exercise do the breathing and coughing exercises you will be given when you get home it really does help.

Taking care of your sternum, no arms above your and no carrying anything heavier than half a kettle of water.

Gentle walking all these things do help.

If you have any questions just post and someone will be along to answer if they can.

Wishing you a great recovery.

Pauline

[Smarticus in reply to 080311]

Hi, after 3 months and two weeks from my MVR redo, Ive realised I'm not "unwell" anymore, just unfit. HTH

[080311 in reply to Smarticus]

That’s made me laugh, but congratulations getting over the 3 month mark, you will get your fitness back as you know from first time round it takes time. Look forward to Spring, ( got up this morning to more snow!) I can’t get out for my walk to frightened of falling. But isn’t that feeling of being ok since your op wonderful. Take good care

Pauline

[Shar28]

My husband has his AVR 3 years ago and what a difference it made! Not immediately but gradually, in fits and starts as his body healed and recovered from all the anaesthetic and drugs and in the months afterwards. It takes time and rushing your recovery will lead to setbacks so do be kind and gentle with yourself along the way. Things do get better.

All the best to you and your loved ones.

[Ageingfast]

As the wise people on here have said, yes the pains will change then improve. I am a stroke survivor and that was slow. The AVR recovery was by comparison so much faster and instant. But please fast and instant will be in the regions of 3 to 6 months.

The great thing is that improvement is noticeable as the weeks tick by. You are, i imagine, utterly cream crackered right now. Come the summer all that can be gone. What more could you wish for.

Waiting is the worst bit

Colin

[Ianc2]

Before the operation I could barely walk 6 steps without stopping. Now I can walk about 10.000 steps every day. A new life.

[Mark_tourguide]

I wish you all the best as I am under monitoring with valve prolapse. Am interested in knowing precisely how you/they know when it is ‘time’ to operate? Presumably symptoms become overwhelming? Sorry for my prurience but just trying to understand a condition only diagnosed last year after a stroke.

[Smarticus in reply to Mark_tourguide]

"how you/they know when it is ‘time’ to operate?" That is a 'piece of string' question. It will be a combination of how severe your failure is and how it affects your life. At the moment all bets are off for when you may get surgery, unless you go in a nee naw taxi. HTH

[Mark_tourguide in reply to Smarticus]

Thank you. I guessed as much but grateful to any thoughts from anyone with greater experience.

[Hiking_Girl in reply to Mark_tourguide]

I had no symptoms to speak of, so relied on the medics to be guided by the data gathered from the echo, CT scan etc. The surgeon pronounced my old valve to be "very horrible" once he'd fished it out, so the data were correct.