Hello everyone, my tricuspid valve was damaged in the course of ablation some years ago. I found out last year that my heart is no longer coping well and my valve needs repair. Are there any, women in particular, who have had open heart surgery or valve repair that can offer any advice or information?
Covid has delayed my surgery and the cardiac support group doesn't get together any more.
Hello Alexa_
I had Aortic valve replaced and bypass done 4 years ago at the age of 68, as you know open heart surgery is a major op but if you follow the instructions you are given, no lifting your arms above your head no lifting anything heavier than a half a kettle of water, it takes about 8-10 weeks for the sternum to heal like any broken bone. It’s baby steps when you get home, gentle walking to start with, you will be given breathing exercises to do along with a coughing one, by the physio in hospital keep doing them when you get home they really help. Being a woman no hoovering or ironing until the sternum is healed 😂 one benefit of the op😂 it’s the pushing/pulling movements.
My life is more or less back to normal or should I say the new normal I have pills to take a diet that I watch and exercise that I do! And every day I am grateful to the medical team that gave me my life back.
It is a scary place you looking into but it’s no where near as scary as your imagination is making it. Remember this is your medical teams day job.
If there is any questions just post someone will be along to answer.
Best wishes Pauline
Hi Alessa,
I have had my aortic valve replaced in June 2012 at 28yrs old and now I’m due in Thursday this week for my 2nd replacement surgery. Both open heart surgery. What advice are you looking for ? Advice on the surgery itself? I will try answer as many questions as I can from memory but I’m having the surgery again in a few days so can give you a more up to date version 😊 I do remember from last time it wasn’t at all as bad as the mind let’s you think, even though I know this I’m still so anxious about it.
It's good to hear from you, I'm just a couple of years older than you were when you had your first procedure. I wonder if there are things you did or are doing to prepare both mentally and physically? I have silly questions like, can I wear a bra after? Will I be able to tie my shoes? I've met my surgeon once and because the last procedure went so wrong (landing me here) I feel worried. I also worry about infection and pain. I see you must have had a biological valve. This is also my only option given other health issues so a re-do will be needed. Did you attend a rehab programme after surgery? I wish you the very best with your upcoming procedure, I hope everything goes well
The first time I had it I literally had conversation with my cardiologist asking if I can have baby and within 6 weeks I was having my first avr. I didn’t get much time, I lost a little bit of weight before. Afterwards I didn’t wear a wired bra for a long time, I am big busted too but brought the sleep bras to give some support. I’ve literally just brought some more for this op. Pain is to be expected but it was more an uncomfortable feeling rather than a pain as they keep you topped up on pain relief. I couldn’t tie my shoe I even remember I couldn’t even flush the loo afterwards. But in time things got easier. Yes I had tissue valve so I could have my kids. I will prob have tissue again on Thursday. Yes I did do the cardiac rehab for 6 wks and felt that really helped. Not sure this time round will get it due to Covid. Thank you and to you. ☺️
Thanks for your most recent message, I've just looked up sleep bras (I'd never heard of them), they look tricky to put on if I'm told not to raise my arms up. I may be able to get away without wearing one I hope. I'm glad your pain was well managed and hope for the same Do you need a dressing change regularly once you're home? I'm wondering how that may look in the current situation. I hope you're feeling okay ahead of tomorrow. Please don't feel you have to reply, lots going on. In time, I would be interested to hear how things are looking due to covid in regards to rehab etc
There are some you can get with clasps at the back I’m sure I got the original ones from Asda. No last time they took dressing off after 2 days. I’m surprisingly feeling quite ok this evening just pleased to be able to get it sorted. I will message once I’m able to to give you an updated version of events for me. I go down for 8am tomorrow. Wish me luck 😊
Valve repair 
Mitral valve repair
mitral and tricuspid regurgitation 
mitral valve regurgitation and repair 
