Minimal Invasive Mini Thoracotomy Aortic Valve Replacement

[BernieMB]

Had my op the beginning of April. Still having pain and numbness in my breast and can’t sleep on my right side as a result. Also have pain going from my breast under my arm and down my side. Still cannot take a good deep breath, can walk about 1.7 Km. Will be starting cardiac rehab next week, which I hope will sort me out. I did have issues with the wounds and was back and forth to the GP, they are healing nicely now. According to what is said on the various sites I should be up and at it by now. Getting quite depressed about it.

[Flowerfanatic]

Hi BernieMB. Just came across your post and wondering how you’re doing? We are about the same time wise with our operations (mine was May this year) and I also felt that my recovery was a bit slow. Did you get the rehab you needed? Am now 6 months post op and not feeling too bad but still I wonder where is that “new lease of life” feeling and there are days when my chest area is still painful. All best wishes

Sarah

[BernieMB in reply to Flowerfanatic]

Hi Sarah, just saw your post now. I hope you have recovered well after your op. I’m still having issues but slowly recovering. I was unlucky in that I caught all sorts of infections and as I started from a low base everything is taking a lot longer. I saw the cardiologist the other day and he tells me the valve is working fine and not to worry. Everyone is different and depending on whether you had other issues your recovery will be fast or slow.

It’s constantly keeping at the exercise that makes the difference and following the advice. I fell over at home and broke a bone in my foot, I had been doing so well and was really pleased with my progress. I was out of action for nearly 8 weeks, couldn’t exercise and was then back to square one with the breathing. Trying to build up again.

I’m so thankful that I had minimal invasive surgery where I just had small incisions in my chest and basically had keyhole surgery. Although still major heart surgery, I didn’t have to deal with the recovery from open heart surgery. Still felt as though I’d been hit by a freight train though.

Bernie.