Well, I’m being admitted tomorrow for my 5th heart surgery (so far, 3 aortic valve replacement, 2 with aortic root, 1 mitral valve and a bypass.) and 2nd mitral valve. They’re hoping to do it minimally invasive to save opening my chest again due to my 3rd surgery being due to endocarditis but they will make the decision in theatre. I’ve been told that it is very risky surgery due to the amount of previous surgeries but I’m feeling ready for it and very positive. Just wanted to let everyone know as I understand how frightening OHS can be but the more you have, the easier they are to cope with and so if you are facing further surgery, don’t panic! I’ll keep you all posted on how I get on. Hoping for surgery on Tuesday. Thanks for everyones support so far x
5th valve replacement - ready for the... - British Heart Fou...
5th valve replacement - ready for the battle!
Hi
Good luck you sound very positive and strong.
I'm in waiting room too.
Keep us posted
Ali
X
Good luck and looking forward to your update. x
Wishing you all the best for Monday and will be thinking of you. Your positive attitude is 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 - sending all the good vibes your way. Sarah
Thanks all.
Hi Clairealou,I was wondering when you were due.
There's not much more I can say, other than what we've already chatted about.
The risk is what it is with the 3rd op as we both know, but, you're in the right place mentally, calm and collected.
The endocarditis is the variable, it wasn't until I was opened up, that the surgeons decided to repair my mitral instead of replacing it. Too risky!!!
This will put you ahead of me by a bypass, but, I'm going to claim a draw with my Pacemaker....
I'm there if you want to rant or just a calming head, don't forget I'm here.
Sincere best wishes.
Thanks so much. You made me laugh with the ‘ill raise you’. Yeh, I’m feeling pretty good at the moment. I’m even sitting having a G & T! I don’t usually drink but thought as my warfarin stopped yesterday, 1 would be fine. I’m almost looking forward to it. It’s almost (and I do mean almost) a badge of honour now, particularly as I’ve got some competition 😅 You take care and speak soon. Claire x
Clairealou, at what time gaps your surgeries happened / will have ?
Hi there. I had surgeries in 2006, 2011, 2012 and 2014
Um, 5th??? Not sure I could handle a second op 🙄, 1 was enough for me - but I wish you all the best and also that it is your last
👍
,Likewise, when I had ohs I thought I wouldn’t do this again but who knows?
Good luck, I'm sure it will go very well. You're a brave person to have faced all that surgery xx
Hello 
With such a positive attitude and despite surgery again you come and encourage others which I have to admire you and wish you all the best and look forward to your next post telling us how well it all went x
Very best wishes for your forthcoming surgery. Please keep us all updated when you feel able to do so x
Gosh I wish I could be as positive 😢 I too have had replacements and repairs along with a pacemaker and I'm still struggling mentally now 4 years on. I wish you all the best for Tuesday.
Same here I wished I to could be so strong and positive I have had a triple Bypass 6 weeks ago and mentally I am a mess
You just have to admire this lady and how she looks at things , I just wished I could be the same x
You will be. It takes time. I had my first surgery 15 years ago and I think it took me until my 3rd surgery 9 years ago (due to endocarditis) to realise how close I came to dying and appreciate that rather than being unlucky, I was actually pretty lucky and my whole outlook changed. Wish you well and always happy to chat if you want to x
Best wishes. Hope all goes well . Jane
All the best👍🏻
Good luck x
Clairelou, I'm in awe of you PMA (positive mental attitude). I wish you every success on the table and a speedy recovery. Best wishes, Steve
Best wishes Mark
Gosh that is a lot but you sound so calm and ready. Tremendous best of luck, I hope it goes very well!
Thinking of you. Let us know how you get on xxxxx
Wishing you a successful operation and a steady recovery, your positive attitude is awe inspiring.
What a terrific and inspiring post Claire! You have a clear understanding of your life situation and you’re not going to let it control your mind. You’ve obviously grown considerably with every challenge you’ve faced! I wish you the very best for Monday, I know you’re going to be very well looked after and 🤞for minimal surgery. Love Sue 🙏
What a positive and brave post.
Thank you on behalf of us all who have had just one OHS and may need another in the future. I know I have a shelf life with a tissue valve and quite honestly don’t even think about it now.
Your attitude does you credit and will definitely help you get through it, again!
All the very best. We will all be thinking of you. ❤️
❤️Maisie❤️
Wishing you all the best and good luck 👍
Good Luck...
Good luck. All the best and message when you are able.
Gosh, overwhelmed by all of the replies. That’s the great thing about this forum, there’s always so much support and positivity. As Heeds1961 has said, he has been through what I have also and it changes your outlook on life, for the better in many respects. It makes you appreciate what you have in life and also, makes you more able to deal with the ‘crap’ that life throws at you as let’s face it, when you have been through this, everything else is a walk in the park. I have also suffered with my mental health over the years and probably had depression without really realising. However, I’ve got stronger as time has gone on and ready for whatever comes next but it takes time to get to that point. Thanks again all and will keep you updated x
Hi Claire, I couldn't have put it better. I think with adversity it gives the likes of us an inner strength that we didn't know we had, and can be inspiring to others. Anyway, this is about you, so be strong and keep calm. I hope your hubby is OK, as sometimes the other half is forgotten.
Take care.....
Thanks Heed. Yes, it is about me but if it helps anyone else. I’m calm and very much ‘it’ll be what it will be’. As for Hubble, not sure. he doesn’t want to talk about it and probably is pretending it isn’t happening. He will deal with it in his own way as he always does but I know will always support me. Take care and speak soon x
Great positive attitude and an inspiration to us all. Best of luck for tomorrow. Jim
Good luck, whisking you the best 👍
Good luck for tomorrow you have a great positive attitude very inspiring keep on smiling
🙏🏼
Wishing you all the best! You're so brave and positive!!🤩👏😲 I've had one AVR last July and that's enough for me! You're made of tough stuff! 💪Let us all know! Hugs! Monica
Hi Clairalou, wishing you all the best for Tuesday, and looking forward to hearing about your recovery ❤️🩹, love your positivity , take care brave lady 🤗 xxx
Very best wishes Clairealou, thank you for your positive and upbeat attitude, so important with any illness. I'm another one in the waiting room, tricuspid and mitral valve to be done. First (and I hope only!) time round.
Sending you love and healing for your operation to be smooth sailing on Tuesday,
Mariah. x
What a positive and inspirational post. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and wishing you all the best for tomorrow. I've had 2 aortic valves so far......and may well yet need a third. Reading about you has given me strength. Thankyou. I know that hospital well and have faith in them all.....will be thinking of you in the morning. Take care and let us know how you are when you are fit enough to post again. Frances
Thanks Frances x
Hi Frances47Why did you have to have more than 1 AVR
I’ve had mine 12 weeks ago and I wouldn’t like to go through it again
Wishing you all the best for tomorrow and onwards. You have a great attitude and that's what matters. Hope you enjoyed your G&T!
All the best my friend
You are so inspiring! Good luck with your surgery and hope to hear from you soon
GardenBarb 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Hi Clairealou, wow in getting a bit panicked at the thought of a 3rd aortic valve replacement. My cardio consultant already has told me it's going to be tricky. Much luck on your journey to recovery. I will look out for updates. Xx
Aortic valve replacement 
Very scared now..Mitral valve replacement is tomorrow
Edwards Inspiris Resilia aortic valve replacement 
Valve replacement
