AVR - yawning & clicks becoming clunks

[twojoes]

Hi, I had my aortic valve replaced 5 weeks ago, with a metal one (& ascending aorta sleeved). I just wanted to know if others have experienced the same/similar. My valve gives a quiet click when I'm not having eptopics, but I weirdly found that if I yawned or had a deep breath, I could hear a "clunk" instead. At first, I thought this was maybe the sternum, but then found if i held the yawn (eg, Deep breath and held with mouth open) - the clunking actually was the heart beat.

(Note. I do have other times where there is more of a clunk/louder click too, sometimes where BP is higher, but other times not. But the above is repeatable)

Anyway, just thought I'd see if anyone else has had this?

Joe

[werd]

If you are hearing the clunk kick every trip its probably your seat belt

[twojoes in reply to werd]

Lol. If only, sadly not allowed to drive yet... I've got my 6 week meeting with the surgeon next week, so hopefully he'll shed some light, especially as it hurts a little every time...

[Gundoglady]

Sounds normal to me x I find if I hold my breath my heart clicks sound louder!!

I had my avr and aorta resection about 9 years ago, and there are points where it sounds louder than other times x

I always think that all the time I can hear it ticking ( like a cheap watch) then I'm alive and it's a good thing x

[HenningLob]

Hi Joe My husband had Aortic Valve Replacement two and a half years ago and was given a metallic valve. His comment is as follows:" Usually breathing in triggers a clunk of varying magnitude. I usually, when not walking/ exercising, try and concentrate on slow, long exhalation combined with even slower and more gentle inhalation to try and not trigger the clunks."

I hope you are improving by the day and managing to get used to your new valve. Please do remember you are in the very early post op days and it takes time to recover from such major surgery.