Open heart surgery recovery

[Wizard_of_Oz]

I am 56 years old and pretty fit (apart from my heart valve issue!) and have just had valve replacement by open heart surgery. Keen to understand the recovery time for chest pain reduction post surgery? Is it weeks or months?

[Hidden]

Dear Wizard_of_Oz

Hello to you and well done for your successful operation and your interest in getting back to a “normal” level.

I hope this does not sound to flippant to you, but recovery is as individual as the person seeking it.

The forum is awash with folks that have some incredible recovery times and as much as my thoughts go out to them, I’m afraid to tell you that there are many others that aren’t as lucky, even with some suffering a longtime after.

So what is going on? Again the answers are not so simple,

“I am stronger than Y who is weaker than X but W is stronger than me”

We Dear Wizard_of_Oz are that individual and no one can tell you how your body will mend other than you.

Don’t be silly and rush it, follow the guidelines set out by your team and soon the time will slip past and you will be back to a new you, as you never want to be back to your old self and your damaged heart.

A big massive good luck to you, just to note , my progress is moving alone nicely after 6 months, but then again I was never at the front of a race, but I did always finish.

Take care

[Wizard_of_Oz in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Blue1958

[DancingSalsaIsFun in reply to Hidden]

What good advice, and what I shall try to follow when I have my operation very shortly.

[080311]

Morning Wizard_of_Oz

Welcome to the forum, like any broken bone the sternum takes time to heal, so 8-10 weeks, no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water no arms above your head and no pulling or pushing movements. We might be wired together but still need to watch what we do.

Keep doing your breathing exercises and coughing, they really do help remember your lungs collapse when we are on bypass so need a bit of help to get those little pockets filled out again. Gentle walking to start with, building up slowly, listen to your body if it says I am tired you rest. Don’t try and push to soon. I would urge you to take up any offer of cardio rehab as much for your mental health as your stamina, being around others who have been through the same experiences as you is so beneficial.

So in answer to your question it’s months not weeks.

Hoping your recovery goes great.

Best wishes Pauline

[Wizard_of_Oz in reply to 080311]

Thank you for your advice

[Megaladon]

I had my op on 10th Feb 22. There is still some pain around my heart when I breath deeply and if I move towards my left. But I can see the pain is getting lesser and lesser every day. I think for about 3 months you will feel some sort of pain as i was told but it depends on the person as well.

At the moment I do about 3 to 4 k walk now (slow pace). Can do most of the small jobs at home. Still no lifting and no pushing or pulling. My INR is going up and down so i visit the blood clinic once a week. Otherwise I am fine.

But for me the key is to keep your mind clear, happy and healthy and say to yourself “this will take time and I have that time”. Morale is the key for recovery. I go to allotment to see my uncle planting stuff and looking after his bees. That gives me energy every day.

All the best

Ken

[AdamJames157 in reply to Megaladon]

Hi Ken. Im 32 years old and waiting to go through this for aortic valve replacement. Any advice pre-op. I’ve not met with the surgeon yet but I’ve been pushing it:

All the best.

Adam

[Wellington19]

I had aerotic valve and part of muscle removed early December nearly completely recovered ,

[Leonardo1]

I had AVR in December and I feel wonderful back to work even though I said I wouldn’t ! But I don’t want my heart problem to be the reason I stopped working and I want to say I’m back to my normal ! I made great strides in recovery and am amazed how great I feel ! I do understand I’m one of the lucky ones and very fortunate - go at your own pace , there’s no right or wrong just what works for you !!

[Wizard_of_Oz in reply to Leonardo1]

Hi, having read your history your recovery story is amazing! Well done and pls keep sharing. I am 2 weeks post op and walking 2km per day. Chest pain hasn’t reduced much yet but breathing is great. Patience is the answer I guess.

[Greencat59]

Hi W of O, I am 59 and very unfit. I had my AVR mid November 2021 and it probably took me 6 weeks to feel human! My breathlessness is still an issue but no pain or discomfort ( just loud ticking valve!) As others have said we are all individuals and slow and steady wins the race. The main thing for me is that I feel huge psychological joy. I no longer have to worry about what might happen, what that pain is, why my heart is beating that way. It’s a fabulous life changer. Enjoy!

[MountainGoat52]

I was told 13 weeks for the sternum to completely heal after surgery. My interest is hill walking and so I was fit before my op. It did take that long for my sternum to completely heal, but in the meantime it didn't stop me walking reasonably long distances (10+ miles) without a backpack. Once I was given the all clear, I started with light loads and increased the weight gradually and was back to full capacity (11kg load) by six months post op. Not rushing things certainly paid dividends.

All the best for your recovery.

Gerald

[Wizard_of_Oz in reply to MountainGoat52]

That’s great Gerald, thanks. Sounds like we have similar interests! Hope my recovery is similar to yours. How long did you have chest pain for?

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Wizard_of_Oz]

Well, I had no pain from the op.... internally that is. The opening up of my chest did cause a bit of stress to my chest muscles. I slept on my back, propped up, for the first 6 weeks, then could only lie on my right side for the next couple of months. I had muscle ache on the left side for a couple of years, but a quick massage usually provided relief. I now make sure I massage my chest when I'm in the shower and it rarely is a problem. I've had more issues with the sites where they harvested blood vessels where I get nerve pain.... still not right after almost 4 years post op. A drop of bio oil rubbed in helps.

The key to recovery is to stay positive and listen to your body. Also make sure you work with your GP (and others where appropriate) to get your medication right for you. I take 6 tablets each day with my breakfast cereal and a cup of tea, which cause me no issues and then I can get on with my day.

The big plus has been that I now climb larger mountains! 😀

[AdamJames157 in reply to MountainGoat52]

How was surgery? I’m waiting for AVR. 32 years old but suffering from symptoms now, mostly very strong pulse throughout body. All the signs. No breathlessness yet. Severe AR tho.

Worried about surgery and family so I’ve developed insomnia which I’m also isn’t sure down to symptoms as I can feel my body/ pulse when I’m in bed.

[MountainGoat52 in reply to AdamJames157]

Before my heart attack in 2017 I had developed a kind of fear about going into hospital. My experience of having stents, being looked after and the friendliness of the staff on the coronary unit dispelled that fear. When I was invited to have a bypass operation, it was easy for me to say yes, particularly as I was to have it at Papworth, a hospital that I hold in great respect.

Leading up to my surgery, I was probably more calm than other family members. My main concern was in relation to my wife. The risk was put at less than 1%, so it wasn't great, but it is natural to have such concerns. The important thing to remember is that these operations are routine. You will be taken great care of and the level of respect for me as an individual was excellent. I even got my wish to have a chat with the surgeon while sat on the operating table. Somewhat bizarre I know, but having a relationship with my surgeon was important to me.

Would I go through it again if necessary? Yes indeed. I hope that you can calm your fears and that you get a date to focus on soon. Waiting for a date is perhaps the hardest part.

As for recovery, I found it helped to set myself little goals.... and do be patient. I'm sure that given your age you will be back to leading a healthy life very soon.

My best wishes for the future,

Gerald

[AdamJames157 in reply to MountainGoat52]

Many thanks Gerald. I am looking at the Royal Papworth as an option. I have an appointment with a consultant next week virtually, however waiting times on the NHS appear to be a while and I am obviously concerned that I might as a result of the surgery.

At 32 years of age - any age I suppose - it is a difficult thing to get your head round. I still can't believe I have got a heart condition at my age, and feel let down by the NHS already as I was originally complaining about pain in March 2020 which I honestly think was down to endocarditis looking back. I could be wrong however.

Glad you're doing well! Many thanks for your reply.

[MountainGoat52 in reply to AdamJames157]

Looking back, I was failed by the system to some extent as my GP just kept prescribing more and more medication for a rapidly rising blood pressure. Had I been sent for an angiogram, then most likely I would not have had a heart attack, but it is what it is. It took the HA to get me into the system.... thereafter the care and attention was excellent.

I am certainly grateful for the time and effort expended on me by all the staff, both while I was in hospital and afterwards.... and that applies to Kettering where I had my stents and to Papworth. It was a privilege to be offered surgery and I now give thanks each time I reach the summit of the hills and mountains that I climb. Another Munro is planned for after Easter. 😀

Keep well.... hopefully soon you will be on the road to a full recovery.

[Ral67]

Hello Wizard_of_Oz.

Well done on the surgery and all I can say is listen to the experts and your body.

There are some very wise words from people who have gone through something similar on this forum which will also help you. It helped me enormously.

I am 54 and had mitral valve repair in August. I was keen to get back to my ‘old self’ but 7 months on, life has changed as I adapt to a new me.

Blue 1958 eloquently describes how you will find a new you and healing is as individual as you are, so don’t rush it.

My advice is to walk as much as you can and rest when your body tells you to.

Cardiac rehabilitation was a massive help for me physically and mentally. I hadn’t realised the toll open heart surgery would have on my mental health as well as physical. I am doing great now but just take it a day at a time and be kind to yourself.

Best wishes, Ruth

[Wizard_of_Oz in reply to Ral67]

Thanks Ruth, what type of chest pain did you experience post op and how did they change over time? Also, what adaptations did you make to your life? Many thanks

[Ral67 in reply to Wizard_of_Oz]

The pain actually wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be. More discomfort from my chest drains to be honest but every day I grew a little stronger.

Challenges in the early days, like getting in and out of bed, opening doors, going uphill, and I remember having a meltdown because I couldn’t get the lid off a tub of ice cream 🤣 a good cry help at times. Just simple things I took for granted pre-op but will never take for granted again.

The body is remarkable but my turning point was at week 7 going to cardiac rehabilitation at the Ulster hospital for the first time. I nearly had a panic attack when I saw a rowing machine.

The team there quite literally put me back on my feet again. I grew physically and mentally stronger every week. My confidence improved, my anxiety decreased, so I would urge you to go if you get the opportunity. You will meet amazing people. I am now doing phase 4 at Better Gyms every Thursday morning.

Sorry, this message is turning into one of my assignments but I hope it helps you. 7 months on for me, I have changed job, started my own part time complementary therapy business, completed my MSc in Health and Wellbeing ( I submitted my dissertation 3 weeks after surgery) I am doing CBT, going to the gym twice a week and have my heart eco on Thursday 🤞

I wish you a very good recovery. Accept offers of help from friends and family, watch box sets and get lots of fresh air. Take good care of yourself ❤️

[Tessie28]

Hi, recovery time varies so much. This group on Facebook I belong to are amazing for helping the newly operated on. facebook.com/groups/1864350... of people with experience. And every other other Friday some of us do a zoom, which has been so helpful to members. We are made up of all ages and experiences. Whatever you do take it steady. Chest pain discomfort is usually an ongoing thing in the first year as your nerve endings have to heal. Cheers, Teresa

[Ral67 in reply to Tessie28]

Hi Teresa

I didn’t know about this FB group so thank you. I will have a look at it today 😊

[Hidden]

A huge well done on your successful AVR. With the main event now over don’t be in too much of a rush to get “back to normal”

Mine was 15 months ago. I’m a bit older than you at 68 and female so our recovery might differ. I was also “ fit and healthy “ so it came as a bit if a shock.

12-14 weeks it took me to be almost pain free. Discomfort can still be there after this time but it gradually eases. Pain can be a reminder to be careful. No arms above your head until the sternum has healed. It’s a simple rule but break it and it will be disastrous! Take care of that sternum and you will heal nicely.

I gave myself a silly reminder of this when I pushed a door open a couple of weeks after surgery. I forgot the no pushing or pulling rule! You only do it once!

Your body has been through so much trauma. It needs TLC now. Go at your own pace.

Regards

Maisie

[Leonardo1]

Wonderful stories of recovery !! Today I am celebrating my grand daughters first birthday !! I actually didn’t think I’d be here on a few of my pre surgery days !! Today I’m so happy healthy and grateful !!

Birthday celebrations

[AdamJames157]

First of all. Im so please for you. Im waiting to go through this. Any pre-op advice? I have aortic regurgitation and have symptoms which are unpleasant. I don’t have breathlessness but I feel tired a lot because I’m not sleeping which is probably not helped by the stress I feel too.

[bagsypartime]

I wondered about this. A few american clinics youtube s give advice plus an indian surgeon.The main issue is our sternum, and the care we need to take, like not tucking your shirt in at the backdoor doing waist twists.The youtube surgeon said it's 50/60% healed at four weeks.I'm on day 9 and feels okay.

I walk in the house."Alexa set the alarm for ten minutes."And off i go.No need for the neighbours to see an old git struggling.

In the hospital i was up quick but didn't get much better.Now is easier to get in and out of bed and with volume of walking am still getting only slight improvement.My plan is to keep pushing and my recovery will be faster.For example i assume my walking knits my bone faster even if i'm not running yet.

I've noticed a couple cabg (thats what i had) say they haven't achieved previous levels of pre op fitness.That may be my case but it won't be through lack of trying.

If your op is the same as mine and they stuffed drain tubes in your stomach collapsing the lungs is part of the job, so this is something you have to approach gently too.If you need to cough or sneeze you hug a pillow.

The other thing is food.I used to eat only one meal, now i eat three because i think my body is screaming for the ammo to fight back and the surgeon stressed this too.