Anyone had heart valve replacement

[Patchelena]

Awaiting a heart valve replacement. Was born with bicuspid valve

[Ageingfast]

Dear Patchelensa

Lots of us have had replacement valves. And are bicuspid. You are not alone, loads of us can offer verbal support.

I had mine April 2000. By far the worst part is the waiting. But once you get in to the hospital then all is pretty amazing.

Nothing like other hospitalisations, so much more positive.

Blackcatsooty

[Patchelena in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you

[080311]

Hello Patchelena,

Welcome to the forum, I had my Aortic valve replaced and bypass done nearly 6 years ago at the age of 68. As Blackcatsooty said there are many of us here on the forum have had open heart surgery.

If you have any questions just post and someone will be along to try and help.

I will say, the surgery is not as bad as our imagination makes it. Yes it’s a major operation but it’s done day in day out. Every day since my surgery I thank the medical team that gave me my life back .

You are now part of the Hearties family and we are here to help you through this.

Best wishes Pauline

[Patchelena in reply to 080311]

Thank you

[INTHEUSA]

I had a bicuspid valve. Which was not identified until I had an acute ascending and descending aortic dissection. 16 hours of emergency surgery and last rites, I made it. The Lord and great Drs. I have lived with a St Jude mechanical valve for 12 years. I take Warafin, a beta blocker, lisinopril. Took statins but they had too many side effects with me. The recovery was Hard, slow. It took a year to get back to what I thought 100%. Another year to get to the 90% I am today. Dr decision was mechanical valve because of my age then, 50. He made the right call. You’ll do great. DO THE REHAB.

[Patchelena in reply to INTHEUSA]

Thank you

[CWQ1]

Hi! As you can see, you’re gonna join a very exclusive and supportive club! I had open heart surgery 12 years ago for a failing bicuspid valve. Recovery is quicker than you think and you’ll feel so much better for it …

[Patchelena in reply to CWQ1]

Thank you

[Megaladon]

I had mitral valve replacement in February. So far its looking good. Yes waiting was anxious but after that you will see the positive difference and changes.

[Patchelena in reply to Megaladon]

Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi. I am also waiting for surgery to replace a bicuspid aortic valve. I was terrified when I was first told I needed surgery but having spoken to people who have been through it, I am.now feeling calm about it.Feel free to mrssage ne. Rachel x

[Patchelena]

I feel the same but since joining this group I feel better. I have no date yet but have a telephone call with Consultant this week.I am also going to a lung function test today. I feel a little breathless when I do too much. I feel very tired at times.

[Rhinos67]

Hi Patchelena

I found out that I had a bicuspid aortic valve last October and I'm due to have surgery in 4 days time. I'm about as ready as I can be after having weekly Clinical Psychologist sessions to help me with my hospital phobia. I'm currently isolating in preparation for it and I'm going through just about every emotion every hour.

If you want to see/speak to others who have had surgery or like us are waiting for it there is a Facebook group.. UK Aortic & heart defects pre and post surgery. Chatting to the others in the group has really helped me, but feel free to contact me if not and good luck.

Joanne

😊

[Patchelena in reply to Rhinos67]

Wishing you all the best and thank you for taking time to reply.

[Faub]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I am 41 and had my aortic valve replaced on October 2021. Mine wasn't bicuspid, but was regurgitating and was causing my ventricles to become enlarged, with the risk of losing function and leading to heart failure. I had a procedure called ROSS and after 6 months I'm basically fully recovered, back to exercising better than before. Good luck with your surgery and don't hesitate to throw any questions or concerns you have here.

[Patchelena in reply to Faub]

So glad to hear you are well and thank you

[AdamJames157 in reply to Patchelena]

Hope you’re doing well.

[Crackerchops]

Hi Patchelena as others have said lots on here have had a valve replacement. I am 6 weeks post op. The best advice I have had from this group is listen to your body after the op. Keep taking the painkillers the doctors recommend. Don't worry too much about eating just eat what you can. I spent two weeks in hospital as my pacemaker needed repositioning otherwise I would have been out in a week. Each day of recovery I could see the difference. Deep breathing and use pillow on your chest to support your coughing. I wish you all the best.

[Patchelena in reply to Crackerchops]

Thank you so much and I hope you recover well

[Wellington19]

Had aerotic valve and partial myectomy, in December, a,m 72, took about 3 months to recover