Evening All. 6 weeks since my surgery to replace my aortic valve. The care I received in hospital was exemplary. I won’t pretend it was a picnic but everyone was so kind and helpful . My surgeon was amazing. Explaining everything with no rushing on to next patient.
The first 4 weeks were a struggle but I turned a corner last week and am feeling much better. I see my consultation next week. I’m hoping my meds will be reduced . Then it’s cardiac rehab which I am looking forward to.
One thing I wasn’t prepared for was the emotional effect. Never cried so much in all my life. But it was a relief to let it all out 🤣🤣
My husband has and still is amazing. Nothing too much trouble for him. Except the ironing. Any offers. 😳
Written by
SuziCutie
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi Eva, I had an AV replacement and triple bypass 12 weeks ago and feel like I have my life back now. No more waking up during the night with chest pain in fact no pain at all at any time. My wife also is feeling great as all the stress and worry has gone. I am feeling really great and looking forward to the future. Do not worry about the op they know what they are doing and are amazing. I was actually amazed t how little discomfort I felt except for the cough which is expected and goes gradually over time. Stay positive and follow the Drs advice . (Leave Dr Google out of it)
This is my 3rd attempt to reply to you. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong 😑
It’s worth doing some preparation for after your surgery.
Practice getting out of bed and out of an easy chair without using your arms to push/pull yourself up. You have to protect your sternum by not using your arms to push and pull for 3 months.
Maybe consider some comfortable support bras. Also a sleep bra.
I also read up loads on aftercare sharing with my hubby as he was going to do loads more to help
I hope all goes well for you. It’s a privilege to have these surgeries right now. The NHS is struggling so much.
Many of us have irrational bursts of tears. It eases over the weeks or months. The wonderful thing about AVR is that recovery improves noticeably and quickly.
For me it was 20 weeks.
Regret that there was no rehab for me, the Pandemic scrapped mine.
Just think….you have been given a new life. Even if it does mean you do the ironing.
Shame you didn't have full cardio rehab. It was excellent. I enjoyed it immensely. It's simply a group of likewise patients, I'd had avr, triple bypass, dilated aorta replaced, others were post heart attack or bypass only, who met up in a gym with a couple of cardiac nurses and a training instructor and partook in some very light cardio exercises. Treadmill, rowing machine that type of thing, then into the coffee room, biscuits and coffee and a quick talk from an the nurses about diet and exercise, some blood pressure monitoring, then home! It was good fun because everyone else was in the same boat, and all had the same outlook and objective. To live life to the full.
My son who’s 35 had an AVR in December . He was very quiet afterward and I knew he was a bit shocked by it all to say the least but …. 6 months on and he’s back to his drums gigging 4 nights a week and loving life ! Good luck with the future . I’m sure it will fab and buy clothes that don’t need ironed !! ❤️
I found I cried and felt depressed for up to six months. My consultant said it was a very common side effect of the deep anaesthetic. Be kind to yourself and cry. I’m nearly a year post surgery and feel the best I have for years.
It’s great to hear your story. Thank you from all of us who are waiting for surgery.As for the ironing, my husband seems to like it, does all his own including boxer shorts. But he takes so long! I’d lend him to you but by the time you got your ironing back you’d be well fit enough to do it yourself.
Don't do the ironing😂, had mine 12 months ago, so much better. The pain/discomfort hasn't gone completely but it is a small price to pay. All the best to you 👍👍👍👍☀️☀️☀️☀️
I'm now 19 months since my aortic valve and aortic atem replacement and pacemaker fitting.
I'm glad your feeling better. Recovery is slow but each day brings a bit more light.
I've been back at work for 13months, I work for a landscape gardener so physical work and pretty much been back full time for the last 5 months.
So keep going, you will probably experience some nerve pain as these heal but this is normal, I was prescribed pregabalin which helps with the pain but also anxiety which I struggled with.
I to suffered with my emotions, for a man who never cries some days I couldn't stop, the whole thing overwhelmed me at times.
Hi good to hear this I'm week 7 have my appointment on the 1st not sure what I'm expecting as 1st time I've seen anybody I have down days and struggling to sleep its good to hear I'm the same and the crying 🙄 I've done my fair share of that lol glad ur doing good actually made me feel better reading this 😊
That's wonderful news, glad things are going well. I too found I would just dissolve into tears for no apparent reason after my AVR. Then the posts on here helped me realise the enormity of the operation and impact. I then just went with the flow, didn't worry about it and the tearful episodes reduced in number. All sign of steady recovery. 16 months on, it seldom happens other than when extreme fatigue kicks in - though I got a bit teary out out of the blue when shopping when I used a carrier bag with my name, bed and ward number on - a reminder of my husband bringing in clean clothes for me but being unable to see him for 6 weeks due to no visitors when in hospital 😢. Everyone recovers at their own pace, don't put any pressure on yourself. Each day is different but steady steps forward - and I even didn't mind ironing when I was finally up to it😆. When you can do so little initially, when you are up to tasks it is signs of progress - so all good.Take care 🙂
So pleased to hear it went well and thank you for posting about how the surgery went. It’s reassuring to hear people’s stories especially with a good outcome. I hope the rehab goes well, keep us all updated if you get time.
Patrees so good to read! Well done on your recovery. I’m 4 weeks into aortic valve replacement and feeling it is going well. Still pains here and there and bumps in the road but pushing through with help of family and friends 😁. Well done and thanks for posting.
Hi, three years since my AVR. I experienced an emotional roller coaster afterwards,72 male. That passes in a short time. I went for a pre rehab interview, which was so reassuring, especially when they told me how strong my sternum would be. The rehab was amazing, both physically and mentally. Take care. VW.
It is so nice to hear some good news instead of the doom and gloom going around today, I like your husband is banned from doing the ironing, never get the corners done properly, but I tried. Look after your self.
Best wishes itotally agree our Hospital s and Staff are truly amazing , so glad to hear you've turned the corner .Don't worry wrinkly clothes are so fashionable so long as they're clean !
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
bicuspid aortic valve replacement 
Aortic valve replacement
Aortic Valve Replacement 
