hello. I have a stenosis aorta valve .

[netie54]

my stenosis aorta valve has progressed to moderate and in the next couple of years I will need surgery. My question to people who have had this surgery to repair or replace is will I be able to climb the stairs when I have hospital to go home ? Your answers would be greatly appreciated as I’m terrified of the surgery anyway.

[Yorkshirehead]

Hi Netie54,

My experience of an aortic valve replacement has been very positive. I had the operation when I was 29. I am now 70. The answer to your specific question is that, for me, it wasn’t long before I could go up stairs pretty speedily. Initially I was a bit slow. There’s not much point in me talking about my operation as things have moved on a bit since 1982! They even have anaesthetic these days!😂 Apologies if my sense of humour isn’t the same as yours.

[ParrotLover22 in reply to Yorkshirehead]

Lol 😂

[netie54 in reply to Yorkshirehead]

hi Yorkshire. Thanks for your reply. My sense of humour sounds pretty much the same as yours. Regards. Annette

[Yumz199725]

Hi netie54

Mine is moderate aswell and I also have moderate to severe aortic regurgitation so will be having this surgery eventually probably in a couple years like yourself or sooner I don't know. The thought of having it soon is terrifying its the recovery more then the surgery that's worrying me because I am a full time carer for my brother, hope it's a quick recovery for us both 😅🤞.

[netie54 in reply to Yumz199725]

Hi Yumz. Can’t say I’m not worried about open heart surgery but like you and very concerned about the recovery time. My husband is many years older than me and I want to be fit and able for him. Regards Annette

[Hanibil]

Hi I had my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical one back in 2005 at age 48, from hardly being able to climb stairs and even having difficulty walking any distance. I was able to climb as many stairs I wanted ,and walk any distance I wanted . I was also able to ski and mountain bike.

[Astronomyrules]

Hi Netie, I see you are interested in replacement without open heart surgery. There are two alternatives as far as I know.via the femoral artery, which is the least invasive and I presume has the quickest recovery as hospitalisation is only a day and a trans apical TAVI where the op is by keyhole surgery between the ribs and then in through the heart apex. I had the latter 2 years ago, because the circulation in my legs is so poor. I was in hospital for 5 days, it felt rather like when I broke a rib for 10 days and then gradually I recovered over the next few months. I have previously had open heart surgery, many years ago, and the TAVI recovery was much faster. There are other factors to consider though and the 'gold standard' is via opening the chest. When the time comes you should discuss all the options with your cardiologist /surgeon . I hope this helps.

[Cat04]

I had a new aortic valve by open heart surgery less than 4 weeks ago and surprised myself at how easy it was to go up the stairs. In fact it was easier than pre-op! The physio in hospital made sure I could do it before discharge. My breathing also improved immediately post-op.

[andy110519]

Hi, I had OHS 4 years ago, at the age of 49, for a mechanical aortic valve and was not allowed home until I could walk upstairs. That was about 4 days after surgery and I went home a couple of days later.Take care.

Andy

[Peter-l-h]

12 weeks ago - by TAVI - very positive - able to function normally walk and climb domestic stairs on 2 nd day. About 6 week wait then - Rehab team first class able to push myself under their guidance. But fitness still improving- don’t rush - good luck- PH

[netie54 in reply to Peter-l-h]

thank you Peter for your swift response. Very reassuring. I would like a TAVI but my cardiologist says I’m probably too young and I might need to have the procedure again later. I’m 69 this year. Are you older than me ? Regards Annette

[Peter-l-h in reply to netie54]

I am 77 and also was told I was probably too young. But fortune smiled at me. My cardiologist was a TAVI specialist so that may have helped. I had a routine six monthly check up - did not hear for eight days then got 3 days notice of a pre op but a non confirmed possibility of the op that week. Finally confirmed with 3 days notice of admission ? Maybe someone else wasn’t fit enough to take that spot !!

Regarding the possibility of having it done again. If I have a good quality of life for 10 to 15 years - at 87 to 92 I will take my chance !!

The NHS - Wythenshaw hospital all first class I feel so privileged ! Cleared to fly and going to the Canaries on Friday.

Keep the positive vibes flowing. PH

[netie54 in reply to Peter-l-h]

hello Peter. I am trying very hard to keep positive. We have a home in Spain which we will be returning to in April. I think I’m going to contact a Heart val r specialist at Papworth. My husband had private surgery there and it’s close to us. I live in Norwich. The cardiologist I have here is also private but I don’t think he will be able to carry out the surgery. That’s why I’m going to try and discuss with someone who specialises in aortic valves.

Have a brilliant time away. Get some sun and relax. Regards Annette

[ParrotLover22]

Hi. I had my Aortic and Mitral Valves replaced in 2020. Mine was at the Severe Stage. In all fairness to the NHS, they wanted to Operate at the Moderate Stage! I couldn't at that particular time as I was Caring for my Sister and didn't want to leave her! Anyway, I was at the Stage when I had to practically go up the Stairs crawling lol 😂. Since the Op, I am absolutely fine, doing everything and have no breathing problems whatsoever! You are bound to be scared, you would not be Human if you weren't. Just when you get Home, take things slowly and take one day at a time, and you should be fine! You should have Cardiac Rehab as well so they will tell you what you can and can't do!! (I didn't have that as it was at the height of the Pandemic) but I did have a Cardiac Nurse phoning me regularly. In the meantime, just try not to worry

[cappachina]

Hi netie I have severe aortic stenosis had all the tests done and am seeing the surgeon on Wednesday for the results I am hoping I can have the TAVI but we will see . I am 75 by the way so a little older than you . My surgeon said 75 was borderline for which op Like you I am dreading either op but it's the thought in open heart surgery of them stopping my heart and not getting it going again that gets to me even thought I know thousands of people have it done every day. I hope you find a good surgeon

[cappachina]

There is on Facebook uk aortic and heart defects defects pre surgery and post surgery group which is really good for info too