OHS Safe?

[Seaguller]

Anyone recently had open heart surgery for valve replacement. Is it safe? Scared at moment

[Hanibil]

Hi I had an aortic valve replacement in 2005 it gave me my life back, I was scared at the time but that’s normal.

[Anon2023]

hi I had two ohs within 4 months to replace my mitral valve. I was very poorly before the second one with endocarditis. I’d also had sepsis and a stroke in that 4months. If I can survive ohs with those complications then I’d say it’s safe. It’s natural to feel scared but the mortality rate for these operations is low and the surgeons are highly skilled. You’ll be fine.

[Jamse]

had emergency aortic replaced and mitral valve repaired ..in 2004 and i am happy and active now I

[andy110519]

Hi, I had OHS 4 years ago for aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta patch. I was scared beforehand but had less than a week to think about it as it was an emergency.I can honestly say it was not nearly as bad as I expected. For the surgeons and their teams these are everyday ops and although still major surgery it is low risk.

I didn't know I had something major wrong with me but I do see the improvements in what I can do physically and am fitter than I was for long time prior to my op.

Take care.

Andy

[francesw47]

I would think it unusual not to be scared. The risk stats for aortic valve replacement are low and the operation appears to be routine in most heart centres now. I've had two AVR and would, if necessary, go through it again. But keep talking to us, and please let us know how you get on as you wait for your surgery.

[Ageingfast]

Dear Seaguller

Very safe. I had OHS three years ago. Very scared beforehand, but as soon as I got to the hospital my fears melted away. Staff and surgeons are experts in their field field and will look after you. Big operation, long recovery period, but very safe.

Exactly as hanibill says, it gave me my life back

Sooty

[Hidden]

Hello you,

Long time no hear,

I am so glad that at long last you have the go ahead for your operation.

I never had any problems with the valves { about the only thing } in my heart , but had open heart surgery.

I will not shy away from the fact that it is a major thing to have your chest opened and your heart worked on.

You have a lot going for you , your age being a big part but its not a walk in the park and the recovery is slow and sometimes hard.

But the benefits far far out weigh the risks, for the quality of life that it can give you.

I would not be here answering your concerns if it wasn't for my operation, I would be dead its that simple and I for one am pleased that I have some more time on this amazing planet.

Its your turn soon and I wish the best for you, I have followed { and answered } some of your worries for a while now and understand that anxiety plays a part in your illness.

Please keep us informed of your progress, we can help with your aftercare problems as well

Take care

[Leonardo1]

hi there I had ohs 18 months . If I hadn’t I wouldn’t be here !

Some very kind person on this site said it’s more common than tooth extraction which calmed my fears .

It’s normal to be scared but the alternative is probably scarier !! The surgeons are incredible talented and highly trained they work for 11 years to become a heart surgeon trust them the are amazing .

Focus on your recovery and your future because that it what they are giving you .

Good luck it will be worth it .

Take great care

Ch

[Heartsofoak]

Hi had a triple bypass and aortic valve replacement last year. Everything was fine and to be honest I didn't have much pain that I remember . The surgeon and nursing staff were brilliant as was the after care, you'll be back to normal in no time. Are you a Brighton and Hove Albion supporter?

[Thanksnhs]

Hi the surgeon's that do OHS are amazing and the after care, certainly in my case was second to none. I had a transplant and within a couple of days I was up and with the help of the physio taking a few tentative steps, in less than three weeks I was home alone and able to look after myself. Without the surgery I definitely wouldn't be writing this. Wishing you well with the op. Take care char

[Hidden]

Hi Seaguller, Think back to when you had your first valve replacement. How well you recovered and focus on that. You're a bit older, but, the processes are more or less the same. Prior to my second surgery, I found the experience of having it done previously invaluable. Hopefully, this one will be your final surgery.

Best wishwishes

[Clairealou]

hi Seaguller. I’ve had 5 valve replacements now, 4 of them OHS. As everyone is saying on here, they’re so commonplace now and our wonderful NHS staff so skilled, the risks are reduced. The more you have, the easier they get so the fact you’ve been there before will probably be a huge help. Just remember to take an extra long charging cable for your mobile! Where are you having it done?