Heart Surgery

[ChessRe3]

I am due surgery on 7th September. I will need one valve replacing and one valve replaced or repaired. I also have AF. Has anyone had similar that can help me with my anxiety over having all this done.

[Yumz199725]

Hi I am still waiting for my valve replacement surgery and I don't have AF but I want to wish you all the best with your up coming surgery and keep us posted on your recovery! I'm sure other members will be along soon who can offer some incite. Take care x

[ChessRe3 in reply to Yumz199725]

Thank you. Hope you get a date soon. Take care x

[Yumz199725 in reply to ChessRe3]

Your welcome ☺️. Thanks all I know is I will eventually need surgery so I don't know when that will be 😅. X

[Etzel]

You sound almost identical to me, i'm scheduled to have 2 valves replaced and a MAZE for AF sometime in the next 2-3 months I suspect. (and something else precautionary to prevent strokes). The best thing to do is remember the surgeons do this on a daily basis and the younger you are the better the recovery should be.

On that note, i'm 3 years younger than you and curious what advice did your surgeon give you about valve type, mechanical or biological?

[ChessRe3 in reply to Etzel]

Thank you. Hope all goes well. Mechanical for one and repair or Mechanical for the other. I don't think he gave me a choice but obviously he knows what he is doing. Got an angiogram on Tuesday. Had an echo yesterday.

[Etzel in reply to ChessRe3]

I'm sure you will be fine, my doctors keep saying my age is perfect for the op so you will be the same. I've had angio, echo, cardiac mri, pet-ct and the ICD fitted, I just think they ran out of procedures to do so moved me up for the valves

[elephantsaregreat]

Hi there, i had an Aortic valve replacement (mechanical) and Mitral valve repair done nearly 5 weeks ago. I was on the waiting list for over a year as my stenosis was moderate at that time. Yes as soon as i got the op date my anxiety levels went a bit haywire and had to take time off work 2 weeks before op. All i can suggest is try to take your mind off it and concentrate on things you will need when you come home like easy to make food, pillows etc to make it easy on yourself as you will be homebound for some weeks. I was on my own so i got people to take my rubbish out and check on me to do shopping etc. The whole experience thus far esp the operation went well and do trust in your surgeons as they do this every day. This site you will find lots of information. I wish you well for your op and recovery. Stuart

[ChessRe3 in reply to elephantsaregreat]

Thank you for the positive feedback. All the best.

[elephantsaregreat in reply to ChessRe3]

No worries. Plus i forgot to mention that i very seldom hear any ticking sound from my MAVR which many people seem to hear all the time. I dont think ill be getting my ears cleaned just in case. Good Luck

[Cat04]

Earlier this yearI had OHS for a tissue aortic valve replacement, a left atrial appendage clip (Atriclip) to help prevent strokes, and an ablation for AFib and flutter. When I told the nurses that I was nervous they said that was perfectly normal as no-one would ever choose to have OHS unless it were necessary. I was admitted to hosp the night before surgery and was offered something to help me sleep that night.

Plan & pack your hospital bag for things you think you may need in hosp and organise for your return back home afterwards. Nothing to wear that needs to go over your head, button up tops and baggy bottoms as you will swell up with the fliud retention. A vee- pillow is a godsend back at home as you have to sleep fairly upright afterwards.

There is a small friendly Facebook group -

UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre surgery & Post Surgery.

You would be very welcome to join and you would get advice, support and information from the members who are all in or have been in your situation and you can ask anything.

Very best wishes 😊

[ChessRe3 in reply to Cat04]

Thanks for help. I dont do facebook.

[Survivor1952]

Had AVR 8 weeks ago (tissue, bovine) along with 1x CABG and I would echo what has been said already. I'd also acquired two stents just 3 weeks before my OHS.

I was nervous but it helped tremendously thinking of how my life would be improved, I was lucky in that I'd 'only' had about 7 months of being unable to do much at all.

I found a V pillow essential once home and I'm still using it occasionally as my Pectorals are still sore. My first physical rehab has helped though and I would stress that the post op exercises are essential even if they are uncomfortable.

I was admitted and had nothing but the clothes I stood up in as the admission was unexpected. Do plan ahead though and take your medication with you or, at least, a list of the medication you are on. Again I hadn't it stayed at home!

I had two bouts of AF post op, it is common as the heart doesn't like being handled. They passed with medication and there was nothing else needed. I'm back for my clinic with the surgeon on Tuesday.

[ChessRe3 in reply to Survivor1952]

Thanks for your help.

[Larson2023]

Hi, I am 4 week post surgery after AVR and IE, i find it remarkable how well I fell considering my surgery was open heart due to the IE, modern medice is amazing as are the health care professionals, try and relax and stay in the present, all the very best.