Been a while

[highburyted]

hello all, it’s been sometime since I last was on here so I thought I’d give an update on what’s happening since my valve operation.

Basically I’ve had one major problem since I came out, breathlessness on exertion, I.e. when I try to exercise. It doesn’t take many seconds for the breathing to rectify itself so I know it’s not the valve ( hosp said ts working fine) so what is it.

Cardia rehab ( tel only) can only think it’s because I haven’t done much movement for three years.

That is until I had a blood test and the result- anemia !!!! Which causes breathlessness. I’m fuming because I was told this before I went into hospital and whilst I was in there yet nothing was given.

I'm told it will repair itself, as I’m now taking iron tablets, I’ve increased my seafood and red meat too.

They are wondering why I became anemic in the first place. I have an idea, before the valve problem was diagnosed I was on a heavy diet and lost 9.5 stone in two years, so I didn’t eat much of the wrong foods, red meat etc.

Hopefully in 4 weeks when I have the follow up blood test it will show as better and I can get on with my exercises.

Thanks all

[Cat04]

Lovely to get an update from you & it sounds although your valve op has been a success. Hopefully now you are having the anaemia treated you will start to feel even better. Onwards & upwards 🙂

[Elsabounre]

Well it is just great hearing from you again...and happy to hear that the valve is working well...pity the anaemia was not treated immediately..but you are doing that now so it should not take too long to be right again..when we do not hear from someone here for a long time we get worried..so stay in touch..continue the diet..but more sensibly..lol..and enjoy the happy time of year that is coming soon...keep improving...all the best wishes..

[Heyjude31]

So glad to hear from you. Very glad the valve is doing well. Hopefully the anaemia will improve soon. Take care and let us know how you get on. Judi

[Tos92]

I’m sorry to hear about the anaemia. Though late, I’m glad they have caught it. I believe anaemia can go un-diagnosed in some patients, sadly. I hope the iron tablets improve your breathing and it was lovely to hear from you again.

Sending you best wishes for more healing and a smooth recovery.

Tos

[Yumz199725]

Oh wow so good to hear from you sorry to hear about the anemia, but glad your new valve is doing great! 😊❤️

[devonian186]

Good to hear from you again. I often think we should get better advice as to what nutrients and minerals we are missing out on, as the blood tests tend to be used just to monitor effects on medications on kidneys etc.

Your condition should have been picked up and there must be lots of people who could feel materially better if they knew they were missing out on some key minerals and nutrients

[uzininemm]

I was put on iron tablets in June after a routine blood test showed anaemia, and wow within days I felt I was turbo charged.

If the iron tablets don't work, consider asking for a iron infusion, as this is very successful.

bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-r...

[ETHEL103]

Great to hear from you.

[Noodlesalad]

So good to hear from you Ted we have all missed you!So sorry to hear you've not been doing well post op, hopefully now you're anaemia is being treated you will get better and better.

[Plum53]

Hi HighburyTed really lovely to hear from you again. Glad everything went ahead with your operation and you are now recovering well. I too have been diagnosed with anaemia and taking iron tablets . My procedure was cancelled because of it but I’m pleased to say I am booked to have it on the 11th December. You take care

[highburyted in reply to Plum53]

Hi

You’ll be fine when you have the op, if they can do me with copd and overweight they can do anything. Only been in the iron tablets for a week so still breathless on exertion. Annoyed because this was picked up before I even went into hospital and nothing was done about it. Couldn’t have been very high I suppose but I was so ill when I got into hospital ( 46 days in) that I was told, off the record of course, that left to my GP practice I would have gone within 2 weeks, so I’ve got no faith in them!!!!!

highburyted

[Plum53 in reply to highburyted]

That is worrying , mine was picked up by the blood test the week before my procedure. This had to be fully investigated before they gave me the iron tablets. I will be having a pressure wire test with stent if needed so not a big operation like yours.

[Wilfy28]

So pleased you are back on here, everyone was so worried! Hoping you are feeling better soon.

[shadowgomez]

i had a heart op a year ago and i still get breathless and they don't know whats causing it. Somedays its better than others.

[HHH2017]

Hi 👋🏽 good to hear from you again!

Glad to hear all well with the heart valve op ✔️ and that you are starting to think about exercise and getting back to 'normal' ✔️

Anaemia however should have been picked up in your pre op blood tests! It can, untreated, cause extreme fatigue and breathlessness. I was prevented from having a hysterectomy 10years ago until my iron levels were under control and I was no longer anaemic.

I was advised to up my intake of purple & green foods, Beetroot, red cabbage, spinach, broccoli 🥦 etc. I was also told by a nurse to have the odd guinness- which I did despite hating it 😂 4 months later my op went ahead 💪🏽 Good luck on your op recovery ❤️‍🩹 and getting your iron levels sorted.

[Classof1988]

Glad the valve is working well, but sorry to hear about the breathlessness. Also, I am horrified that your cardiac rehab was on phone and not an in person course where you can meet others who have gone through heart surgery, support and share with each other, and exercise with medical professionals on site to monitor and build up your confidence. Good to hear you and wish you well for the future