Up and till 7 March 2024, I never even had one thought about my heart valves. One week later I am scheduled for open heart surgery to replace the valve on 20 March 2024.
I think I am still in shock and denial. I am feeling anxious about the operation and whether I would die in theatre. Should I play it say my final goodbyes to loved ones ?
The recovery path, if I do live through the operation, seemed to
Include mental health issues.
Any positive feedback from people who lived through open heart surgery and willing to share their journey?
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BostonTerreirMom
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I had a mitral valve replacement via open heart surgery last June. Took a while, but now I feel absolutely fine and the scar's healed up beautifully. Be encouraged!
I felt exactly the same 2 years ago before I had my Aortic valve replaced. My family history at the hospital wasn't good and I was convinced I'd die during surgery. I didn't and I'm doing really well now.If you aren't already a member of the Facebook group UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre and Post surgery then please join. Several hundred members who are post surgery to reassure you and a few dozen like you waiting .
Hi, I had emergency valve replacement nearly 5 years ago. I hadn't known anything was wrong with my heart and had a week to try and get my head round the fact that I was about to have OHS!My thoughts as to what it would be like and the recovery were far worse than it was. Valve work is daily work for the surgeons so you are in good hands and should try not to worry.
I'm fitter now than I was prior to my op and largely no lasting effects from the OHS although everyone is different. Take it easy afterwards and listen to your body.
Yes it’s scary, think I had all the same thoughts, trust the team around you,
If your lucky like me your be on paracetamol from about a week after, know your limits, short walks, no lifting even the kettle can be fun, get a cuddle cushion to hold when you sneeze, for the car to protect from the seatbelt, and for laughing, yes you will laugh.
I’m 6-7 months out, I’m walking around 2km a day with our pup, I go to the gym 1-2 times a week with a special rehab exercise program and rehab, rehab is the most important thing, you might not want to go but it can be fun and if it’s in a group your meet people in similar positions. I’m a total advocate of rehab,
Mentally, it can be up and down, but try to stay positive, yes your have your meltdown moments, not going to lie, but in time the good times take over the bad.
Good morning. I had my OHS for a LAD bypass and replacement mitral valve more than 20 years ago and I'm fine! If you go on my profile I have written many replies regarding your surgery , pre and post. I'm sure you'll find something positive and encouraging amongst them. Chin up and good luck. You'll be fine as well!
morning, six weeks post mitral valve repair. My dad had terrible issues post surgery so I was paranoid about mine. Have had a few minor setbacks but was out of ICU in under 24 hours and out of hospital within 6 days. I’m now walking 1.5 miles per day, doing light housework and hoping my post op is as positive as I’m feeling but the anxiety hasn’t quite gone away. I was planning to do the cardiac rehab programme but my local hospital has sixteen week waitlist and I’m hoping to be back at work before then.
My advice is take one day at a time, try not to compare your recovery to others, accept help where needed and don’t push yourself too hard. Keep in touch and good luck xx
hi I had open heart surgery in 2015 at age of 63 my mitral valve was leaking they would try to repair or replace , they succeeded to repair it getting over the operation takes time but I’m glad that I went to rehab they got me back to being more confident in what I could do done 11 sessions never looked back now healthy than before I’m 70 now don’t stress it won’t help good Luke
Hi, don't worry. You'll be ok. I had a dizzy bout easter time 2021 It was the only time I felt unwell. Nov 11th 2021 I must have needed the operation had a quadruple and a heart valve replacement. Couldn't believe it. I'd had no pain whatsoever leading up to my operation. The doctors and surgeons no best. Let it come and go. The sooner the better. Take care.
I had O.H.S to replace my mitral valve 9 months ago - aged 49. I had from April last year after my T.O.E, to June to try and prepare and get my head around the enormity of what we were about to go through as a family.
Whilst we told close friends and family that I was awaiting surgery, the only people that knew the date of my op were my immediate family and my Sister. I couldn’t have coped with reassuring everyone that I wld be fine - when I didn’t know myself. I was in a zone and just needed to get through the surgery and to wake up. That was my goal. I really hadn’t given any thought to the recovery and quite how challenging that wld be.
I really wish, I’d found this forum before I’d gone into hospital. I didn’t know of anyone else who had been through this surgery at a similar age. There are literally thousands of people on this forum - who have walked in our shoes. Everyone with the same fears and concerns before surgery and many who can help support your recovery through their own experiences afterwards. Everyone is an individual and every journey is different.
I was in I.C.U for a few days post op and in hospital for 2 weeks. Lots of people are in and out much quicker than that and others with complications will take longer. Until you have the surgery - no one knows how straight forward or otherwise your recovery will be.
I had my op at lunchtime and woke up in I.C.U at midnight, still intubed. They do this, so that if there are any issues post-op, they can whisk you back to theatre and you’re good to go. I can remember touching the tube in my mouth and the Nurse saying she was going to remove it shortly. When she did, I took her hand and spelt out the word ‘Gentle’ on her palm. I recall she squeezed my hand and promised she would be!
When you wake, it’s like you have a pallet of bricks sitting on your chest. So to cough or sneeze is very uncomfortable. They give you a morphine button to press - which will administer a dose about every 10 mins, should you need it.
Things I wasn’t prepared for; was to be as sick as a parrot in I.C.U. - which I can only assume was down to me reacting to the opioid pain relief, as I’d never had a reaction to an anaesthetic before. Being sick with a broken sternum is no fun.
To swell up like the Michelin Man for several days after my op - due to all the fluids from being on bypass (and to try increase my extremely low B.P). None of my own nightwear fitted once I was back on the ward. The diuretics certainly helped resolve the situation. You went to sleep and woke up 4kg lighter - so was the best diet ever!
To not be able to have your family visit in I.C.U. (Unless you’re there for more than 5 days) or have your phone with you. That was a toughie. Take a photograph in with you to have by your bed. My Husband did manage to call and get through on the landline - so I was able to speak to him briefly, a couple of days after my op.
One of the things I struggled with after, was learning that my family waited over 8 hrs for a call from I.C.U. that day, to say I was out of theatre. (My Surgeons’ had initially performed a repair - which sadly wouldn’t withstand my blood pressure - so they made the decision in theatre, to replace my own severely damaged valve with a mechanical valve instead). My children (both in their early twenties), my Husband and my Sister were all desperate for news and it must have been the longest day ever. I can’t begin to imagine what they all went through too, that day.
Now, 9 months down the line - I’m getting there. It’s been a long road with various post-op complications but, if I hadn’t gone ahead with the surgery - I may not be here now - and I’ve got a lot of living left to do yet!
Wishing you all the best. Get through those first few days post op and plan something lovely to look forward to once you’re feeling up to it. Keep us posted of your progress. Take care. ❤️🩹
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