Aortic valve replacement recuperation

[PaoloRossi]

Hi, I am scheduled for AVR (hemi-sternotomy and tissue valve) on 8 May and am interested to hear of others feedback as to recuperation. If all goes well with the op I expect to back home within the week. I've been told that after 6 weeks I should be back doing most daily activities. albeit gradually return to load-bearing and upper torso physical activity.

I am a physically fit 64yr old who walks as much as possible and visits the gym or swims a couple of times a week. I do have a history of lower back problems and see a chiropractor as and when.

I'm sure the hospital physio will advise about rehabilitation, but it would be great for me to have a sense of my recovery timetable (from previous patients) so I can manage my expectations and what to expect (say after the first couple of weeks, then 1 month, 3months, and thereafter, so please provide comments on that.

[Rhinos67]

HelloThe first thing I would say is that no 2 people will have the same recovery journey. I had been fit and healthy prior to my surgery 2 years ago and expected to feel superhuman once my dodgy valve was replaced.

The reality was 2 weeks in ICU after the surgery as I had total heart block and needed a pacemaker.

I'm OK now, but had to wait for 3 months for Cardiac rehab until my sternum had fused and then it was over a month until I felt any improvement.

Of course most people won't have any hiccups like I had, but recovery isn't linear. You can feel great one day and then the next 2 or 3 awful.

I hope that I haven't scared you, you will be OK.

If you aren't already a member of the Facebook group UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre and Post surgery then I would highly recommend joining. We have all been or are travelling along the same path and help each other along the way.

Best wishes

Joanne

😊

[PaoloRossi in reply to Rhinos67]

Thank you 🙂

[AH31]

Hi

I had my third valve replacement (Aortic) in February of this year and I am now coming upto twelve weeks recovery. I feel a lot healthier and can do all of my daily activities including driving.

Good luck

[PaoloRossi in reply to AH31]

Thank you🙂