4 open heart surgery’s

[Comfs]

I was just 2 years old when I first got my mechanical valve put in which i out grew when I was 18 so needed a new one, I decided to get a pigs valve which is a tissue one so I wasn’t on any medication and could lead a life without limitations, 7 years later that needed replacing so I felt healthy enough to go for the tissue valve again knowing how long it lasts. Another 7 years passed by and thankfully I had my beautiful daughter in that time I came to the decision to get the mechanical valve back in but this time around the surgery didn’t go to plan as I needed to get my heart restarted after the surgery and needed a pace maker fitted. I am on the road to recovery hopefully and soon I will be able to pick up my 9month old baby again which I can’t wait for

[cem1234]

I just wanted to say your story is very inspirational and I bet you can’t wait for your cuddles with your baby. I was feeling very sorry for myself this morning. I’m due to have surgery to replace a valve at the end of month and I’m terrified to be honest. when I’ve just read your story, how much you have been through and how strong you must be. You’ve made me pull my socks up. so thankyou! good luck on your road to recovery 😊

[Comfs in reply to cem1234]

Thank you so much that means a a lot, what sort of valve are you getting ??? I was terrified too, it’s the unknown really isn’t it that gets us really worried. But I’ve learned over the years how amazing the surgeons are, absolutely incredible!

[cem1234 in reply to Comfs]

unfortunately until the operation they don’t know they think it’s likely to be a pig valve but they could be a possibility of mechanical. It depends on how much damage there is to aortic root so the surgeon said there was a 5% chance on two items that would need to be done if so then that would be a mechanical valve that would go in. It’s just my anxiety has made it all worse as well. I’ve recently had two bereavements. absolutely, I completely agree with you with you about the surgeons and to tell you the truth you’re now going to be my inspiration so thank you.☺️

[Comfs in reply to cem1234]

Oh I see so they are going to chose depending on the situation, well with the mechanical it’s more of a long term solution which is always nice to know. I’m so sorry to hear about that, sometimes you feel like it all comes at once. It’s hard enough having to go through bereavement Nevermind having to think about going through the surgery too. It’s a lot to process isn’t it when our minds are going through things like this. I’m glad there’s community’s like this to be able to talk about it. Awh that’s really kind of you to say ❤️

[Petitlady]

You have been amazing. So strong and brave. What a fantastic role model you are for your baby. I hope you can cuddle the already and lift them soon.

[Comfs in reply to Petitlady]

Thank you so much it means a lot ❤️❤️

[DodgyTickerMum]

Just wanted to say - you’re amazing! To have gone through such major surgery 4 times - is so brave and also so helpful to others awaiting surgery to read your incredible story.

I’m still recovering from a M.V.R - now 11 months down the line and following a few issues, quite honestly, don’t think I could put myself or my family through that again. So despite feeling upset at the time that a repair wasn’t possible in the end, I now feel so grateful that the decision was taken in theatre, to give me a mechanical valve.

I can’t believe your surgeons fitted a tissue valve - twice, knowing your age and their duration, but I suppose that was instrumental in you being able to carry a pregnancy. I was 49 when I had my surgery and wasn’t given a choice re type of valve - due to my age.

Fingers crossed - you are now well on the road to recovery, you have your beautiful baby girl to cherish and she will grow up knowing what an inspirational Mummy she has in you. ❤️‍🩹

[Comfs in reply to DodgyTickerMum]

❤️❤️ thank you it helps me too hearing other peoples story, I’ve never been to a group community like this before so seeing similar stories makes me feel like I’m not going through it alone

I’m sorry to hear you had issues with it, I hope everything is getting better for you as I know how worrying it is when issues do occur. How are you feeling with it all now????

Yeah as terrifying as it is you feel so grateful afterwards ❤️ yeah I had decided to have the tissue valve done a few times just because of my age and felt like I didn’t want to miss out on living life with my friends and family and to have the opportunity to have a baby.

[DodgyTickerMum]

I can totally understand why you chose to take the path that you did, which has enabled you to become a Mum. I still think you’re so brave, to subject yourself to 2 additional major surgeries - in pursuit of your goal. I hope one day, you’re able to sit down with your Daughter and explain to her, how very much wanted she was and everything you had to endure to get her. It’s just phenomenal and I take my hat off to you!

Even now, having a 9 month old baby to care for, when you’re still recovering from open heart surgery is mind blowing! My 2 are currently 20 and 25 - I certainly couldn’t cope with a little one at the mo. Please can I have some of your energy!

Like You, I’ve found this forum hugely helpful and supportive. The diagnosis and surgery can be so unsettling - on multiple levels and I think I was struggling to come to terms with the enormity of what we’d been through as a family. (This wasn’t helped by sadly losing my Mum a few short weeks after I left hospital - (9 days before my 50th Birthday) and my Dad being deemed palliative at the same time).

So last year was incredibly tough for multiple reasons but, being able to chat to people here - who have all walked in similar shoes, is more supportive than they probably realise. It certainly helped save my sanity anyway! To know that you’re not alone. That we all have the same fears but, you will get through it. It’s just some recoveries take longer than others. Mine seemingly being one of them… 🤦🏼‍♀️❤️‍🩹

[Comfs in reply to DodgyTickerMum]

she was a miracle really as I fell pregnant pretty much at the last moment I could have so I do feel incredibly grateful to know that would have been my only chance to being able to carry her through pregnancy. I’ll definitely have some stories for her that’s for sure haha

thankfully I have a great support system around me to care for her at the moment whilst I can’t which I’m incredibly grateful for too

I’m sorry sorry to hear about that 😓 that’s a hell of a lot of to go through mind for you with your mam and your dad whilst battling it all with your health, life can be so cruel and sometimes you just feel like you can’t catch a break when things just continually seem to happen.

I’m so glad it has helped you through such a rough and awful time ❤️ nobody wants to feel like they are going through it alone

[Mattd_UK]

and here is me selfishly struggling to deal with 1 stent and a HA at 46, your story is jot only inspirational but makes me realise how licky i am in fact we all are, being able to comments and post on a community that does so much for metal health as-well as our physical mindset... i hope you are sorted and soon able to pick up your baby and watch them grow for many years...

[Comfs]

my mam went through the same thing as you too and its horrible to see the ones your love go through that it was scary. I hope your okay ❤️ yeah this community is great to hear other people tell their story and to talk it out.

Awh thank you 🙏 she’s getting bigger everyday so she’s just getting heavier haha it’s worth going through to have her for the rest of time.