Aortic Valve Replacement

[515444Grhmr]

I was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis about 8 years ago. I have been monitored regularly and it has gone from mild to now severe. I am having the op soon and to be honest I’m really nervous of complications etc. has anyone out there whose had the op got any advice please.

[purple_doves]

Hi there from Australia. I’ve had two valves changed. 39yrs and 54yrs. First time I also ended up with an aneurysm on the ascending aorta. Which is common for most people. I was born with bicuspid aortic valve. I didn’t know I had it till I went for a colonoscopy. Already had 3 children. Last pregnancy showed all signs of heart failure but no one put a stethoscope to listen to my heart murmur.

I had stenosis first time and remember breathlessness fluid retention everywhere. Even my arms. Angiogram first. teeth checked blood tests X-ray. ct scans. Talks on choice of new valve. I had time and researched. Pig valve was what I chose. Drs tried to convince me to change to metal. I didn’t want to spend my children’s early years having a mum who had to have her blood tested weekly not being able to eat and drink and worrying about if I hit my head I could die. (Could). So I had 14 years of sorta good life I ended up with irregular heartbeats also times my heart would race if I drank coke alcohol and stress. The surgery was fine you may spend overnight in icu. Hopefully then sent to the ward to the room where you stay to be monitored more than the patients in the rooms down the corridor. My hospital does this. A nice big scar. Don’t pick it. Moisture once they say you can. Get up and move every day multiple times once you are strong enough. Just do it!! Have pyjamas that have buttons. Being a woman we forever have our bits hanging out. Same with bra. Ask questions even if you think it’s minor. Even if you have a headache. Ask what you can and can’t do when you go home. If you don’t have help ask for it. Driven to appointments/ movies shopping. Personal help. We can’t wash our hair easily for a few weeks. Getting dressed. Cooking cleaning whatever they offer take it. Cause family drop off after 2 weeks. And you will need it for 6 weeks or more. Recliner chair for sleeping in instead of the bed. It’s hard getting in and out of bed so stay in the chair.

Good luck ☺️❤️

[515444Grhmr in reply to purple_doves]

Thank you. I shall bear in mind the Pig valve, I did not know they both worked differently. I am nervous but it seems the success rate is quite high.

[AH31 in reply to 515444Grhmr]

My first valve was a pig it lasted twenty four years

The second was a cow and now I have human tissue.

[samui4611 in reply to purple_doves]

Had that operation,last year ,to date no problems wish you well

[515444Grhmr in reply to samui4611]

Thank you.

[Ageingfast]

good morning

You are currently at the worst bit……waiting.

I was your age when I had the AVR op . Being in our 70s we can opt for a non metallic valve, so no warfarin and no ticking. The valves now have a facility to replace by TAVi, which wasn’t the case when I had mine.

Yes it’s a very big op but success rate is high, very high. My surgeon had a success rate of better than 99.5%.

Yes it’s a long long rehab, probably three months.

Now the good bits……you feel better every day or two during rehab.

In my case I don’t even know the artificial valve is there. My scar is very hard to find, nigh on invisible.

The cardiac staff are superb. Nothing like general wards. They deal with AVRs every day.

You will probably have three outpatient scans immediately before the op. I had my three as an inpatient which was great. The surgeon also preferred the inpatient stuff as he then knew what to expect during the op.

You can’t look after yourself for a couple of weeks. Stay with relatives, have someone come in or go to a care home for a while. Mostly it’s sit around reading or watch TV. And walking. Daily walking.

I was terrified before the op. I hate needles. But my fear melted when I entered the cardiac ward. Staff are just lovely. I had no visitors, which worked out very well indeed.

Four years on I have no problems from my heart. An annual pair of scans at a revolutionised main hospital where I am seen on time, have the two scans without waiting then get told the results by a senior nurse immediately. Consultants are on hand if needed.

Now all you need is to get admitted !

I haven’t written about TAVi as I had OHS.

Sooty

[515444Grhmr in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you for that, it doesn’t sound as bad as I expected.

[highburyted]

hi

I had my aortic valve replaced last year. I was classed as very high risk as I have COPD and very much overweight not least because of no exercise for at least 3.5 years waiting for the operation. I came through it very well apparently.

I recently saw my cardiac consultant after nearly one year and he said my valve is working very well.

Trust the surgeons they know what they are doing, and you’ll get all the guidance you need

Highburyted

[515444Grhmr in reply to highburyted]

Thank you , that’s put my mind at ease.

[Wellington19]

Ihad mine replaced at age 72, at ST BARTS , was well looked after, some pain afterwards and it took me about six months to recover fully

[Bikafella in reply to Wellington19]

I had a TAVI procedure at Barts in March and it was very successful. The whole thing was done and over within 40 minutes. They go in (!) through the femoral artery in the groin and with a very minor local anaesthetic (hardly felt it) then there's some pushing and shoving in tbe groin area - not painful. Rest in recovery then home next afternoon. First week take it easy, second week put in sone gentle walking then increase from there. No driving for 4 weeks. Now - I can truly say I'm almost fully back to usual activities walking , cycling , cardio exercises that I couldn't do because of the stenosis. The procedure is very common now so do go ahead you won't regret it

[Craig53 in reply to Bikafella]

I had heart replacement 2 things replaced by medical things takes 23 minutes to recover sometimes long take warfi ne daily

[515444Grhmr in reply to Bikafella]

thank you

[515444Grhmr in reply to Wellington19]

Thank you. 6 Months, that’s a long time but I am glad it made you better.

[AH31]

Good morning

I have had four operations to replace my Aortic Valve, three being open heart and one being keyhole (Through the vein in my leg)

My most recent operation was in February and it sounds terrifying but it’s not. Just take each day as it comes and you will be fine.

[515444Grhmr in reply to AH31]

Thank you. I did hear about having it through the leg, I guess that is less evasive.

[AH31 in reply to 515444Grhmr]

Everybody is different and recovery in their own time. X

[Beanlover in reply to AH31]

My husband has a leaky Aortic Valve, which is now classed as severe. He gets fatigued, but not breathless, nor does he has much swelling.Cardiologist says his heart is enlarged, but is working ok, and is referring him to a surgeon who will then put him on the waiting list which is currently about 8 mths.

Cardiologist is talking about OHsurgery. I have seen comments about the TAVI but I am uncertain as to whether that is only for stenosis, or whether it is used for a leaky valve.

Does 9 mths or so seem reasonable for someone in his situation.

[AH31 in reply to Beanlover]

Hi

I was born with my heart condition and Unfortunately there is a long wait. I had the same symptoms as your husband and had to wait two years until I could have surgery.

I have recovered from my open heart surgery the reason why I had this procedure instead of keyhole was because I needed the old valve removed and a new one fitted. Ten years ago I had keyhole surgery (valve replacement) but my old valve was causing lack of circulation and they decided it was best to take old out and start again.

I hope your husband gets seen soon

[Beanlover in reply to AH31]

Thanks for your reply. Waiting seems to be what we do all the time at the moment.

[AH31 in reply to Beanlover]

I agree but it will definitely be worth the wait

[Craig53]

Yes it's a scary thing IAM still recovering 2 months after surgery it's tuff I can you and no one tells you about after surgery conditions I was at the point of dying so what can say you have to get on with it making the most of every day some days worse then others but when it's a good day it makes it worth all the suffering do it don't look back

[Bikafella in reply to Craig53]

Did you have a TAVI ? You say it was very tough but problems after this are few and far between

[515444Grhmr in reply to Craig53]

Thank you. I just think I probably have a 50/50 chance it will work and make me feel better. I feel rubbish now so it’s worth taking a chance.

[Craig53 in reply to 515444Grhmr]

Yes at first but I no if l didn't have done I'd only have 12 months to live IAM 54 so hopefully I want to start relaxing enjoy the few years I've got lefted and has you get older have to look after yourself better I didn't no if I would come out of surgery IAM not out of the woods jet but doctors are now what they can to get on with my life best way I can

[Craig53 in reply to Craig53]

Also this forum is a big help for people worried about any kind of surgery

[Deerhoundlover]

Follow post op advice and go to cardio rehab. If you have any worries contact your GP or cardio team. Had mine replaced almost 9 years ago, best decision

[Carbis]

which op. are you to have - TAVI or open heart? My wife, aged 85, is to have a TAVI procedure within the next 2 weeks. Our advice is to do as we are doing - trust in the skill of your Consultant. All will be well!

[515444Grhmr in reply to Carbis]

yes, I think you are right.

[515444Grhmr in reply to Carbis]

Hope your Wife’s op goes well.

[Carbis in reply to 515444Grhmr]

Thank you! Stay positive and trust the professionals

[Scrappydoo38]

My husband was also born with a bicuspid aortic valve. He’s 62. We had no idea until the doctor heard a very strong heart murmur in his chest. He had an angiogram, countless ECG’s, echocardiogram and lots of blood tests. He had severe aortic stenosis and was almost completely asymptomatic. His operation was done 4 weeks ago. He spent two nights in ICU, and within 6 days he was home. He has been walking every day since, increasing his pace, inclines and length of walk every day, and his recent cardio rehab appointment has confirmed that his valve is working perfectly, his blood pressure is good, his glucose levels and his cholesterol have gone down. He feels so well - the first couple of days he felt very tired, and his wound was sore when he sneezed ( he had minimally invasive surgery so he has a small incision on his chest). But he feels fantastic and has a new outlook on life. We didn’t know how poorly he was and having the surgery has been amazing. I agree with everything that has been said about the cardio ward, staff, surgeons and consultants. They are incredible and although the whole thing may feel scary now, they are so professional, you’ll be feeling so much better very soon. Good luck xx

[Robinangel]

Hi. Lots of advice on this site and most of it helpful! I am not that tech savvy but if you can see my previous posts... I wrote 3 fairly lengthy posts outlining how it was for me and got quite a few people saying it helped them to read those posts. I am 5 years on from my op. and things have been good! 👍 Good luck and as others have said, trust in the experience and expertise of your surgical team. 😊