Got my date 😳

[Laurensophie]

Hi I just want to thank this group 😊, I haven’t posted very much, but always been reading all the posts

I have my date now for AVR .. Pre op on Monday 8th September and surgery on Sunday 15th.

I have been offered the Mini Thoracotomy, I’m am scared and so Anxious but glad it is finally here.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Especially what you found really helpful to take into hospital 🥰

[nextadventure]

Hi Laurensophie. Yes, it is scarey. I had my first of two thoracotamies for AVR when I was 54. It was initially awful. Don't be afraid to ask for pain relief!!! It will only be needed short term. At first it felt like I could never recover ... but by the end of a week I only needed panadol. Take your cosiest PJs and dressing gown, toothbrush and paste, underwear (no underwire bras!) .... and most importantly of all, join a cardiac rehabilitation program, if available, asap after. It makes a world of difference. Hope all goes smoothly. P.S. I'm now 65 after two ops (first valve had to be replaced) and planning our next holiday to Japan

[Laurensophie in reply to nextadventure]

Hi thank you for your message. Would you mind saying why you needed a second valve replacement ? And was they able to do the second by the mini thoracotomy or did you have to have your sternum opened ?

Sounds like you are enjoying your life planning a trip to Japan. ! 😊

[nextadventure in reply to Laurensophie]

Hi! Unfortunately my first (bovine) valve was from a faulty batch and had to be replaced 5 years later as it was closing over again.. It was replaced with a mechanical valve (and warfarin!) Both times full thoracotomy. Not fun. However, since then we've travelled within Australia, to Europe three times and to USA and Canada. I look after family members, do housework and heavy gardening and other exercise. The bit of deformity of the bone (and scars) after the sternum was opened the second time doesn't bother me any more - I even wear scoop neck tops and dresses happily. Beats dying!!! Like someone else mentioned, we were given small soft 'heart' pillows while in hospital. Really invaluable.

And I'm sure the surgeons' skills and techniques in this surgery have improved since 2013/2018

[andgrant1]

Hi Lauren, just to reassure you that you are going through the worst part now. All will be fine and you are in the hands of experts. I’m now 4 months post AVR surgery and apart from the visible scar feel back to normal. The first few days after surgery are difficult as you get your mobility back but personally I would recommend you taking in a v pillow. This helped me a lot with sitting in a chair comfortably rather than being in bed. Please say if you have any specific questions that I can help with. All the best with your surgery and recovery. Andy

[Laurensophie in reply to andgrant1]

Hi Andy. Thanks so much for you message. We have chatted before and your story was very helpful. I was going to go to the Alexandra but booked in for the Spire at Didsbury hopefully as good a hospital 🤞

[andgrant1]

I’m certain it will be a great hospital also. My surgeon also performed surgeries in Stoke NHS hospital and the team were amazing. I’m looking forward to reading your post when you’ve had the op and are on the road to full recovery. Stay with a positive mindset and try not to worry, you won’t know a thing about it during the procedure and will be recovering in no time.

[cappachina]

A long recharging lead for your mobile phone is an essential to take