Feeling bit like Peter Pan after mitral valve replacement ☺️

[Knavesmire27]

Hi all, I had a mitral valve replacement about 7 weeks ago and I read in all the literature that you may be able to hear it ticking but that it passes and you get used to it. I know am only 7 weeks in but I do feel a bit like the crocodile in Peter Pan. Especially during the night when laying down. Would love to hear anyone else's experiences. Whilst in hospital I hardly heard it at all but as the weeks have gone on, it has become more prominent rather than settling down. Has anyone else found this to be the same? Thanks

[PadThaiNoodles]

Yeah, it gets more noticeable at first, and then less. There was a thread on here a couple of months ago and our best guess was that the swelling/inflammation masks it a bit at first.

Mine's definitely getting less noticeable now (14 weeks), but I don't know if that's just because my brain is tuning it out or for some other reason.

(FWIW, my mechanical valve is the aortic valve; I had my mitral valve repaired.)

[Knavesmire27 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thank you, that makes sense and is encouraging 😀

[Mitchum]

Good morning. Great to know you're progressing and feeling better. When I had my mechanical mitral valve I heard it very little and now, after 22 years, I almost never hear it, except for odd occasions. Mind you, my ears are bad🙂! When I did hear it I found it strangely comforting. How's your INR and what is your range?

[Knavesmire27 in reply to Mitchum]

Hi Mitchum, thats good to know, thank you, I think because this is all new I am a bit like a "rabbit in the headlights"☺️. Just had my INR this morning and it is 3.2 so within my range of 2.5 to 3.5 so that is good. Hope you had a good Christmas and the very best wishes for the new year.

[Mitchum in reply to Knavesmire27]

Brilliant. Having made INR my "hobby"🙂, let me know if you have any problems/queries regarding readings etc. I would be more than pleased to help and advise. All the best!

[andy110519]

I still notice it at night, 5 years on, but otherwise it's ok, it's an aortic valve I've got.Take care.

Andy

[alicebear]

I’ve had this with the mechanical aortic valve I can tell you it doesn’t go away but you do get use to it

I last had the Ross procedure and I actually miss the ticking

[Hidden]

I currently have 11 year old Mech Aortic and Mitral Valves and I can't say I notice any ticking from them to be honest. Out of sight out of mind. That said my natal Aortic valve (replaced 30years ago) sounded like a steam train, so these valves are quiet in comparison in any case.