Mr Avery

[MrsAA]

My lovely wife is having her Aortic Valve repaired in St George's Hospital on the 20th of January and I'm worried about it, can anyone help put my mind at ease as I'm not coping very well at the moment but. thank you, she is 76..

[Knavesmire27]

Hello, I totally understand your worry. I had mitral valve replacement and a pacemaker fitted in November and it was the build up to the operation that was the worst. I can honestly say the care I received pre op and following surgery was beyond words. The care that the nurses, doctors, physicians took was amazing. Wishing both you and your wife the very best of luck. She will be in safe hands and they will take care of her. Take care

[MrsAA in reply to Knavesmire27]

Thank you for your kind words , everyone keeps saying that they take good care of you but it's not easy to not worry.

[Telstarred1953 in reply to Knavesmire27]

I wonder if you could tell me, did you have to have the camera down your throat so as they could see a clearer image of the mitral valve….I have mitral valve prolapse and at the moment am being monitored, I really am frightened of that thought…

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Telstarred1953]

Hello I had a mitral valve prolapse and I did have to have a camera down my throat, the thought of it absolutely terrified me but I had sedation beforehand and woke up remembering absolutely nothing.

I wouldn’t worry so much now if I had to have it done again, so try not to worry and do ask for sedation , you will be fine 😊

[Telstarred1953 in reply to Bluedolphin123]

Thank you for letting me know, When you say sedated you are not quite out of it, just relaxed…How long was you being monitored before you had the camera .I have been monitored for a year and so far no talk of the camera procedure.When you had the op how long did it take you to recover and are you on any tablets since you had the op. I am grateful for your reply, it helps to know what may happen when the time comes.

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Telstarred1953]

I’m a person who would have been stressed with a routine appointment so I’m still amazed at what I’ve managed 😊

First things first, I thought I would just be relaxed when I was sedated but I woke up afterwards remembering absolutely nothing, think I had a lot of sedation plus if I was awake but relaxed somehow you remember nothing.

I wasn’t monitored as I was diagnosed as severe mitral valve prolapse so the tests were done with 3 months in preparation for the operation but my Nieghbours has a mild MVP and has been monitored for tests , I don’t think they will do anything until your at that stage.

I’m still amazed that I’m the person who had open heart surgery and didn’t stress , just decided to get as fit as possible, reduce stress healthy food good sleep etc and focus on that.

When I had the operation it was nowhere near as bad as I anticipated and the recovery has been fine with getting better each week.

The scar really hasn’t bothered me and it’s not giving me any problem .

It’s now 6 months and sometimes I forget it’s been done but I do have to pace things .

I take edoxaban, furosemide and bisoperol daily - I haven’t seen the consultant post op so don’t know if they will change .

I’ve personally not gone back to work but lots of people do , went to cardio rehab which was definitely worth doing , I walk every day, I’m back to swimming and doing yoga and gym work and generally living life but at a slower more relaxed pace 😊

Life is too short so I try to make every minute of every day enjoyable now 😊

[Telstarred1953 in reply to Bluedolphin123]

Thank you for replying.Im glad it all went well for you and you are slowly getting better.I hope when my time comes it will go just as well..I’m still rather scared as I have never been in hospital for anything,apart from having my baby 51 years ago a long time ago and things have changed so much. All the best to you…

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Telstarred1953]

Nobody could have been more feeble and scared than me to start with so if I can do it you absolutely can , it’s nowhere near as bad as i imagined and the surgeons are brilliant , it’s just another day to them .

Do stay in touch and let us know how you get on 😊x

[Telstarred1953 in reply to Bluedolphin123]

Yes I will. Hopefully I won’t have to anything just yet. Thank you for giving me reassurance

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Telstarred1953]

ps I also have AF so may have more tablets

Plus you could be monitored for literally years

[Ageingfast]

dear AA

I had my aortic valve replaced four years ago, in a London hospital.

I was so scared beforehand. But on arrival at hospital, the staff were just super. Put my mind at rest.

The op was fine, and the recovery was long but very decent. The op is very safe. And has a great success rate. I have no after problems. One annual visit to a local hospital for a scan.

All is good.

Fabulous staff. Wonderful op.

Best wishes

Sooty

[MrsAA in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you for your reply sooty it does help to. hear from someone who has been through the same op my wife is going to have but you can't help but worry.

[Vrouse]

My partner had an aortic root and valve replacement in Barts Hosp in December. The weeks/months before he was admitted were so hard so I totally get where you're coming from. My anxiety was through the roof, I was emotional and basically struggled to cope. Once he was admitted, although obviously worried, my anxiety eased. I am sure you will feel the same, I think we all struggle when something is out of our control. Look after yourself, your wife will need you post op. Not long now to wait and you'll be out the other side. x

[Buckle11]

Hello, I had an aortic valve replacement just last week, the operation took place on Tuesday 7th January. I’ve been doing very well and was moved from intensive care on Day 1, but not to the High Dependency Unit, I went straight to the ward. The operation really isn’t as bad as you imagine it to be and I’ve been amazed with my progress. I climbed up and down 26 stairs yesterday for physio. They were going to allow me to return home, but; unfortunately my INR needs to be at least 2.00, so I’m afraid I’ll be staying a little longer. I wish you and your wife well and I honestly feel you will look back and ask yourselves why you were concerned. My surgeon said she’s performed thousands up until now, so they are incredibly skilled. Sending you my Regards

[CPFC5239 in reply to Buckle11]

Glad you are doing well. Was your op via open heart or TAVI?

[Buckle11 in reply to CPFC5239]

Hello, it was open heart surgery, and I totally agree, it’s a big strain on loved ones. But once they see you doing well and improving, they all begin to relax a little 😊

[PadThaiNoodles in reply to Buckle11]

Yeah, I got stuck in as well, though my INR overshot (up to 4.7). It took 4 days to come back down under 3.0, but I think they can get it up faster than down.

[Buckle11 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

That was high and, yes, I was informed it can be problematic to lower, as it’s all dose and time dependent. Yesterday, I was 0.3 shy of their target. So I’m hoping today is the day I return home.

[Larneybuds]

Good morning....sometimes, the worry is equally as overwhelming for loved ones of the person having the op. The thought of open heart surgery is daunting .....your wife will know nothing about it and when she wakes up she will feel like it's been seconds since she went to sleep.....for those waiting it seems endless. As others have said, once in hospital your wife will get the best care from a very experienced team of people who go out of their way to make her feel calm . It's an operation that is carried out regularly and it has very high success rates. Your wife's recovery is where you come in and will be a massive help to her. Can you arrange to be with somebody or to be doing something on the day of her operation that might help to distract you from the waiting? I hope you feel a little less anxious from reading some of your replies and that all goes well. Take care x

[Buckle11 in reply to Larneybuds]

I really can’t praise the staff enough: the level of care and understanding has been brilliant really.

[Survivor1952]

I’m 72, I had AVR and a single bypass 18 months ago. 15 months ago I started doing parkrun (5k run/jog/walk) and still do so. I’m leading a normal life apart from a handful of pills daily. The only thing I’m not doing anymore is scuba diving …

I’ve nothing but praise for the hospital staff, sadly I can’t say the same about my GP practice.

[080311]

morning,

I can completely understand how scary it is, open heart surgery is huge. I had my Aortic valve replaced and bypass in 2016, I was 68, but I am here to tell you it’s something that is done day in day out and your wife’s medical team will take really good care of her.

You can help her by making sure she follows all the instructions she will be given. No arms above her head no lifting anything heavier than a half a kettle of water. This is to give her sternum time to heal like any broken bone it needs time. Be prepared for her to be very emotional, her brain will be trying to understand what as happened to her. In hospital she will be given breathing exercises to do, keep doing them when she’s home, they really help. Remember the lungs collapse when we are on bypass and all the little pockets need to be filled out again. Walking every day, extending it bit by bit. When I was walking outside I would count lampposts! Every time I would try and get to the next one, silly I know but it worked. 😂

I am nearly 9 years on from my surgery and I thank my medical team every day for giving me this time, it’s a chance to see my family thrive. You will be a great support for your wife.

Sending you best wishes to you both.

Pauline

[survivorsguilt]

I had my complete aorta and valve replaced when I was 85 and got over it remarkably well. my advise would be to feed your wife well with protein to strengthen her muscles and also encourage her to become independent and mobile as quickly as she is able. in other words don’t mollycoddle her, encourage her, her own body will tell her what it can or can’t do. For instance, I was walking up and down stairs unaided 5 weeks after open heart but had to ask for help when lifting the washing and still do . I am almost 87 now and feel better than I have for years but I am lucky because my partner loves cooking so I have been fed really well. I fought to maintain my independence and at the beginning, when movement was difficult, the first thing I did was to sit on my bed and insist on lifting my own feet into bed when staff wanted to lift them for me and am convinced that was the start of my amazing recovery. Good luck.

[PauloB]

My wife had OH surgery to replace the aortic valve in February 23. The operation itself went well, and the staff and support from the John Ratcliffe in Oxford was superb. As a partner I found parts of the episode very difficult, especially seeing her to the theatre, and the doors closing.One of the biggest sources of support was this forum. I found the genuine empathy, and sage advice both helpful and heartwarming (no pun intended).

It is part of human nature sometimes to focus on the risks, and what if scenarios, but the hospital staff do this every day, including supporting next of kin. I think some of the responses in this thread are great.

Good luck to you both.

[MrsAA in reply to PauloB]

Thank you for your kind words, my wife is having her Aortic Valve replacement done at St George's Hospital in London as it's the nearest one to us. but I find it very worrying.

[maggie80]

Your lovely wife will be in good hands. You have to be strong for her. Take care

[MrsAA in reply to maggie80]

Thank you everyone for your kind words

[MDROGER]

Hi, I had my Atrial valve replaced 2 years ago, I can only endorse the views who have already replied: wonderful, competent staff at all levels, took me a while to wake up, but then no problems at all and was home 3 days after, relatively easy recovery, short walks etc, but since then I’ve never looked back, I was 74 years old at the time. All the best to you both.

[Buckle11]

I’m actually 64, but there are many on this ward in their seventies and eighties. I’ve enjoyed reading the comments from those that went through procedures in the past 👍😊

[DilatedAortaRunner]

having had a replacement ascending aorta / aortic arch and a new aortic valve 4 weeks ago my own experience is it is harder for loved ones than it was for myself. I would make sure you take good care of yourself. If you’re not looking after yourself then you won’t be able to look after your wife.

Never be afraid to ask for help. My wife had to cope with my op and the loss of my father 3 days after the op and breaking that news to me as well as my mother breaking her femur. All horrendous at the ribs and how she has shown the strength to get through it all I’ll never know. Loved ones / partners and their positivity are the things that get most of us through this.

I wish you all the best and god bless you

[WorriedWife24]

My husband had OHS in October 24, 2 weeks short of his 79th birthday. The day he was admitted was very hectic with all the various disciplines (including his surgeon) visiting to discuss the procedure and to ask or be asked questions which was so reassuring. His Op was not until the afternoon the next day and I will admit the morning was hard, I walked to the doors of the theatre talking to him but he doesn't remember any of that. That was 2pm. The afternoon is a bit of a blur but I remember feeling he was in safe hands. At 7pm I got a call from the surgeon saying the operation had gone smoothly and he didn't anticipate any problems. Then at 7am the next morning I got a call from my husband - his usual self, wondering what all the fuss was. I saw him that morning in ICU, he was sitting in a chair and looked and sounded fine, apart from a few tubes and wires which were not as scary as I thought they would be. He had one to one nursing while in ICU which was so reassuring. Sorry for such a long post, I hope it helps though and I wish you both well on your coming journey.

[MrsAA in reply to WorriedWife24]

Thank you for your post ,it's reassuring to hear about your husbands op and how successful it was. I can't hope but worry for her, she's 76 and we're just coming up for our 50th wedding anniversary, once again thank you for your post.

[WorriedWife24 in reply to MrsAA]

It is impossible not to worry, I remember well meaning friends telling me to focus on our next holiday or his birthday. They didn't understand that , in my head, there was nothing beyond the operation. My husband and I are coming up to our 55th anniversary (sorry to outdo you) it's a long time to be together. My very best wishes to you both. Let us know how it goes.

[BobbyB1962]

I didn't have the same op but did have an emergency quadruple heart bypass at St George's nearly 4 years ago and can say the treatment I received then was absolutely fabulous. The surgical team were excellent, they do these ops every day so it's routine for them. Just make sure you/your wife follow the post-op instructions, do the exercises, go to cardio rehab etc and you'll be fine Good luck 🙂

[Beanlover]

I have just left my husband in hospital this afternoon. He will be having an Open Heart Aortic Valve replacement tomorrow. As you can imagine I am very anxious so it is good to hear such positive comments from people on this forum.

[bowls12]

It is normal to worry about a loved one, I know that my wife was more worried than me when I had mitral valve repair aged 78

Kind words from members here will help, but perhaps better still is to chst with BHF. Search tge website and you will find the care and support link. A chat with trained staff will work wonders

Alan

[Bikafella]

I had a TAVI March 2024 and it went as per the the information brochure given to me at Barts. I was getting seriously breathless going up any incline or stairs. Before the symptoms started, I would always run up stairs two three at a time. I was admitted on Monday late afternoon procedure was next morning and discharged same afternoon. I'm veryt fortunate it went smoothly ans I've had no issues since then.

[Tlyna]

Not sure how you are having it done but both of my parents had it done years ago by open heart surgery and came through it fine. Mom is still alive over 30 years later. She just turned 90 in November. I had it done by TAVI in January last year. One hour and ten minutes for procedure, woke up feeling better than I had in 2 years and finally able to breathe normally. Oddly no pain or swelling at all from it. Was home the next day with only a restriction on driving for 1 day and 2 weeks with no lifting more than 2.5 kg. Still doing good a year later, slowly built up stamina and strength but no problems so far.

[MrsAA in reply to Tlyna]

My lovely wife is going into St George's on Sunday 19th January for an Aortic Valve replacement on Monday 20th, and I'm scared stiff for her. My wife wanted to wait until 17th of May as that would be our 50th wedding anniversary but the Surgeon said he would have her up and about by then but we still fi d it very worrying.

[Tlyna in reply to MrsAA]

I can understand that. I was terrified but the surgeon told me I was on borrowed time and he didn't know how I was still mobile at all let alone alive. My mom had early emphysema when she had hers, in fact she had her last cigarette just before walking into the hospital the morning of her surgery and she is still around though her emphysema is very advanced now some 30 years later. They do so many of them now that the danger is much diminished. Five of my neighbors have had them in the last 12 years and they are all in great shape now, had no complications.

How is she having it done, open heart or TAVI? My dad was doing well with his open heart, up on his feet a couple of days after surgery and home after 4. Riding his bike after a month and a half. Mom was much slower but that was because of her lung disease.. Mine by TAVI was great, I was driving 2 days after and walking the 3 blocks to the clubhouse of my park where our mailboxes are within a week and a half.

I hope all goes well with her, it shouldn't be too much to worry about as things have improved so much since my parents had theirs.

[4138]

hi there. I was 82 when I had my aortic valve replaced by TAVI operation, not open heart surgery. I had it done at St Thomas’ hospital , London. I was in for 3 nights. My recovery was easy and much quicker than I expected. All the staff were marvellous. I have never looked back!! I am now nearly 84, very mobile and active. Holiday abroad a couple of times a year. Good luck to your wife I her medical journey .