Hi I have heart disease the consultant has requested CT scan among others before proceeding with surgery to replace aortic valve, these scan should be ina few weeks , I have been told by the Cardiologist and GPS to get to A&E if I notice a difference in cage t pain , so the last couple of days the pain has become more constant …lasting hours rather the. Coming and going , but the pain it self is no more severe…any thoughts please would be appreciated?
Jeremy
Hi 1961j, Sorry to hear of your troubles. I am a little ahead of you being 7 months following new Aortic valve replacement. At no time did i have pain so I would go to A&E now.
Before surgery your surgeon will want to know more about your hearts condition CT scan, angiogram
and an estimation of how much blood your valve is regurgitating ( mine was >35%) They will also want to know more regarding the state of the Aorta it self since that’s what the new valve will stitch to.
about now you will probably be put on drugs to help with blood pressure, another to prevent blood clotting and possible another to help with the hearts rhythm.
You will,prior to surgery, be invited to discuss what type of valve best suits your needs.
I wish you all the best of luck
Thank you Vantastic, We are going to A&E this morning, can I ask about your recovery, how long after the procedure did you feel able to get back to light daily activities, I have been told by the Cardiology Nurse full recovery can be up to a year, ( due to the breast bone repairing, etc) Just trying to figure out when I can start back to work, which is on a computer from home, any guidance would be appreciated, Jeremy
Hi again, In reply to your question. I am 71 and heart was in pretty good condition prior to surgery other than the valve. My surgeon said relating to recovery “ couple weeks light house work, three months felling stronger six months almost full recovery” And he was right. Following surgery you will be supported by your local hospitals coronary suport team who will be advising you regarding exercise and suport groups. The pre opp test are perhaps the most frustration part of the whole process and results of which dictate how soon you will have surgery. Good luck 👍
PS, breast bone repair: you will not know yet if the valve replacement will in-tail open heart surgery that depends on choice of heart valve and any complications. But should you go that route of open heart I healed v quickly just don’t go lifting for a few weeks NEVER had pain at any point in process!!
I would go in if you can. It’s quite likely they will just listen to your heart, check your blood pressure and do an ECG and send you home, but those tests might show something that needs more urgent attention
