I have severe aortic valve stenosis (bicuspid valve) but am asymptomatic. I am terrified of the idea of open heart surgery, or any other treatment for that matter, but considering having a Transcatheter aortic valve implementation . I would be interested to hear about experiences of pre and post implementation. In addition, any advice re eliminating fear of such procedures.
I live alone with no family to help on return home so is it feasible to manage on my own initially?
Hello , I had exactly the same diagnosis as you and had a successful live tissue aorta valve replacement. I was discharged after a week in hospital. It was a little bit of discomfort for a week at home and found sleeping in a reclining chair was better for a few nights. I started rehab classes after 6 weeks which I enjoyed and now use a BHF UTube video exercises at home 3 times a week in retirement. BP and further tests show normal. Don’t be worried about an op. the alternative is much worse.
Hope this helps …..Chris
Hi Donutuk,
Thank you for your reply and pleased to hear that the op. was successful. It sounds like you had the open heart surgery. I’m too scared to have that procedure which is why I am interested in TAVI. Reading the Heart Valve Voice site I see that another option might be minimal invasive surgery which I had assumed was TAVI but it’s not, it’s less invasive than OHS in that the sternum is not cut. I need to read more about this though to see what’s involved.
Many thanks again for your response.
Rosslare
Hello again ,
You really need to speak to your consultant for advice on the three options. What little I know is that when I had the operation 2 1/2 years ago the main advantage of having the open heart option was to secure the root of the valve by stitches or sutures which was a safer way of any possible future leaks. I am not so sure about the other 2 options being so effective but again get as much info as possible from any source. All I can tell you is that the option I had was nowhere as bad as I had anticipated. I wish you all the best anyway.
Hi Donutuk,
The consultant is supposed to be arranging an appointment to see me in clinic in the summer, whenever that might be, so I’ll discuss the options then. I’ve always been reasonably fit so the thought of any intervention horrifies me.
Earlier in the year I had a ct scan entitled Tavi work up which I was very nervous about but got through it OK but afterwards, although I felt fine, my whole body trembled violently. I can only assume that it was some sort of belated panic attack. So the idea of any sort of operation fills me with dread. Somehow I’ve got to deal with this fear.
Many thanks for your response.
Rosslare
I had my aortic valve replaced four years ago.Like every body I was scared.But please believe me I am the world's worst coward.I can honestly say it wasn't any where near as bad as I thought it would be .You will have some wonderful people to look after you.You will be fine.Best wishes for a great new future.
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