Recovery from aortic valve surgery

[Daffodilia]

My husband had aortic valve replacement and by pass on 16 August - little advice given on discharge - suggested activities at this stage seem far beyond his capability - e.g. water the garden - should I be worried?

[Pumper]

hi there, I’m 18 months beyond surgery and I’m still taking it very slow. I have COPD, plus my lung was damaged in surgery so my experience is different, but it takes a while to get back to some sort of normality anyway. Your husband’s body has been through a lot so it’s bound to take a while. But “use it or lose it” is true, so try to get him to maintain a little bit of exercise regularly. Is there any cardiac rehabilitation on offer? If so, go for it, I found it very helpful. Otherwise, just start by getting him to walk to and from something in your garden, then gradually increase the distance. I wish him (and you) luck, Hazel Walker

[Daffodilia in reply to Pumper]

Thanks Hazel - it is good to hear from someone with experience. We just got a call for an appointment with a cardio nurse and physio rehab after that. He will definitely do it as he did when he had a heart attack 12 years ago Hope you continue to improve

[888srt8]

Not sure about water the garden. What's his age?

[Daffodilia in reply to 888srt8]

Yeah ridiculous - I am making a list of which is actually possible at age 71. Just spoke to nice cadio nurse doing follow up - it will be 2 weeks tomorrow since his op.

[888srt8 in reply to Daffodilia]

How is he doing?

[Daffodilia in reply to 888srt8]

Making progress slowly -sees cardio nurse locally for assessment for rehab next week - a slow job - thanks for asking

[Donutuk]

I had live tissue replacement aorta valve. It took a few weeks before I had a check up to see if fit to drive. Then resumed cardiac rehab classes. Unfortunately moved house but then started following rehab exercises using UTube videos made by British Heart foundation. There are several levels but started on the basic warm up section. They are excellent because you can set your own level and I do them in the living room when the wife goes out!