My wife had a TAVI procedure for Aortic Stenosis earlier this year. The operation has been a wonderful success but I am noting some changes in her behaviour. She has become very assertive and aggressive since the operation.
Is this simply a one-off occurrence or have others noticed personality changes in their spouse post TAVI?
It could be stress / anxiety causing her change in nature. Have you tried asking her how she feels since the procedure and gently explaining how you are feeling too.
Thank you for your interest. You’re right she is stressed about fluctuating BP w hich her Cardiologist has assured her will settle and has prescribed medication. However, having a gentle conversation with her is difficult to say the least!
oops, sorry to hear that. how about getting her to use this site herself, she might be able to air her worries and hear from others that are feeling the same, or have some suggestions for her. she could use her own nickname and wouldn't need to know that you have used the site too. (not meaning this to sound secretive, just reassuring for her to know its confidential) It may give her somewhere to reach out to other women who have had similar procedures.
Right again! But more than my life’s worth to ‘push it’! Thanks for trying to help. I just really wanted know if I was the only one suffering this way or if agression is a recognised by-product of TAVI
Don't give up! It could be hormonal, women go though tough times with changes to their body and hormones. Try to remember its not your fault. I hope things improve for both of you
Thanks BC
Based on my recent lived experience of TAVI whilst the clinical procedure was minimally invasive the psychological trauma is extremely traumatic. Communication with patients was abysmal and MDT was a misnomer because the team was entirely cardiology based.
Hi VL , you don’t say where your surgery was performed. My wife’s surgery took place at Harefield Hospital in London, although we live in Cornwall. To me, logic says that anyone involved in a MDT concerning Aortic Valve replacement must, in one way or another, be involved in Cardiology! I can tell you that the MDT at Harefield were all specialists in their own discipline - Doctors , Nurses Technicians, Radiographers and so on worked expertly as individuals and as a team. The team comprised many disciplines and included our own Cardiologist from Truro. They were just fantastic! I can’t imagine how she could possibly have been better cared for. Thank you for your interest and input, LV.
what is tavi
TAVI is a minimally invasive option to Open Heart Surgery (OHS) for Aortic Valve Replacement. In my wife’s case it involved a small incision in her groin to access the Femoral Artery. Then, via the Femoral Artery and Aorta, the Drs pass a catheter into the heart. Then over the catheter they position the new valve over the old, diseased, one. That’s my simplification of the process. It’s obviously highly skilled and technical in reality.
I believe that the acronym TAVI stands for Trans Cathater Aortic Valve Implantation ( I think!), I’m sure to be corrected if I’m wrong!
Thank you
Hi Carbis. Have you tried ringing the cardiac nurses on the British Heart Foundation (BHF) helpline? Details are on the BHF website. Maybe they can help or point you in the right direction. Could it be side effects to her drugs? Maybe a pharmacist can help.
I am not at the op stage yet so don't have personal experience.
Hope things improve. Wishing you lots of patience!!
Hi Super Fluff, thank you for your interest.
I haven’t been in touch with the BHF yet! I was just sounding out the community to see if my experience is unique or widely recog nised as a fairly common side effect. Still waiting too see the outcome.
Anyway it sounds as if you’re up for your surgery when it happens. Good luck to you and I hope it works as well for you as it has for us.!The outcome has been wonderful!
Really great to hear outcome of TAVI has been wonderful. I know open heart surgery affects the emotions but interesting to hear your experience re TAVI.Another place to try and find answers is the Facebook group UK Aortic and Heart Defects Pre- and Post-Surgery page. Good luck 🍀
Thank you. The outcome was more than Wonderful. It’s, like the MDT, it’s Fantastic - a new lease of life!
