Hi I have a bicuspid aortic heart valve that has reached the point where it needs to be replaced and my operation is booked for later this month. I’d be grateful for the advice of people who are at the other side of this experience and have already had their valves replaced. I’d like to ask if there is anything that you know now that you’d wish you’d known before your operation? It might be something good e.g., that once you’ve recovered you felt so much than before the operation, or something that went wrong that you could have avoided. It could be something big like if you were happy with your choice of replacement valve or not or something small and practical like the best clothes to wear post your operation. I’d be grateful for your thoughts.
Replacement Aortic Heart Valve - Anythin... - Heart Valve Voice
Replacement Aortic Heart Valve - Anything You Wish You’d Known
Hi Lin - my husband is recovering from replacement of aortic valve on 16 August - open shirts for day and PJs have been a boon with joggers and slip on shoes. Recovery is much slower than pamphlets lead you to believe but husband now seeing light at end of tunnel. Son checked for bicuspid valve (all clear) - doctor who did it said recovery is slower than they tell you! You have to remember it should give you 10 to 20 more years. Good Luck
Thanks for replying, and for the tips about what to wear. Great to hear that your husband is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with his recovery.
I had a bicuspid valve which was diagnosed and then replaced (open heart surgery!) 12 years ago. I’m still here, still playing golf and still riding my (70 year old) bike. I got an infection in the wound post-op so my recovery was a longer process than expected so I can’t advise other than ‘take it easy, but do get out in the fresh air’. Getting close to nature is very therapeutic.
Thanks for responding, and I love the outdoors, so I’ll definitely be taking your advice about getting close to nature.
Hi Lin, I had aortic valve replaced via open heart surgery in June. I had amazing care in hospital, was out after 5 days. One tip, don't waste money on the British heart foundation post surgery bras, I found the M&S ones much more comfortable, and cheaper. You will need to wear the bras 24/7 to start with, so buy a few. Hope this helps x
Great advice about the post surgery bras. I’ll have a look on the M&S website. Thank you!
Hi Bordercollie that's great advice thanks, are the M&S ones in cup sizes ?
Yes they are.
Clothing that does up at the front is better than anything that requires you to use your arms a lot to get them on. So t-shirts and jumpers are out. Shirts/blouses/pyjamas that have buttons are best. Bottom half…whatever you like!
If you’re well enough gentle exercise to strengthen your abs. That’s something I wish I had done as the chest muscles are shot after open heart surgery for many weeks/months.
An electric recliner was fab for me post op. They’re good for for watching telly, lying back and snoozing, reading and, if it lifts you up, helping you get up out of it too. I got a secondhand one and sold it on after a few months.
If you’re going to go in warfarin ask your GP what the local policy is and consider doing home testing. You will probably have to buy the £300 VAT exempted Roche Coaguchek machine. The test strips can be prescribed. Depending on your age don’t write off a mechanical valve. The bio prosthetic ones only last 10-15 years I believe. At 57 I wanted one operation only. It should outlast me.
Post op, for two months, don’t push yourself. I did too much too quickly and my wound was very sore for days after.
Ask for salt and pepper with hospital food It’s tasteless otherwise
I liked this guy’s post op exercises youtu.be/MH9NaW4MupE?si=Cyf...
Good luck
Thanks so much for replying and for the great advice. I like the video, it is very motivating to think that I might be able to follow a gentle exercise routine.
My replacement bi cuspid valve went well. Post op I found that it was a lot more comfortable to sleep a few days in a recliner chair. Also I found it beneficial to attend rehab exercise classes at the local hospital after about 6 weeks. I also followed some BHF UTube videos after we moved house away from that hospital.
facebook.com/groups/1864350...
You may like to join this friendly Facebook group. It's a really helpful, informative and supportive group where all members are or have experienced what you are going through. Loads of info, no question is a silly question and you will get every support you need.
Hope to see you there
Hi Lin, I had a minimally invasive aortic valve surgery and within 5 days from my op I was discharged. if they offer it in the hospital where you have been followed up ask for it. best of luck
❤️
Hi Claire
I am on the waiting list for the minimally invasive aortic valve surgery and have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. I am 64 and am pretty fit and am continuing to exercise as much as I can before the surgery to improve my recovery.
How quick have they said that the recovery is as compared with full open heart surgery please? I understand that this will vary from person to person, but an average would be good. Are you having to wear the special bras that are mentioned in various places? Anything else that would be useful to know would be really helpful.
Many thanks in advance Diana
Thanks for replying Claire. I did get to have a minimally invasive approach. I was in hospital for 7 days. I am now thankfully back at home recuperating.
