Information on Aortic valve op and recovery

[valerieer]

I am a 78 year old woman and am to have an aortic valve replacement op next week at Papworth Hospital. Condition described as severe though I have no symptoms - no breathlessness, dizziness or chest pains. I should like to know the experience of others especially regarding recovery

[4138]

hi there. I am an elderly lady too. I had Aortic valve replacement at St. Thomas’ London in February 2023. I had a TAVI operation, not open heart. You don’t mention which type you are having. I went in day before and stayed in 2 nights. It was a BOVINE valve , not mechanic. I have had absolutely no trouble recovering, and somehow missed being offered rehabilitation classes. Within an incredibly period of time I was back to virtually normal living and activities. I do keep fit and am very mobile. I wish you the very best of luck and a smooth recovery .

[valerieer in reply to 4138]

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I am not suitable for a TAVI op so its open heart for me!

[Gooner1947 in reply to 4138]

I'm hoping to have TAVI soon. Can you give any advice etc during the recovery process please?

[4138 in reply to Gooner1947]

Hi there. I found no problems in my recovery from TAVI operation for aortic valve replacement. I am a very active elderly lady, so kept mobile and tried not to think too much about being over careful. Obviously follow any instructions sensibly but with a positive attitude. Within a few months I was off on holiday in Europe. We do not do long haul as my husband doesn’t like flying anywhere but Europe! Good luck.

[Gooner1947 in reply to 4138]

Thank you

[Traveldreams]

Not the same op either but I had open heart surgery on my mitral valve at Papworth last January.

I remember very little about the first 24 hours in ICU. I knew I must have been intubated because I had a small cut on my lip but I was down to oxygen through my nose by the time I came round.

First two days on the ward I was groggy and didn’t really want my poor visitors despite their long journey!! The pain is manageable and the staff are fabulous. Day 4 and 5 post op I started washing myself, they removed the catheter and I was able to walk to the en-suite toilet independently.

I came home on day 7. Needed someone to help with most things for the first two weeks at home. Three weeks after op, with the help of a travel kettle, I was back to being fairly independent.

I went back to work after 13 weeks and full time after 16 weeks. Enjoyed holidays abroad after six months. That was my goal.

Papworth were fabulous!

Good luck and feel free to message me if you have any questions about Papworth.

Take care x

[Gooner1947 in reply to Traveldreams]

Glad all worked out well for you.I'm due a TAVI soon. I'm coming 78.

When you said you started holidaying abroad did you go on long haul flights?

[4138 in reply to Gooner1947]

No, because my Husband will only do short haul flights !!🤔

[Gooner1947 in reply to 4138]

Whst I meant was that if he wanted to do long haul then he could have done. No restrictions were put on etc after recovery

[4138 in reply to Gooner1947]

I don’t know that answer, sorry can’t help. Sure someone else will though !!

[Traveldreams in reply to Gooner1947]

I didn’t feel ready last summer (6 months after op) but I’m hoping to go long haul this summer. Don’t underestimate the anxiety felt initially xx

[Daffodilia]

Good luck at Papworth - my husband is getting back to normal after new aortic valve and bypass there in August. Take and seek all offers of help - recovery is slower than they tell you. He is 71.

[Gooner1947]

I am surprised your having a TAVI with no real symptoms. I am due a TAVI soon. Having initial meeting with the TAVI team on 13th January.Taken about 9 months to get this far. Had all the various tests and procedures including a coronary angiogram last October.

I was getting extremely breathless.

I am coming 78.

How did they come to the decision to perform the TAVI?

I wish you well and hope all goes well. I'd be very interested to know how you get on.

[Amberharmony in reply to Gooner1947]

Not having symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean a repair isn’t needed soon. My husband recently had mitral valve repair. He thought he had no symptoms until he discovered how he is feeling since the op. Tests before the op showed that his heart was starting to fail despite him feeling relatively well. I’m thinking the decision to operate on Valerieer was based on what they saw on scans etc.

Good luck with everything, hopefully they will be able to fit you in for surgery soon xxxx

[Gooner1947 in reply to Amberharmony]

I now have an added problem. Long story so have cut it short. Haematologist told me yesterday that she thinks I have symptomatic myeloma. I also have my initial appointment with TAVI team this coming Monday.

I don't know how that will impact the TAVI procedure.