Aortic stenosis

[lynabelle]

I was diagnosed with a mild aortic stenosis 2 years ago but it is now severe , went to see the heart surgeon last week and I am to have open heart surgery.

I am still on 15mg of pred as all my symptoms returned and inflammation was up , going back to 12.5 mg next week,

My journey with Gca is now 5 years and I managed to get of pred completely ,but that only lasted for a few weeks and then all symptoms returned and inflammation .

Has anyone else had an aortic stenosis? Apparently I am getting a piece of cow tissue to fix my heart , should be in the next few weeks , I must say the care I have had in Bristol has been excellent so far

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All the best!

[Hidden]

Hi lynabelle, yes I have an aortic stenosis and have been monitored over the last 4 years or more. At moment it is mild and not requiring surgery. It is a very common operation to have it fixed. Sorry to hear of your return onto steroid medication, however I am sure you will be in good hands and eventually you will return to good health. Good luck on your journey.

Pete

[SheffieldJane]

No expertise to share just commiserations and wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.🌹

[cornishjan]

My husband is currently in Derriford hospital having just had that operation. He has been given a valve from a pig's heart - very appropriate for an ex policeman! Warn your friends/partner etc. that afterwards you will be VERY bad tempered for a while! It seems as much a part of the operation as the scar! Luckily, a friends husband had the operation and she warned me of this. His care has been exemplary and though they continually ask him if he has any pain he hasn't had any at all. I am hoping they will throw him out in the next day or so.

[Hidden in reply to cornishjan]

Just a question. Does he have to have anti - rejection medication if the valve comes from a pig ?

[lynabelle in reply to cornishjan]

How long is he in hospital for? And any reason behind the bad temper? My surgeon said he doesn't do pigs only cows , I wonder what the difference is?

[cornishjan]

No, you don't need anti-rejection medicine. The tissue is treated in some way so you don't need it. Nor do you need to be permanently on warfarin (or similar) which you apparently have to be if you have an artificial valve, though they do give you anti-coagulants for a time after the operation. Artificial valves also apparently click, which can be disturbing for you or your partner in the middle of the night when all is quiet. I don't know what your health authority is like but my husband was given several leaflets a couple of weeks before the operation which gave him all this sort of information.

[christine2715]

I also have stenosis but have not been offered any medication or monitoring

[lynabelle in reply to christine2715]

They can't give you medication only to keep checking once a year, I asked to be sent for another scan as it had been longer than two years since the last one.

I am glad i asked now , or it may have been too late ,

Ask your doctor for a referral once a year and good luck

[suzy1959]

I'm so sorry to hear about your new troubles. You have had a horrible time over the last few years. I hope for you that this is sorted out quickly and you can get on with getting better. xx

[lynabelle in reply to suzy1959]

Hi Suzy it never rains but it pours , hopefully this is the last thing ,I have a new left hip and my heart will be repaired soon ,and I can't fault our NHS service enough , I don't know where we would be without them