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Hi, Linda, and, yes, things will be much better but you are still in the early stages of recovery. Give it time. With respect to the collar bone, Linda, it is possible that it is dislocated so you need to talk with your regular doctor as soon as you can. I can assure you that when its...

Hi, Chris, for at least a year before I first met my surgeon, I found other plausible excuses for why my energy level should be dropping off and the short periods of light headedness. I then began to experience shortness of breath that grew more pronounced and, around the time I first met my...

Hi, Bob, welcome to VR. The simplistic answer is that the aortic valve is on the left side of the chest. The only such surgery of which I know was via a left sided incision. I would suggest you ask your Mother to call the surgeon's office and clarify this point if you find it troubling. No...

Hi, Dee, while your husband is in the ICU after surgery, he will be monitored very very closely. I would say that you might consider visiting for a few minutes but there is no reason to stay. Once he's been moved to his own room, his nursing team will follow the protocols for such patients...

Let me add my second! However, uncomfortable sitting up and walking may be they make a great difference, especially, early in recovery. Walking, sitting upright and using the incentive spirometer will help restore lung function. In your husband's case, this would seem to be of even higher...

Hi, Aaron, if you are going to find answers, this is the place. Five years ago, I only needed the aortic valve replacement so I can't answer some of your questions. Looking at your incision, I will say that it is about an inch shorter than my own so you are right on there. I can only imagine...

I wish the best for your husband tomorrow. It sounds as though you both have made the best choice possible considering that the alternatives are difficult to consider. We can hope with you that the improvement in heart function will likewise improve his lung function and give him a better...

Hi, your medications seem to be an unlikely source of increased urination but you may be overlooking the elephant. For quite some time before surgery, you were living with dramatically reduced blood flow. Many people who live with untreated aortic stenosis die from organ failure before they...

Hi, Mike, I so like to hear reports like yours. Our new people need to hear that all the angst that builds as surgery approaches does pass as one gets on with living. Thanks for taking the time. Larry

Hi, Windy, I kept notes during recovery and watched closely as my incision healed. Mine was fully healed at the end of three weeks, however, the four little holes were more stubborn and continued to ooze and scab over until 5 1/2 weeks when they finally scabbed over for the last time. I agree...

Symptoms Symptoms Hi, Amy, as Debby said, this is one of the most classic symptoms although it is likely that you have been experiencing others but just wrote them off to other things. The primary symptoms are Heart murmur Tightness in the chest/Chest pain Feeling faint or fainting with...

Hi, Gerri, your thoughts are correct as far as they go. Bovine Pericardial Valves are composite valves. The leaflets are, indeed, made from the pericardial tissue of calves. This tissue is treated in various ways to help it last for many years. This does mean that for most of us, there is no...

Hi, Allison, I can tell you that the articles you have written have given comfort to several people to whom I've shown them. I do hope as your strength returns that you can begin to find your way in this new life. You've suffered a terrible disappointment but there will be good days ahead...

Wonderful to hear. Now you get to deal with the little issues but they should mostly fade over the next weeks. I found that sleeping in my own bed was a welcome change but I did use the recliner for my afternoon naps. Each of us must find our own comfy spots. Breathing and walking are simple...

Hi, Richie, I agree that moderate exercise will be a big plus for you if one day your condition requires surgery. If your cardiologist is comfortable with exercise, then you should be able to outline an exercise program that doesn't push your body too hard but improves your cardiovascular...

I think many people share the problem of not having a care coordinator. What has worked for me, has been to ask that everything (test results/reports/lab work) be sent to my primary care/family Doctor. I also keep a copy of these things for myself....just in case. If nothing else this does...

Adnan, welcome to VR. As I have suggested in the past, there is little good follow up research that would allow us to pick specific heart valves intelligently. When you go to the website of the manufacturer, you read their carefully crafted descriptions which can make the devices sound like...

Berit, your experience may set some kind of record. I am so happy to hear that it now seems to be behind you. After most of us get home, it is very normal to feel quite weak but it is so important to move around and do your breathing exercises. A walker is just a tool no matter what one's...

Lynn, I also have had more than one and in both cases, there was no problem going back to work the next day. On both occasions, they used a protein plug so I only had to wait an hour or so in recovery before I went home. During the first one, I was pretty heavily sedated although not...

Hey, stress raises blood pressure and one's pulse rate and these do not contribute to a healthy future. Inadequate sleep is a primary stressor for humans everywhere. In the process of healing and returning to a normal healthy routine, it is important to actually work to improve one's sleep...