4 +1/2 mths - student life after AVR

[spock1189]

Hi,

My name is Ash and I'm probably in a minority here, becuase I'm a 21 year-old student, and I had an AVR homograph at the beginning of august. If there is anyone reading this who has a similar story then please get in touch, I'd love to talk.

It's been 4.5 months since the surgery, which was mostly successful apart from a small residual regurgitation/leak which has healed somewhat, but it could mean a shorter time until I need another valve.

I only just stumbled accross this site, and I sure could have used it before, but I suppose the main reason for this post is that I'm now on the verge of getting my life back to normal, and I wanted to hear from people who are young and have my sort of lifestyle.

My problem is knowing how far to push myself. Before the operation, I had a healthy (ahem) student lifestyle, which involved work, sports and a lot of socialising. It's no myth that students enjoy a drink, and sometimes abuse the privelage too. A few weeks ago I was told that it was OK to drink (reasonably), and to me this meant that it was OK to go and have a few with my friends. A couple of times, I've been in the situation where I've ended up drinking quite a lot, and while this seemed to feel OK it still worries me whether I'm doing myself any more damage than the next punter.

This is something I find it hard to speak to a doctor about, becuase their advice is always to drink in moderation anyway, whatever your health/history. If I am to "get drunk" on a night out, is it worse for me than for a perfectly healthy person? Is there additional risk attached to me because of my surgery? I want to clarify at this point that I'm not a raving alcoholic! I'm just trying to figure out how my lifestyle needs to change, if at all.

I'm slowly increasing my physical activity (swimming is great, and I've got some small free weights too), and I'm told that six months is the average full recovery time, so I guess I'm on course.

Merry Christmas everyone

Ash

 

[Natanni]

Welcome Ash

Welcome Ash

Merry Christmas!

My 34 year old husband had AVR 3 months ago with a mechanical valve, so his situation is quite a bit different than yours in that he has to be even more careful with alcohol, and to be honest, he still has not even had a beer yet. He was only a social drinker at best prior to AVR, a couple of beers w/the guys, or a glass of wine, maybe two with me....but in our youth he was known to have a few more I am sure those that have tissue valves or homografts will be here very soon to point you in the right direction.

Nathan is going to be returning to work after the New Year. He only now (last week) has started to work on his chest muscles. When he was in his twenties, he was pretty big into bench pressing but once diagnosed with regurgitation, dropped it. We have heard that it can take up to one year to feel completely recovered from open heart surgery.

Glad you have found this board, and Happy Holidays!

Ann

 

[carista]

Hi Ash,
I just wanted to say hi since I'm in a similar situation as you. I just turned 27 on the 13th and had my aortic valve replaced with a tissue valve on the 8th of this month. However, I'm not able to answer your question since I haven't even had the chance to wonder about drinking until you asked the question. I'm kindof curious about the answer myself. How soon after your surgery did you start working out? I'm very anxious to get back into that. Anyway, if you ever want to talk feel free to send me a message.

Carista

 

[imhayley]

this aint for wimps

this aint for wimps

Hi Ash and hope your feeling better! Im not too old yet (39) and just had a mitral valve replacement with a maze procedure (for afib) 6 months ago yesterday (xmas eve). I have to now take coumiden forever and for me I cannot have any alcoholic beverages whatsoever. Well first off Im allergic to alcohol........I break out in spots..........LIKE JAIL AND TEXAS AND OTHER PPL'S BED HA! no sorry seriously though I was told the party is over as alcohol thins the blood and Im already taking a blood thinner and one good bonk on the head could cost me greatly. hmmmmm maybe you should check out something like for medicinal use only (wink) that doesnt effect things like the booze does. Good luck in your recovery and if you get the chance (if doc says ok) have a cold one for me

 

[nia]

Hi Ash,

I had my mitral valve replaced with a bovine valve when I was 21, in Dec. 2003. I was a junior in college then, and took the spring semester off to recuperate. My mother wouldn't let me drink at home after surgery, so I started drinking once I got back to school (all the more reason to live in a dorm right?) I don't drink often to begin with, and I'm not a binge drinker either, so my doctors weren't too worried about that part and didn't really tell me what not to do. I did drink some (can't remember exactly but below my tolerance level) at the graduation ball in spring 2005...I didn't notice anything change regarding the heart function after the night. But other than that, I'm sorry I can't help you much in this area.

I wouldn't do something to put any more stress on the heart than it's already getting during the recovery process. Getting wasted probably falls under this category.

Having a surgery didn't change my lifestyle. Granted I wasn't living a wild life before, no doctors told me I couldn't do certain things anymore due to the surgery. I probably should learn how to go to bed before 2am though...this habit can't be good for me.

It sounds like I am a lot less social than you, but if you have any other questions or just want to talk, please feel free to PM me.

 

[hensylee]

Welcome, Ash. we have some very young children with us; when I first joined there was Brad, a teen who has graduated high school, gone on to begin his life in the dramatic (acting) world, Nicole (ILoveNY) who was about 19 when she came in. Yes, you are in the minority. This site has members from the world around and we are glad you found us to share your experiences with so many others who need the information you have and can give, as all members do. Thank you for joining this great family. We are greedy and always want more members.

The drinking question has been discussed many times here. If you click on search (above), then type in alcohol, you will find lots of threads dealing with alcohol and what to do/not to do - and advice, wanted or not, is there, as well.

 

[Kate]

Hi Ash,
I'm quite abit older than you (38) but also went with a biological valve. My understanding is that drinking to excess would not be any more harmful to us than to someone who hadn't undergone heart surgery except in the sense that we will both eventually have to be reoperated on and one's overall health has a lot to do with how well that second surgery goes. So, if you eat pretty well, exercise and don't have a history of alcoholism, I'd say go ahead and have a good time for the next couple of years. (-: Kate

 

[liza]

Hi Ash!
I'm 25 years old and had my valve repaired in May. I've been feeling pretty normal since September, and have enjoyed the occasional drink (or more ) without any problems. I think you should be okay living it up.

Liza

 

[MelissaM]

One of the big factors here is coumadin. You didn't mention if you were on it or not. If you aren't on coumadin, then you probably have more reign over when, where, or how you drink. If you are on coumadin, then you have to play the balancing act of how the alcohol is going to affect your INR, and dose accordingly - that is the big balancing act. While I am not on coumadin myself (those who are, feel free to chime in and correct), there have been several posts here about the effect of alcohol, dosing, etc., for those who take it.

Melissa

 

[JCDavis81]

Hey Ash,

I'm a 24 year old law student that just had my Aortic and pulmonary valves replaced (St. Jude and porcine respectively) and my mitral valve repaired. This most recent surgery probably isn't very interesting to you, but I had the ross procedure when I was 16 and therefore went through college with that repair.

Since your post says you received a homograft, I doubt you have to worry about drinking as much as someone who has had a mechanical put in (even then it seems from this board that you don't have to worry that much about it). Of course, you should drink in moderation as I did most of the time while in college but I wouldn't let worrying about your valve stifle a party night with your friends every once in a while.

I cut back on my drinking after college to the point where I barely drink at all now, but I did my fair share of boozing while at Brown. I never worried about how it would affect my valve and a drunken night here and there didn't seem to cause any problems (except maybe for a hangover

Look, live your life and take the normal precautions that any person (young or old) should take. Don't binge drink, don't guzzle hard alcohol, don't do keg stands. But have fun and don't worry too much either.

Of course, all this advice means nothing if you're on any medications that may interact with alcohol. And the BEST advice you can receive is that you should just talk to your doc about it.

Have fun,
Joe

 

[spock1189]

Thanks!

Thanks!

A big thankyou to everyone giving input here, it really is awesome to be talking with people experienced in the matter. As I'm sure you all know, other people will never quite understand!

I'm not on Codumin or any anti-coagulants, just the daily Ramipril 5mg and some diuretics. The general consensus seems to be that I'm currently doing the right thing i.e. being sensible about drink, while not being afraid to have a good time. Essentially, that was the whole point of me having a tissue valve and not a longer-lasting mechanical one. I just hope its a good few years before the replacement (probably mechanical) valve is required!

Thanks again and happy new year!

Ash

 

[tobagotwo]

I'm not against drinking. Most people get over the heady rush of retching into a urine-spattered barroom toilet fairly early in life and move on to more enjoyable, relaxed levels of alcohol consumption in good time.

However, you're taking diuretics, and that indicates water retention, which should not be a problem at your age, especially so long after surgery. You're also taking an ace inhibitor, which is an advanced-level high blood pressure medicine. It's not often used as a first approach to high blood pressure, due to its expense and the prolific numbers of less potent drugs usually capable of doing the job.

It's also not good to drink when taking Ramipril. Alcohol can lower your blood pressure even further, leading to dizziness or even blacking out.

I suspect you're not being quite open about your history. Ramipril (Altace) is often prescribed for people with heart failure, diabetes, or kidney disease. It's a strong blood pressure reducer. You don't mention any diabetes prescriptions, but the diuretics make me think you may have a kidney problem, which you are not being candid about.

Or perhaps your heart is not in a good stage of recovery. Did you have a heart attack around your surgery, or were you diagnosed with heart failure? Ascites and other water retention problems go hand-in-hand with heart failure as well.

People in this forum are making an honest assumption that you are basically healthy, aside from having had the valve surgery, and are voicing opinions based on that premise. No one here would wish to mislead you if they know the whole story.

If you have kidney problems, drinking may be very hazardous or fatal to you. If you still have vestiges of heart failure or have had a heart attack from a blood clot, excessive drinking can also harm you. Certainly, it will mess up your water balance, and your potassium levels, which are now probably carefully controlled because of your multiple diuretic prescriptions.

Unless I am entirely misled by what I have read, you should consider investing in the natural highs of life, and keep the booze to a limited consumption. You're running on a second chance now. You should treasure it.

Best wishes,

 

[spock1189]

my history

my history

Hi,

My AVR did not entirely cure my heart murmur, in that there is still a residual leak in the valve, all be it way smaller than before. The reason (I am told) that I am on Ramipril is to make life easier for my heart and aid any healing of this leak that could occur on its own. At my last checkup at the end of november, it had healed a little so the doc delayed my next appointment to 6 months and suggested that I start increasing my activity some more. His view on alcohol was that it would do no harm in moderation and that it would not interfere with the Ramipril too much.

As for the Diuretics, I don't honestly know why I'm taking them! I was prescribed them at the same time as my Ramipril was increased from 2.5 to 5mg. I have no kidney problems. Up until my operation, my heart murmur gave me no problems and I had a completely normal life, unaware of any limitations. The AVR was a preventive measure becuase my ventricle was expanding to compensate for the leak, and the decision was taken to prevent permanent damage in the future.

I was a little worried about starting this discission here, as I knew that there would be people who have had surgery becuase they were very ill, and it saved their lives. Those people would have little sympathy for someone complaining that they can't get drunk etc! However I am in the situation where I have come out of hospital more unwell than I went in, even though it may well have got more serious in later life had I not gone through with it. It's probably then understandable how the "natural high" of life may not have the same mental effect on me. I hope it's clear that I'm not in the least bit ungrateful for what I've had done, and I am definitley not taking it lightly. It's just that in my head, there's nothing wrong with me!

Ash

 

[Natanni]

Wouldn't worry about the no sympathy for drinking part in the least Ash....
there are people from all walks of open heart surgery on this board, and I have never seen one case of anyone here irritated because of someone needing a beer or two....I think just about all of us (valvers, spouses, parents) can relate

On one more side note--Although Nathan did have endocarditis, it was the the reason he had his AVR in Sept. His was done as a preventitive measure as well. He went into it feeling great, but also came out with an ejection fraction worse than before his surgery. He was terribly disappointed, but learned that it does take awhile for that heart muscle to remodel itself so we are hoping for better numbers in June.

 

[jcat2006]

Being Normal

Being Normal

All,

Sorry for stealing my wifes ID but I have not created and account yet. I would be the guy in the picture above.

Ash,

My name is Tim I have been suffering from Aortic Valve Disease since birth as many. I had my second surgery that replaced my aortic value just after my 20th birthday in 1995. Although I have a St Jude Valve and am taking coumadin, I felt like I could shed some light for you.

Shortly after my 20th birthday while in college I was elected president of my fraternity, I held many offices and was not shy about cosuming alcohol and everything else that floats through a college campus. Post surgery I assumed the regime throughout my college carrer and quite frankly up until this past Novemeber when I found out I have to have my third surgey to replace my aortic root. I have had many incidents with doctors and the like as to what is good and what is bad for you to do. After my full recovery from my surgery in 1995 (3-4 months) I felt better than ever. The first time I stepped on a basketball court and ran up and down was the happiest ever. I never felt so much energy. I became a better athelete after my surgery than I was before. I never thought of myself as different as you mentioned. I competed with my older brother in everything, my family revolved around sports and I won numerous awards and championships. But afterwords I was able to excel even more.

This was good and bad as I felt more normal than before and was now able to keep up with my freinds instead of one step behind. I partied. Did all the things they say you shouldn't. I am by no means a poster child for cardiac patients, however now that I am starring down the barrel of my third surgery in 30 years I am starting to look back to see things differently. My advice is to find a cardiologist you are completely comfortable with. When I came to my first follow up with my new cardiologist after the surgery in 1995 she said no drinking. I asked the doctor next to her and he said well...and I knew that there was a varying opinion on the topic. Be candid with your doctor and don't be afraid of what they will tell you. They want you to be healthy and will give you the standard answers as you have noticed. ASK YOUR QUESTIONS it will make you fell more comfortable and confident in your choices. Last be healthy. I found a cardiologist shortly after my altercation above that told me your are not even 21 you need to live your life, just live it carefully. That man became a good friend of mine amd just recently moved away so I have started over with a new doctor @ 30 after having had the same one from ages 2 - 21 and 24 - 30. The new doctor says similar things only now I'm 30.

Have a drink, enjoy being young, just be responsible with your check ups tests and keep yourself in good shape. I live in NYC and even though I don't smoke I am sure I ingest as bad of chemicals in my walks to work as the people smoking Marlboro's. Do the things you need to do in order to make yourself feel normal, but just as much do the things you need to do to keep yourself healthy.

I have had a good time in my life, actually I have had to much fun. I still spend time in the bars with my frineds, most of whom are my fellow brothers from college. Drinking for them is a way of life. My wife calls ahead to bars to see if they have non alcoholic beer. 2 or three guiness and a few o'douls can make for a good night as well.. And if I stopped Drinking earlier I might not have met my wife in that bar on 2nd ave some Valentine's day 5 years ago...

Now for me life is my way of life. Had I realized it sooner I might have prolonged this next surgery, but I don't regret it at all. I am glad to still be here and happy I will never have to question what if I had enjoyed some things I didn't. Hopefully I have kicked a bunch of habits for life...

Just be smart and safe and take care of yourself. Now I find myself fully sober sometimes acting like more of a fool than those drunkards around me...

 

[Mama2Rylan]

Hi Ash!

I just had my OHS in August as well. What was suppose to be a regular AVR turned out to be a little more complicated, so I ended up with a mechanical valve. As of now, I am feeling better then I have in a long time and am excited to start college in the fall.

You asked about the drinking...Since you have a homograft, it's not as big of a deal for you. I mean you shouldn't go out and get wasted all the time, but since you are not on any blood-thinners, you can get away with a little more. But as far as I am concerened, I do think anything you put into your body, is going to effect your valve. You know your valve is not going to last forever, and eventually will need to be replaced, but the nicer you are to it, the longer it will probably get to stay in there. But that goes with anything you do...exercising, a good diet, not smoking...all that stuff is going to give you a more healthy body, in return easing up on your heart.

Well good luck with everything, and if you have any questions, please feel free to write