Awareness of heart beat

[BTMax]

I had an aortic root replacement and aortic valve replacement 8 weeks ago. I am so aware of my heart beat now. It seems like my heart wasn't put back in the right place--too close to the sternum. Will this feeling go away? It is bothersome as I'm afraid I'll fixate on it and never get used to it. I have a St. Jude valve--could that be the culprit? I have total confidence in my sugeon--he is one of the best--just wondering about constant awareness of the beat.







Surgery was July 20 in Houston by Dr. Joseph Coselli

 

[gadgetman]

Although my mitral valve was repaired instead of replaced, I've become more conscious of my heart since my OHS. Some nights I can feel every beat, which, come to think of it, is a good thing. Of course, every twinge or pain in the chest area makes you wonder too. As most have said, this too shall pass. Others with mechanical valves will be along to provide their thoughts. You and your body have been through a lot. It will take time to get "back to normal".

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[Dan W]

I had my surgery 7 months ago yesterday. Mine is the same way. I hear every beat and if I take a deep breath I can really feel it in my chest. The surgeon told me that the noise is themetal flaps in the valve opening and closing. I noticed it alot at first but I am used to it and it doesn't bother me. I feel that the awareness of it got less and less over time as the swelling from the surgery went down and everything heeled up. Now I know it is there if I listen for it but it is not constantly on my mind. Hope this helps.







Surgery was July 20 in Houston by Dr. Joseph Coselli[/QUOTE]

 

[coryp]

I had my surgery 7 months ago yesterday. Mine is the same way. I hear every beat and if I take a deep breath I can really feel it in my chest. The surgeon told me that the noise is themetal flaps in the valve opening and closing. I noticed it alot at first but I am used to it and it doesn't bother me. I feel that the awareness of it got less and less over time as the swelling from the surgery went down and everything heeled up. Now I know it is there if I listen for it but it is not constantly on my mind. Hope this helps.




Surgery was July 20 in Houston by Dr. Joseph Coselli

[/QUOTE]


Hello,

I feel the same way 14 weeks after surgery but i have a Bovine valve!!! I hear it especially when I am laying down and on mysides (putting stress on the chest). My wife can hear it to and it has become bothersome when trying to get to sleep. Do you have the beating in your ears as well? It happened when I first came out of surgery for a few weeks, where you neck and body would shake on every beat however it went away slowly now I only have the loud and strong beats.

 

[Nan]

It will most likely get better and less noticeable as time progresses......it is probably most bothersome to you when you lie on your left side and when you are in a quiet situation I would think.

But as someone a long time ago said on these boards, if you can hear it ticking you know it is working, so if you try to look at it that way, that all is well, and it is doing what it is supposed to do, it may bother you less. (sorry about that run on sentence!!!)

One person said that hers was ticking so loudly that someone at a concert asked her to be quiet!!!! And I believe that she got comfortable with it.

Hopefully it will become less and less of a nuisance for you.

 

[Foxxy74]

Hey BTMax,

I was the same for the first few months after my surgery. Whenever I was awake it sounded like my heart was pounding like a drum, and laying in bed at night, it felt like my whole body shook every time my heart beat.

I cant honestly say I remember when it started to ease off, but it still is alot more prominent as others have said when taking a deep breath in and holding it.

I am wondering if the initial few weeks is more a phsycological awareness, or alertness. I sure know that every little twinge and niggle I got for the first few months made me jump

It gets better.

Chris.

 

[hayden]

I have had my valve 1 year and I hear most every click....If I am in a noisy area, I don't pay as much attention to it. get in a quite place and everybody hears it....

 

[geebee]

I think we are more aware of it because OHS has brought it to the forefront. I hardly hear mine anymore but others still hear it ticking. The only time I am aware is if my heart is pounding for some reason (like running or extra hard afib). You will get used to it in time.

 

[Dennis S]

I have come to like it.

I have come to like it.

I also had AVR & stem replacement (on August 4th) of this year. The first couple of days I swore my head moved with every beat. I think part of it is the low volume of each heart beat for many years before I had my surgery. That small shot of blood became normal for me.

In the last few days, I feel like my recovery has been taking off. I am sure the timing is different for everyone, but just now I am beginning to feel the benefit of a normal flow through the valve. At age 58, I notice I have the stamina to do things that I haven't been able to do for years. Now I feel and hear that big thump like a turbo-charger that will supply an energy I had been lacking for years.

 

[BTMax]

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you for all of your replies. I am just amazed at the generosity of those in this forum. It is a relief to have found you at last!

 

[Rush20]

My surgeon also told me that during OHS, the fluid sack in your chest cavity is cut open. As a result, it takes time for the fluid sack to fully seal after surgery. As a result, your heartbeat is louder especially whn you're lying on your back.

I know it drove me crazy the first few nights. When it's really quiet, I can hear my St. Jude open/close in my right inner ear. Sounds like a watch ticking.

A good bedroom stereo with relaxing music and nature soundscapes have worked well for me.

 

[MSG Morrissey]

true, I think it was MUCH louder right after surgery. I am now hooked on Coast to Coast AM!

 

[Herb M]

I had a St. Jude Aortic Valve installed in 1988. I hear my heartbeat when my ear is against the pillow. When I am on my back it is not noticeable.

 

[McCln]

Your heartbeat will return to normal soon. Just try to relax. It is getting back to a normal pace and the awarness is normal after bypass. Mine was in the middle of the upper chest. It was so weird. Just hang in there. The heart on the mend after being so sick. Take care.

 

[Cris N]

I am wondering if the initial few weeks is more a phsycological awareness, or alertness. I sure know that every little twinge and niggle I got for the first few months made me jump

Same for me... extreme paranoia! I hardly notice the heartbeat or the ticking anymore.

Cris