Beginning process before surgery

[EdnaFisher05]

I am scheduled to meet with the surgeon to start the TAVR process. The cardiologist says my heart looks healthy except the Aorta valve which needs replacement. My other issue is stage 3 kidney disease. And I am 90 years old. Yes I know the risk to have the surgery and also the risk not to have it.
I would like to know about recovery time since I live alone. I do not have family members. No neighbors and most friends have illness also. Feeling hepless at this point.

 

[70sdiver]

I can't help you as I had open heart surgery but my sister in law had TAVR done a little over a year ago and the the only thing that seemed to take time 2 heal was the groin incision I think it was about 3 weeks . She was out of the hospital after 1 night and gardening the day after her release. She was to the point before her TAVR she couldn't walk to her mail box which was about 20 yard from he door with out stopping to get he breath 2-3 times.She was 70 and had a couple open hearts for bypass surgery so the used the TVAR for her.
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Chuck C]

Welcome to the forum.

I had open heart surgery, not TAVR, so I can't help you from personal experience. However, there are others here who have had TAVR and they report very short hospital stays and getting back to life as normal in a very short period of time.

At the age of 90, TAVR is really the way to go.

I'm sorry to hear that you feel helpless. Perhaps being a part of this community will help you realize that you are not alone.

 

[Gail in Ca]

I am scheduled to meet with the surgeon to start the TAVR process. The cardiologist says my heart looks healthy except the Aorta valve which needs replacement. My other issue is stage 3 kidney disease. And I am 90 years old. Yes I know the risk to have the surgery and also the risk not to have it.
I would like to know about recovery time since I live alone. I do not have family members. No neighbors and most friends have illness also. Feeling hepless at this point.

When my elderly Mom and I were checking out assisted living places, there were a couple that would have short term stays for people that needed it. It probably isn’t cheap but you might look into it. I’ve only had 3 open heart surgeries not tavr so I can’t comment on recovery. A lady I know had tavr at 84 and did really well. Good luck to you!!

 

[ValveAdmin]

Welcome to the forum Edna. Wishing you all the best in your situation!

 

[carolinemc]

When my elderly Mom and I were checking out assisted living places, there were a couple that would have short term stays for people that needed it. It probably isn’t cheap but you might look into it. I’ve only had 3 open heart surgeries not tavr so I can’t comment on recovery. A lady I know had tavr at 84 and did really well. Good luck to you!!

It would be best to go temp at a assisted living, since the OP has other health issue. I agree with this.

 

[carolinemc]

I am scheduled to meet with the surgeon to start the TAVR process. The cardiologist says my heart looks healthy except the Aorta valve which needs replacement. My other issue is stage 3 kidney disease. And I am 90 years old. Yes I know the risk to have the surgery and also the risk not to have it.
I would like to know about recovery time since I live alone. I do not have family members. No neighbors and most friends have illness also. Feeling hepless at this point.

Go with the short term stay, for you have another health issue that might cause concern with your recover on your own. And your age, which can also cause a concern.

 

[tom in MO]

Hi Edna, You need to tell your surgeon about your situation. They should be able to tell you if you need in-facility care post surgery or can go home. You will probably need to be assessed by a social worker as well. Usually at your age after major surgery a few weeks in a rehab facility is ordered plus several home visits by therapists and nurses. You can access in-home care as well. This is what others I know experienced at your age after major surgery. It kind of depends upon your community, state and hospital procedures.

 

[Sue]

The sooner you talk to your doc the better. He may recommend residential rehab for a few weeks, and facilities vary widely. Ask your doc and others about nearby facilities and get recommendations. It might also be a good idea to check your local social services agency about recommendations.

 

[Superman]

Welcome to the forum. Having no first hand experience with a TAVR, I can’t tell you what to expect exactly.

I have had a couple of heart catheterizations. These were done for measurements and such. Same basic entry through the leg and following the major artery up into the heart. I was released the same day when I had them at 12, 15, and maybe 17 years old? When I was 4 they went through my arm with a bigger incision. That might have been over night.

Either way. Aside from a little soreness, recovery was fairly easy. I hope that TAVR is that easy.

Someone close to me had four stents placed for blockage much the same way as a heart cath. I think they were kept over night for observation but didn’t have a long recovery at all. They were in their early 70’s at the time.