hi , new member with some questions:)

[diegocentrico]

hi everybody ...
im new here and have an open heart surgery within a month .
im 28 living in iran , so far from US , suffering from mitral valve stenosis . aortic valve also is dialated .
surgeon wanna try valves repair at first . echos show that fortunately the heart is not enlarged.
my surgeon didnt give me any advice but i have so many questions.
for example i dont knw wat should i do during this one month . i have left the work to prevent any pressure but actually i dont knw how much activity im allowed to do during the day . i dont want to lose the chance of repair . but im afraid in the days bf surgery the problem developes and causes the enlargment of heart and like this ! so most of the time i prefer to be in bed that really helps me ...no shortness of breath or heart beat when im in bed .
but im not sure if this way is good or not .
another question about going to dentist . is it necessary ?
anyone here had an aortic valve repair ? can you tell me please your valves condition bf the surgery and the symptoms?
thank you in advance ...

 

[geebee]

Welcome to VR.com.
The best thing you can do in the month before surgery is follow the doctor's instructions. It is unlikely your heart will enlarge enough in one month to cause anything dangerous. However, it is scary to know you are facing surgery and each person deals with that fear differently.
I would suggest not spending the time in bed but you can still take it easy if it makes you more comfortable. Spend time enjoying your family and doing things that make you happy. That doesn't mean overdo it or run a marathon but having nice meals, going to the theater, talking with family and friends, etc.
The time will go quickly and you will be past this and on the road to recovery before you know it.
Best of luck to you.

 

[jiniani]

Don't think about surgery

Don't think about surgery

My surgery is also in around a month's time. I've aortic valve stenosis. I'm taking it in stride. Like geebee said, you don't need to worry about enlarging heart in a month's time. It is not balloon to get enlarged in a month. It is a very flexible muscle that will recuperate quickly. However, don't over do anything, dn't lift heavy stuff, don't run keep it cool. Enjoy the time till surgery. Eat the things you like, do the things you like... plan for the recovery period etc.

 

[Christina]

Hi there and welcome to VR.com.

I hope that your surgeon is correct about just doing a repair but I believe it is always wise to discuss plan B in case he won't be able to do the repair and has to do a replacement. If I were you, I'd write down any questions ( no question is too silly or unimportant) you have for the surgeon and make him answer all of them. Or maybe you can ask for his e-mail/fax and e-mail/fax the questions to him, so he can be prepared for your next visit.

I did not have a repair but had an Aortic Valve Replacement in 2000. I had to wait 3weeks before the surgery took place.
I spent my time at home doing light housework, sewing, cooking etc, but spent a lot of time doing research on the internet about valve replacement. Because I didn't know anything about it at the time, the thought of OHS made me very afraid. I came to VR.com and the more I became educated the less afraid I was. Remember, knowledge is POWER.

If you have time, go to the dentist and have any major dental work done. Regular cleaning etc. you can do afterwards. Make sure you pre-med (antibiotics) before you go see the dentist.

Again, welcome and remember we are all here for you. Ask any question and someone will answer it for you.
Wishing you well.

 

[PJmomrunner]

I have not personally had surgery yet, but many hundreds of people on this website have had their mitral valves replaced and many hundreds have had their aortic valves replaced. A lesser number (still hundreds perhaps?) have had both replaced or some combination of repair and replacement of the mitral and aortic valves. The vast majority seem to have made a full recovery, particularly if there is no heart enlargement or other problems. Although it is unfortunate that you have these problems at your young age, your chances of a smooth recovery are even better because of your youth.

As for dental work, it is common for surgeons to advise patients to have any necessary dental problems resolved prior to surgery. Any dental infection increases the hazards of contracting infection during surgery, so surgeons generally refuse to operate until a dentist has assessed and treated any problems. Of course, you must take antibiotics before having dental work done to protect you from infection that could get into your blood stream and travel to your valves.

You will be okay and we are all here to help you in any way we can. Take care.

 

[diegocentrico]

thanks

thanks

thank you all for your replies . definitely these help me a lot .

 

[traumahob]

You may want to have a dental evaluation (no procedures) with x-rays to make sure there are no abcesses present prior to surgery.If abcesses are present their treatment can be postponed until after your surgery but you will require preoperative medication with IV antibiotics just before your surgery. Best wishes, Deb

 

[lisa jeanne]

You are not alone

You are not alone

I go in June 28, for mitral valve repair/replace. Your fears will subside after reading many success stories on this board. This is the best place to come before your surgery. I decided to accept my surgery and forge ahead, rather than dwelling on it. Afterall I want to feel better and live longer! Guess we all have obstacles to get through, but with help from here you will make it through! Will be thinking about you and take care.

Lisa, snoopy, and riley with their paws crossed for all the super people here!

 

[LadyBlue]

thank you all for your replies . definitely these help me a lot .

Nothing to add that hasn't already been said, but I just want to say WELCOME and best wishes for a quick healthy recovery! Please visit this site during the month and read many of the pre and post surgery threads. They are inspiring and very helpful!

Good luck!

 

[dj/utvolsfan]

Welcome

Welcome

You've come to the right place. Hopefully over the next month much of your anxiety will be minimized by the knowledge and friends you will find here at vr.com.
My surgeon wouldn't touch me until he had clearance from my dentist that I was infection free. I had to have a couple of visits to the dentist for some dental work before he would clear me. Not a big deal...you do what you have to do to clear the path for a smooth surgery and post-op.
I had a repair on mitral valve, but had spoken to the surgeon about my choice in valves 'just in case' I needed a replacement. I agree with the others ...you need to be thinking about that possibility.
I wouldn't stay in bed during this month unless ordered so by doctor. You need to be as strong as possible prior to surgery. Stay as active as your body allows (and or doctor). Not only does it help you physically, but it keeps your emotional state in better shape as well.
Best of luck to you! I'll be thinking of you!
(PS> Are you Solmaz_se from Tehran?)
Debbi

 

[Tom F.]

I had an aortic valve repair, so maybe I can help. You say your aortic valve is dialated, which suggests to me that you have an aneurysm of the ascending aorta, which is the aorta right past the valve. Am I correct? If so and if your aortic valve is otherwise normal, then they can replace the aneurysm with dacron, and keep your aortic valve in place by positioning the valve at the end of the dacron. It is called a David type valve sparring procedure, and it becomming more frequent in recent years. Hopefully this helps.

 

[diegocentrico]

You've come to the right place. Hopefully over the next month much of your anxiety will be minimized by the knowledge and friends you will find here at vr.com.
My surgeon wouldn't touch me until he had clearance from my dentist that I was infection free. I had to have a couple of visits to the dentist for some dental work before he would clear me. Not a big deal...you do what you have to do to clear the path for a smooth surgery and post-op.
I had a repair on mitral valve, but had spoken to the surgeon about my choice in valves 'just in case' I needed a replacement. I agree with the others ...you need to be thinking about that possibility.
I wouldn't stay in bed during this month unless ordered so by doctor. You need to be as strong as possible prior to surgery. Stay as active as your body allows (and or doctor). Not only does it help you physically, but it keeps your emotional state in better shape as well.
Best of luck to you! I'll be thinking of you!
(PS> Are you Solmaz_se from Tehran?)
Debbi

yes debbi im solmaz but as i said i couldnt register from iran and then my fr registered for me and im using his id .

 

[diegocentrico]

thanks

thanks

thanks again to all . and tom i really dont knw the details! ):
they didnt describe me details . and i think theres no chance b4 surgery for asking them . but anyway i prefer it can be repaired instead of replacement

 

[Georgia]

Solmaz, welcome. I don't know how things work in Iran, but over here we try to be assertive in gathering information about our condition. Does your cardiologist have a physician's assistant who can answer questions about your heart? You really should have received instructions about what you can and can't do during the month you're off.

Staying in bed is NOT a good choice; you'll get weak. You probably tire easily; but some exercise is good for you, as others have said. Walking is the best exercise for all that ails you.

During the two weeks between diagnosis and surgery I was not allowed to go to work, although I had a desk job. I'm sure they want you to have as little stress as possible.

I was supposed to have a mitral repair; in fact, the repair was done, but didn't work. I was totally surprised to hear I had a mechanical valve when I woke up. Not a happy surprise, I might say.

Glad you joined us; feel free to ask any questions you might have.

 

[gijanet]

Welcome, Solmaz!

Welcome, Solmaz!

Not much help with your questions, but just wanted to welcome you to the group here and wish you the best for your upcoming surgery.

I'm sure that you will be fine, and I will look forward to your updates. We will be with you on your journey. Many hugs. Janet

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Greetings Solmaz,

First, I agree with the others that it is best to have all your dental work done before surgery, using appropriate pre-medication (typically 2000 mg of Amoxicillin) 1 hour before any dental work, for each dental procedure.

Is there any chance you could have another office visit with your surgeon? It would be good to know his experience and results with Mitral and Aortic REPAIRS. You should also discuss Valve selection in case repair cannot be done. We don't always get our first choice!

In the USA, not all surgeons do Repairs. Naturally, the best repair results come from surgeons who have considerable experience making repairs. The Mitral Valve is best suited for repair. Aortic Valve repairs are NOT very common here. If your dilation is in the Aorta itself, rather than the valve, then there is a chance your aortic valve can be spared as described before.

Regarding exercise, regular walking that does not produce symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, etc.) is best to maintain conditioning. Avoid LIFTING anything heavy and avoid intense exertion of any type.

Best wishes,

'AL Capshaw'

 

[diegocentrico]

Hi again ....

Hi again ....

hi......
im thankful of a lady named barbara who introduced me this site and my lovely italian friend diego...this is wonderful place to get informations ...
you knw if i said i could not meet the surgeon b4 surgery to ask my questions , its just my idea not his fault ! he is very busy person and hardly u can get him! always in surgery room! but still its not hard getting his assistants and as you all adviced i did it and asked them my questions . in fact they are my brothers colleages...i just didnt want be annoying and ask a question every moment ! this has been my bad habit in whole life! anyway thank you for encouraging me

and plz dont get upset with tex , im not offended ..i met him or her! once in chatroom , very funny guy . dear tex remember i said media always exagerate the truth , accept this from someone who is expert in media field .
thank you for being so careful but believe me here is a modern city

in medical field, maybe the system is not working good for all people specially in small cities but, we have best specialists here...iranian doctors are really good and even some are top in the world . you can search about it .
finally my surgeon ....he is number one in heart surgery in iran good even in the world.... im not worried about his work at all .
definitely facilities here are not as good as usa ( and im not going to be operated in a private hospital thats of course different than a university center ) but we not living in a desrst
all of you are welcomed to my country

lots of love
solmaz

 

[LadyBlue]

Solmaz,

What a wonderful positive attitude you have. That will help you so much in the days before your surgery and after it! Never be afraid to ask! ask! ask! It's your body that your doc is going to work on and you have all the right to know everything little thing you need to to help you understand it all. I always feel like I'm three years old but I ask anyway. Knowledge is power, and that is what you need to pull you thru!

Good luck ! Keep us posted.

LB

 

[Nancy]

Hi Solmaz-

Welcome to the site.

I deliberately didn't read many of the posts, so if I repeat what has been said, forgive me.

My husband has had 3 valve surgeries. You wanted to know what you should be doing while waiting for your surgery. I think most will agree that you should do whatever you feel comfortable doing. Just don't do any heavy lifting or anything strenuous. Take it a little easy. But go on about your daily routine. If you are doing something that makes you feel uncomfortable, then stop doing it and rest a little. It isn't really necessary to stay in bed, and most doctors would want you moving around as much as you feel like.

You should do well with your surgery. It is a scary thing to face, but it does fix the problems. And afterwards you will be feeling much better.

You might like to know how the recovery period goes. You will be sore and not feeling well for the first 2 weeks or so. That is understandable. You should have someone who can be with you for that period of time to help you with anything you need. You will not be very hungry and food, even food that you ordinarliy love, will taste terrible to you. You will not be sleeping well at all, and perhaps only for a couple of hours at a time. Most people find that sleeping in a semi sitting position is more comfortable, maybe on a nice comfortable sofa with lots of pillows, or a recliner chair, rather than getting into and out of a bed. You might be moody and out of sorts, you may have crying spells and mood swings. this is completely normal and will go away after a couple of weeks. It's from the pain medications and anesthesia that you will have.

You will be feeling much better after 6-8 weeks into recovery. You will still be very tired and will need to rest, but that will get better as time goes on.

You will have a lifting restriction right after surgery and for about 2-3 months or so until your sternum heals. You will not be able to lift anything heavy at all, just very light things.

You will probably have a driving restriction until your surgeon tells you that you can drive.

The final healing will take a long time, perhaps 6 months to a year. But you will be getting steadily stronger during this time. And before you know it, you will be feeling very well.

I hope that your surgeon is able to repair your valve/s. But be prepared for the fact that he might not be able to once he gets into your chest. So there will be a chance that you will have a different valve.

Most of all, the important thing is that this is a condition that has a solution. Many other medical problems do not have one.

So, wishing you all the best with your surgery.

 

[joanne6]

Welcome

Welcome

Just wanted to welcome you to this site. Sorry you need to be here but glad you found us. I agree that you should try to keep busy doing the things you enjoy in the next month. It will make the time go faster. I hope you will be able to have all of your questions answered. There are some very good websites too. I spent many hours doing research about heart surgery. Are you able to read these online?
Keep posting and talking to all of us here. We have either had open heart surgery or are preparing to have some type of valve surgery.
Take care.