How has a Valve Replacement Changed your Life

[vhmoriarty]

I dont know if I have just now started to notice my symptons cause I know how bad my heart is now, or what. But whew!

I had noticed about three months ago I was becoming SOB but only when I would walk up stairs, get my two year old out or in the car, or bending over for more than a minute.

But now within the last week, I have become way more fatigued, SOB, dizzy and can feel some chest pain.

Im going in on the 13th for the Ross Procedure and Im now getting to understand everything. I am far more comfortable with everything after finding this website. I just cant wait to feel like I did about five years ago to where I didnt have any symptons.

Im hating on this lopressor though. I am trying to take it however cause I can tell a differnce in slowing down my pulse, but man it knocks me out! That is the lowest dose they can give me also. I am supposed to take it twice daily. I have been taking it at bedtime for one of them and the other after lunch.

I also go on the 29th to speak with a Therapist. I think the depression that I have been suffering for over 10+ years is getting worse, which I know is normal with something of this magnitude happening to me. I have suffered back to back episodes of PTSD over the years. I get over one mountain to have another put back...Im tired of going through the Rockies, can I get off this ride? lol.

 

[Ginger]

What type of surgery did you have? - AVR & ascending aorta at age 54.
What were your symptons before surgery? - Tired, light headed, short of breath. Left sided aches; back, shoulder, ribcage, left arm. Never thought it was a heart problem. Had explanations for everything...purse too heavy so switched to smaller purses. Ribcage sore from leaning over the arm of chair at work. Backache, slumping at work. Left arm ached when I walked the dog, bent my arm to my waist, ache stopped. Short of breath, asthma. Heart raced - anxiety from peri-menapause. See? Explaination for everything.

How has your life changed since the surgery? Life is good. Finger nails are pink again. I can do anything.

Are you still tired or have symptons? - No symptons. Get tired but get right back to the gym and feel good.

If you have a mechanical valve, do you hear it at all? - St. Jude Mech. Yes, moreso at night. Sometimes still sleep in the recliner - less noise upright. Earplugs only enhance the sound - that's all you hear. (someone suggested earplugs, tried it, no way!) Dog lays his head on my chest and falls to sleep. Glad someone enjoys those clicks. L0L

Have you received limitations due to the surgery or have you returned back to life before? - Don't fall down, don't break anything. Seriously, no limitations. Was terrified of green veggies - too much Vit K worries. After 6 months of that - settled down and eat what I want but watch my portions. Home test my INR and adjust dosage when needed. On 60mg a week. I joined a gym and that has helped me immensly. Losing weight, toning up - feel great!

What was the most benefical thing you received by getting your valve? Of course you are still alive, but what is the advantage ie: able to run, more energitic, etc. - I have energy again. YEAH!! I can do anything - yup even went horseback riding! Life is good.

Before my surgery I had time to investigate like you are doing. I even had time to donate my own blood for surgery. Still don't know if they every used it.

Everyone recovers at their own pace. The dark days disappear. Family & friends help lift your spirits. Fear fades.

I hope you have speedy recovery!

 

[sue943]

What type of surgery did you have?

Mitral and aortic valve replacements with full sternotomy.

What were your symptoms before surgery?

I really wasn't well! I had congestive heart failure, short of breath at all times, unable to sleep unless sitting upright in bed. Very weak.

How has your life changed since the surgery?

No heart failure, not short of breath most of the time, just now and again. Can sleep flat. Not weak.

Are you still tired or have symptoms?

No.

If you have a mechanical valve, do you hear it at all?

Two of them and I don't hear them at all in the day nor does anyone else. I hear them when in bed but they are not noisy and don't stop me sleeping.

Have you received limitations due to the surgery or have you returned back to life before?

No limitations and returned to life as it was before I became ill.

What was the most beneficial thing you received by getting your valve? Of course you are still alive, but what is the advantage ie: able to run, more energetic, etc.

Yes, still alive and without I would have been dead soon after the due date for my surgery. As my problems were purely caused by infection and not from longterm heart problems I am really back to where I was prior to becoming ill.

 

[pamela]

I dont know if I have just now started to notice my symptons cause I know how bad my heart is now, or what. But whew!

I had noticed about three months ago I was becoming SOB but only when I would walk up stairs, get my two year old out or in the car, or bending over for more than a minute.

But now within the last week, I have become way more fatigued, SOB, dizzy and can feel some chest pain.

You'll hear this one many times on this forum:

The worse you get the faster you get worse.

It's true and by now, here's hoping you'll be telling us the same axiom from the other side of the mountain.

Take Heart,
Pamela.

 

[Mileena46]

What type of surgery did you have? MVR and ablation
What were your symptons before surgery? My symptoms started suddenly. I had the fatigue and worry and ANXIETY..but nothing I couldn't live with...was sitting on my couch one evening watching the tube when my heart kicked into A-Fib. I went 2-3 days thinking it might improve but got so short of breath I had to see my cardiologist.
How has your life changed since the surgery? I feel BETTER! I feel more myself every day!
Are you still tired or have symptons? Still get tired easily....but nothing like before and since I have been doing this for years....I am sure some of the fatigue can come from age.
If you have a mechanical valve, do you hear it at all? YES! YES! YES! My biggest complaint! I hate it....but I have very good hearing which may not be for the best now....but I do hear it at all times unless there is a lot of back ground noise.
Have you received limitations due to the surgery or have you returned back to life before? Went back to work part time 3 weeks post op. I admit now that that was too soon. No limitations that I am this far out...3+ months. I am enjoying a steady heartbeat with no palps for the first time in many many years!

 

[rckrzy1]

What type of surgery did you have? Ross Procedure
What were your symptons before surgery? SOB, fatigued
How has your life changed since the surgery? Lost 75 pounds and feel GREAT
Are you still tired or have symptons? NOPE
If you have a mechanical valve, do you hear it at all? N/A
Have you received limitations due to the surgery or have you returned back to life before? None what so ever.

 

[art]

I am going to be going through a Aortic Valve Replacement before Thanksgiving. I am wondering which valve to go with. I have been researching the last couple of days on valve choices.

What type of surgery did you have?
AVR St. Jude
What were your symptons before surgery?
Lost of breath walking up stairs
How has your life changed since the surgery?
I now race my 7 year old up stairs but I always let her win
Are you still tired or have symptons?
No
If you have a mechanical valve, do you hear it at all?
I can never listen to the silence clic clic clic clic I hate it ! but my main problem, having sex clic clic clic clic louder louder quicker quicker
Have you received limitations due to the surgery or have you returned back to life before?
No problem
What was the most benefical thing you received by getting your valve? Of course you are still alive, but what is the advantage ie: able to run, more energitic, etc.
As I dont believe in an after life its a no brainer

Hi Valerie
I wish you all the best for your AVR.

 

[kschroed]

What type of surgery did you have? Mitral valve replacement
What were your symptons before surgery? Problems going up stairs, long-standing heart murmur,that's about all.
How has your life changed since the surgery? I appreciate my life. I don't stress over trivial stuff. I spend more time with my grandkids.Are you still tired or have symptons? I don't run marathons, but I feel pretty good most of the time.
If you have a mechanical valve, do you hear it at all? I decided on the bovine tissue valve and I haven't regretted it.
Have you received limitations due to the surgery or have you returned back to life before? The long recovery process is the worst of it. I was 6 months into it before I felt normal. There are all the post-surgery things top deal with. My chest stopped itching and/or feeling numb about a month ago. I still don't work full-time, and I am seriously thinking about retirement.

What was the most benefical thing you received by getting your valve? Of course you are still alive, but what is the advantage ie: able to run, more energitic, etc. I came close to dying after the surgery (complications of dilated cardiomyopathy) so being alive is my great gift. I now really appreciate the little joys of life.