I did it!

[Tiger]

My surgery was December 26th! Everything went smoothly and here I am at home recovering already! I had my aortic valve replaced with a bovine tissue valve. The surgery was only an hour and 40 mins. I was up and walking around the next day and all the nurses said I was doing awesome. I am actually not in any pain either! I am also able to continue breastfeeding my daughter too! I am so glad I went for it and I got it done. My surgeon said the valve was worse than he thought also. I just had to share this with you all! I am feeling pretty good about things and looking forward to recovering and getting on with our lives without this worry. We are also looking forward to having more babies someday too. And now we won't have to worry about a high risk pregnancy. Thanks so much for the support! Happy New Year to all!

 

[Bina]

Congrats on a good start to your recovery ! Remember to rest often and not overdo things though
If you have any questions or concerns you can start a Thread in the Post Surgery Forum. Best wishes.

 

[Agian]

Congratulations and Happy New Year.

 

[Paleowoman]

Congratulations ! You give inspiration

 

[neil]

absol brill, well done, so many who come on here will take so much positive vibes from you post

 

[Tiger]

Thank you! And Paleogirl -I know you were feeling kind of like I was beforehand but I am honestly so glad I got it done! I am only 1 week post op but I already am feeling healthier! And I cannot wait to get back into shape with my newly fixed heart and not have to worry about anything! Your surgery is next week did you say?

 

[Paleowoman]

Your surgery is next week did you say?

Yes next Monday - four days time !

I just came back from a cooling off six mile walk with hubby - had a big stress this morning - I discovered that the cardiac surgeon's secretary had given me the wrong insurance procedure code so I had to deal with that. I really don't think I should have to clear up people's mistakes about this at this point in time so I was pretty upset. I was practically crying on the phone to the insurance company - they will pay up and everything no problem, but it meant the authorisation code etc had to be changed - and you know, I spotted the error - why do I have to deal with this type of thing ? The surgeon and her secretary are in my bad books - they were even before this - I'm even considering not having the follow up at six weeks with the surgeon if everything is going well - I would much rather see my cardiologist (the only reason I am employing this surgeon is because on paper she appears the best technically). I have some very good doctors so I don't need to see other doctors whom it's not necessary to see...but that's assuming it all goes well which there's no reason to doubt....apart from when I get home and have problems with the stairs, my futon on the floor and my son who has autistic spectrum disorder Next time when I have the re-do I will make sure that I have everything organised with much more time so that I don't keep having to clear up mistakes - this isn't the first ! At least I am still as fit as ever as that long walk showed And your surgery has inspired me

 

[tom in MO]

You should see a surgeon for your closeout. They take a chest XRay to see how your sternum has knit, how the wires are, etc. In the US, a post-surgery closeout meeting is included in the price and there is no extra charge, nor savings if you do not go. In my closeout, my surgeon suggested my INR range be changed from 2-3 to 2-2.5 due to his knowledge of the heart valve; my cardio's INR expert later agreed to the narrower range. From what I understand, a cardiologist is not the only specialist to judge the complete success of the operation; it's a partnership between the cardio with their echo and the surgeon with their Xray.

 

[Paleowoman]

You should see a surgeon for your closeout.

I don't want to highjack Tiger's wonderful good news thread so I'll reply to Tom in a new thread in the pre-surgery section ! I'll call the title 'Final problem before surgery' ! http://www.valvereplacement.org/for...al-problem-before-surgery&p=547660#post547660

 

[heartweave]

Wow this is great news. What an inspiration. I just recently joined this group. My bicuspid aortic valve has slowly been getting worse. I have gotten one opinion and am searching for a second, Your story is very inspiring to me. Yes there is a future after surgery. Thanks for sharing. Good luck in your days and weeks to come. Please continue to post.

Leah
Bicuspid aortic valve. valve area 0.7 sq cm.

 

[big_L]

Good News!

 

[Tiger]

Thanks everyone! A week and a half out and I'm feeling great! Paleogirl-i am thinking about you and looking forward to hearing how your surgery went!