Immediate results?

[Kahunaz]

Hi all...

The clock is ticking!!...Thursday is just around the corner!...anyway, I was wondering, I have known about the defective valve for a few years....hoping it wouldn't get worse (just trying to fool myself, I guess) Well now, I am tired ALL THE TIME...am out of breath after walking just to the bathroom....and am retaining fluid terribly (feet, calfs, thighs...and even some in the belly.)..The out of breath feeling makes it seem like my bake hurts worse than it usually does (I do have back problems from a broken back...and arth.)

What i'm looking to see if anyone has has the same type symptoms and how soon after the surgery will the difference be noticable.?

My aortic valve has the opening of 1/2 squared cm...how large is the valve supposed to be...I heard about the size of a half dollar...if so...my opening is PRETTY SMALL!!

Thanks!!

Carmen

 

[Rich]

Hi Carmen,
I know exactly how you are feeling, it all rings a bell.
I couldn't walk the 100 feet to our mailbox without resting once or twice.
My valve was about 1 and a half inches(38 mm) and all I had left was the size of a pea(and a small one at that).
It sounds like your time is here.
Hpoefully all will go well for you, then I would say give it a week or so and you will really notice the difference.
I am now in my late sixties and can do more than I could when I was in my twenties. It's been absolutely great!
Rich

 

[Karlynn]

Hi Carmen,
Wow! Thursday!

If your SOB is valve related, you should feel improvement pretty quickly, if not immediately. Although I will say that there will be lots going on pain and treatment wise that my cause you not to realize it for a while. But then again you may.

Yes, symptoms can come on quickly.

The SOB may also be a stress thing too. You have been through a lot with the last minute bump in surgery and the stress of waiting and wondering.

We look forward to reading the good news of your successful surgery. Know you will be in my prayers.

 

[Kahunaz]

Yeah...The shortness of breath has been pretty bad for about a year or so.... thought it was more related to the bad back (and then partly not wanting to really deal with it)...but even with taking my water pills twice a day...the water retention is still incredible.

Rich......1 1/2 inch valve.....which I would imagine is pretty average....so I would say less than 1/2 sq. cm is pretty small opening.,YIKES

I really think this has been a serious problem that I should have had taken care of sooner..but it seems like everytime I go to the Dr....they relate everything to being obese...

Carmen

 

[Bryan B]

Carmen,

Something I noticed is that I became more "attuned" to my symptoms once the docs confirmed that they were being caused by my valve. It's quite odd actually, but I guess I just adapted to my symptoms or atrributed them to other things until I heard the words OHS. After those words were uttered I become more symptomatic until I had my surgery.

 

[gadgetman]

Carmen

I had all those symptoms leading up to my surgery. I could only take 5 or 6 steps before stopping to catch my breath, and I felt I couldn't take a deep breath that I needed. I was retaining fluid (even on Lasix) in my foot, legs, thighs, and my belly. I started out with fluid around my lungs.

Since surgery, I have noticed a tremendous difference. I can now walk without getting tired. I can get my breath. My endurance increases each day. We are over visiting with my daughter and her family this week and I walked the pier at St Simons Island, GA for the first time since surgery. I had to let them go ahead of me during my last visit before surgery. It took me about 6 or 7 stops to make it to the end and back. I made it all the way and turned around and got back, all without stopping.

Although the decision about my surgery was just about taken out of my hands (second choice was not considered) and I couldn't wait any longer, I'm glad I got to the other side. It sure is better here.

We will continue sending prayers and good thoughts your way. Let us know how things turn out.

Danny