Mechanical Valve ticking (sound reduction devices)

[SHerrin Hutt]

Hi
Well, I am almost at my third anniversary and the ticking still drives me crazy so times. Most tof the time I just turn on the fan and it helps. I am one that doesn't sleep with the TV or radio on. I were ear plugs too! But as some would say it beats the being six feet under.

 

[Rush20]

I installed a nice stereo in our bedroom and set the sleep timer every night for 60 minutes. I have some soft jazz and piano cds that I program so I fall to sleep without any annoying commercials. Seems to work and my wife enjoys the music as well.

When traveling, I usually use my IPOD. It not only drowns out the valve noise, it also relaxes me at times when my mind won't shut off for sleep. Once you start dozing off, simply press the off button. Works great!

I also bought this really cool wake-up radio/clock at The Sharper Image store. Instead of the "heart attack" wake-up buzz or blaring radio most alarm clocks use, it gradually increases volume and has a room light option as well. I find that I wake up easier as well. I set it for 20 minutes prior to the time I actually have to get moving! I don't roll over as many times and I feel more rested.

I might try some of those nature sound machines. My wife tried one of those water rock displays and I hated it because I kept getting up and going to the bathroom.

 

[Jim]

That's another sound option I try to avoid is the water stream. I have the same problem. I usually leave it on the wave sounds and that seems to put me right to sleep.

As far as music goes, I used to listen to Ted Nugent, RUSH and Pink Floyd albums when I was a teenager to put me to sleep. I think I would go for the classical or soft acoustic these days. Also, the satelite has several music stations to select from as well.

Jim

 

[Rush20]

That's another sound option I try to avoid is the water stream. I have the same problem. I usually leave it on the wave sounds and that seems to put me right to sleep.

As far as music goes, I used to listen to Ted Nugent, RUSH and Pink Floyd albums when I was a teenager to put me to sleep. I think I would go for the classical or soft acoustic these days. Also, the satelite has several music stations to select from as well.

Jim

Ahh...RUSH! My favorite band of all time (and the inspiration for my board name). Perhaps a little "Farewell To Kings" before bed tonight. I doubt my wife will agree so I guess it's IPOD time.

 

[Harpoon]

You're really best off just learnign to live with it. Most everyone (if not all of us) with mechanical valves do get used to living/sleeping with the ticking sound, it's not as bad as it sounds.

The brain will usually tune it out after a week or so, maybe longer. You may find that a partnet sleeping in bed with you (or at least in the same room) will have more difficulty tuning out the ticking valve than you do, if they can hear it.

 

[Ivyplace]

mechanical valve ticking

mechanical valve ticking

I am new to the page and just had a St Jude valve implanted on Jan 5 of this year, while I am having some dizzness and nausea problems (which they tell me is not the heart) I have not heard my valve. that is the one question I asked and they told me I would, but I have not noticed anything different yet, but maybe when they get my stomach -dizziness problems taken care of, I will. My husband has not heard it yet either, I just hope I have a quiet one. I hate when I react different than the normal .

I am learning alot reading all your posts,

Thanks
Sharon

 

[Old clicker]

I don't think everyone hears their valves. They told me some people hear it, and some don't.

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Hi
And welcome to our sight. I was of those people that heard the ticking from the get go. It bother me more times than others. But my whole family can hear somtimes when it is real quite. My husband weaks up going tick-tick you sound like a clock!

 

[Ivyplace]

Mechanical Valve ticking

Mechanical Valve ticking

Thanks Sherrin and Old clicker

I am really surprised that I don't hear it, My husband claims I am always hearing things no one else hears, (I wake him up now and then, telling him I hear something Ha ha ) I figured that since I am having some non-heart problems after the surgery, that has my mind elsewhere, they think I may of gotten an ulcer or something because of the stress, Just be glad when the nausea and dizziness goes away.

There is so much to learn and I don't think they have my coumadin level straightend out but probably due to the fact I am not eating like I should. every three days I am taking a test to check and they change the amount each time.

does anyone know what is the idea range for the (what ever the level is called) I was 3.3, 3.1, 2.3 and forgot to ask last time but they doubled my coumadin so it must be too much one way or the other.
I test again tomorrow

Heart wise I feel great, better than I have in years, no aginia, my breath is coming back, even my fingernails are getting stronger. no muscle cramps since the operation, so I think I am doing well.


Thanks again
Sharon

 

[danielgilboa]

Hi,

I guess I share most of what was written already.

I am 9m post with a st Jude 33mm mechanical. It ticks and i can hear it. I am VERY sensitive to noise and was concerned about it before choosing the mechanical.
In fact, although I hear it, it very rarely disturbs me. It actualy has a comfort effect sometimes, transmitting a clear message everything is OK down there. Most of us had palpitations before op, I had very bad ones sometimes several times in one hour. hearing the constant tick is now comforting.
As to noise reducers - remember you are not hearing a sound coming from the outside through your ear. It is comming from inside and changes all the time. When it does bother me like when I had fever, I just put music on through eaphones to overcome the tick.
My partner hears it more than I do, in bed and even accross the living room.

If you need your valve replaced, you are probably getting your life back. So there are some things you will need to cope with, this is one of them.

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Hello Sharon
The range for PT is 2.5-3.5 for mechanial valve but there are alot of us that are at high risk and rather have their's at 4.0. If you go to Al's sight you will get all this infor. Your Dr. should have given you a packet with all this stuff in it at the hosp. But I know people that was never given anything are told what any of this means. You have to do this for yourself because no one wants to take the time to explain.

 

[Ivyplace]

mechanical valve

mechanical valve

Thanks , I will check out his site , another member told me that was the place to check, I was not given anything about the coumadin except to be told they would be testing until I am leveled out and then the tests would be monthly or so. to watch my green vegetable, but with the nausea I am feeling, vegetables is the last thing I was to eat right now.

Thanks again
Sharon

 

[newarrior]

I am a 8 days into my St. Judes mechanical valve and still find it hard to ignore I was reassured by several at the hospital that as the valve area heals it will quiet down so does it?

Any updates ?

 

[newarrior]

I have tinnitus since 1996 and use pink noise apps on my phone/laptop to neutralize the tinnitus.

I am a lifelong severe insomniac and have major depression and anxiety so I meditate as often as I can which helps with sleep issues.

I also take a low dose/10 mg 20 if needed of Elavil/amiltriptylene for sleep depression and anxiety. Ativan and Xanax are great for sleep and anxiety issues but are addictive and habit forming and suppress REMS sleep.

I also sleep with AC all night as I live in hot and humid SE Asia. I am trying to make a valve choice and I dread a 2nd noise from a mechanical valve along with my tinnitus.

 

[tom in MO]

I have tinnitus since 1996 and use pink noise apps on my phone/laptop to neutralize the tinnitus.

I am a lifelong severe insomniac and have major depression and anxiety so I meditate as often as I can which helps with sleep issues.

I also take a low dose/10 mg 20 if needed of Elavil/amiltriptylene for sleep depression and anxiety. Ativan and Xanax are great for sleep and anxiety issues but are addictive and habit forming and suppress REMS sleep.

I also sleep with AC all night as I live in hot and humid SE Asia. I am trying to make a valve choice and I dread a 2nd noise from a mechanical valve along with my tinnitus.

You could see your success with sleeping with tinnitus as proof you can handle a mechanical valve. Valve noise is not as consistent as tinnitus and will change with time, getting quieter at least for me.

 

[Nick Drew]

Its there all the time day and night (ON-X) but as i have said before i am used to it now and just get on with it. I agree it can help you get to sleep but i would prefer it to be quieter. To sum up it becomes part of your new life and you live with it.