New here, and happy to have found this!

[MNmom]

Wow, I couldn't believe when I stumbled upon this site last night while searching for information on dilated aortic root and valve replacement. My background- aortic tissue valve put in when I was 20, and now after nearly 11 years it is time for the mechanical valve, AND a dacron graft for the root? The greatest unknown for me is the dilated root- since I have had the valve replaced before. This surgery coming up seems to be much more complicated...
I have two kids who will be 3 and 6 in July, and a wonderful marriage of nearly 8 years, and my biggest fear is not waking up! I have been inspired and relieved to read that there are many others going through this, as I was feeling like a rare case. I do not currently have symptoms, so it has been difficult to hear that my tissue valve is no longer good.
My surgery is looking like it will be in the second week in June. In the mean time, I can not strength train and need to keep my heart rate below 135 while on the eliptical. Anyone else have such restrictions before surgery even though feeling fine? Thanks for any and all advise and stories!

 

[Karlynn]

I just wanted to say "Welcome" MNmom. I'm glad you found us. I'm sure others will be along with more information on your specific questions.

 

[bvdr]

Hi MNmom! Welcome to our forum. As with almost everything else, there is some disagreement among the medical profession as to when is the optimum time to replace an aortic valve. The dysfunction of the valve itself can lead to the aortic root dilation. The change of the blood flow going through the valve aims the stream so that it increases the pressure on areas of the aortic wall and causes it to stretch out. Even without symptoms it seems very reasonable to replace the tissue valve before the damage is severe. The restrictions are very very common and it is in your best interest to adhere to them. Your family sounds wonderful and I expect all will go well and you will enjoy being with them for many years to come. Again, welcome, welcome, and welcome!

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Hi - I just wanted to say "Welcome" and i wish you the best of luck with your surgery when you have it. I haven't had surgery yet, myself, so i really have no advice, but i'm sure there will be lots of people here who will be able to help you.

Again, welcome and i'm sure you will be so happy that you found this group of really nice, caring people!

Dawn-Marie

 

[ctyguy]

Welcome to the site. You will find that lots of folks will come along with answers to your questions. My procedure was an AVR (mechanical) but I didn't have any other issues, only the valve so I can't offer you much help.

Its natural to be freaking out a bit at the thought of OHS, everyone goes through that but in looking at your age and the statistics around mortality you have very little to worry about. The waiting for the event itself I think is worse that the procedure and recovery. Once its over with then you can focus on getting well and getting back to chasing your kids around. Im 7 weeks post-op and am back in the gym lifting weights and running. I still can't do chest oriented lifting but otherwise I can do my full routine. Im still working my way back up to my pre-surgery weights however. Im also running now and am doing more than I could do pre-surgery so Im thrilled.

I was borderline severe in regards to my stenosis, cardiologist wouldn't put me on a treadmill for a stress test due to it. So if they are saying keep your heart rate under 135 then that is probably what you should do.

Good luck with your surgery and ask any questions pre/post that you have. This site has been a wonderful resource for me and Im sure you will get alot out of it as well.

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome. You will do fine as many here can attest. Be sure to let us know the date when you have it so we can put you on the calendar and cheer you over the mountain.

 

[Curtsmum]

Welcome to the forum and i wanted to wish you the best of luck for when you have surgery, take care.

 

[Kathleen]

Welcome from a MN mom and grandmother in MN also. My children were 3, 6 and 7 when I had my first surgery.....I live in Shakopee and if you need to shout out and I will find you and visit.
Kathleen

 

[Gusdog]

MNMom - Welcome. I certainly understand your trepidation, but I really don't think that replacing the root with the valve will complicate the surgery that much more. I'm 8+ weeks post-op from surgery to replace the valve, the entire ascending aorta and some of the arch (which really complicates the surgery), and it went off without a hitch. OHS is scary, as you well know from your first replacement, but they've gotten much better at it since your first op.

Thoughts and prayers are with you. The anticipation was the hardest part for me, as it was for most of the folks here.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome, MNmom. Sorry for the circumstances but glad you found us.

 

[marie]

Welcome and best of luck
Earline

 

[Bonzo Dog]

Hello MNmom, it's uplifting when you stumble in here via google isn't it? I did the same about a month ago and already feel among friends. You can't put a price on talking to those with a special shared experience.
Many forum members have experienced valve redos, I'm one of them. Although the circumstances were a little hairy, in many ways it was easier. You have the advantage of knowing what to expect. Focus on the positive and I'm sure all will go well.

 

[tcopel]

I was going through all the gritty clinical data rather grim faced on google searches when I came across this site accidently last year. As Bonzo says, it was refreshing to come across a little humanity with veteran OHS friends, all of whom have a great deal of empathy, and valuable day to day stuff that we may need to help make informed decisions and get by after the surgery.

My only restriction prior to my surgery was weight lifting, but aerobic was ok in my case.

As you have been through OHS previously, you kinda know the routine. Just be sure you surgeon is someone well expertised in dealing with the aortic root and possibly the aortic arch. Not all cardiothoracic surgeons who do valve replacements have the same degree of surgical experience in aortic work.

Welcome to VR. You are amongst friends

 

[weekycat]

Welcome from another Minnesota mom!

Welcome from another Minnesota mom!

Hi MNMOM,
I live in Princeton, MN and had a mitral valve repair done at Fairview Southdale almost 6 years ago. My youngest was only 5 years old at the time.
She missed me while I was in the hospital, but she actually memorized the 10 digit phone number so she could call me whenever she wanted to.

I think we all have the fear of not waking up after surgery, but generally speaking, most people actually do wake up, even though a lot of us woke up asking if anyone got the license plate number of the truck that ran us over!

It is very scary, but you will have the support of all of us here that have btdt and bought the t-shirt! (literally in some cases) Welcome aboard, and ask all the questions you want, someone will try to answer them and put your mind to ease as much as possible.

 

[MNmom]

how soon did you drive?

how soon did you drive?

Thanks for the warm welcomes and support! Fun to hear there are other moms, and others from MN! Here I was really feeling rare; I guess I can get over that! My kids are 2 and 5, with birthdays in July, and my surgery will likely be in June, so another big question in my mind is how I am going to manage a summer with two kids and not drive? How long before you all could drive? My cardiologist had prepared me for 2 months, but then the surgeon said, no, I could drive after I am off the narcotics- likely 2 weeks. WHat?! I had never heard of that before. Is is really possible to drive after 2 weeks?

 

[njean]

Thanks for the warm welcomes and support! Fun to hear there are other moms, and others from MN! Here I was really feeling rare; I guess I can get over that! My kids are 2 and 5, with birthdays in July, and my surgery will likely be in June, so another big question in my mind is how I am going to manage a summer with two kids and not drive? How long before you all could drive? My cardiologist had prepared me for 2 months, but then the surgeon said, no, I could drive after I am off the narcotics- likely 2 weeks. WHat?! I had never heard of that before. Is is really possible to drive after 2 weeks?

Welcome to the forum MNmom! I hope that your fears are somewhat "less" now that you've gotten to read many of our posts & know for a fact that life does go on after OHS!

After my last OHS, I was not allowed to drive for at least 6 wks & I really didn't feel like driving sooner than that to be truthful. I think 2 wks is too soon & be very careful too about not trying to pick up your little ones for quite a while. I know how hard that will be but they can still climb up on your lap & cuddle with you!

Best of luck to you & you will be in my prayers!

 

[pamela]

Thanks for the warm welcomes and support! Fun to hear there are other moms, and others from MN! Here I was really feeling rare; I guess I can get over that! My kids are 2 and 5, with birthdays in July, and my surgery will likely be in June, so another big question in my mind is how I am going to manage a summer with two kids and not drive? How long before you all could drive? My cardiologist had prepared me for 2 months, but then the surgeon said, no, I could drive after I am off the narcotics- likely 2 weeks. WHat?! I had never heard of that before. Is is really possible to drive after 2 weeks?

Prepare for 8 weeks but be happy if you can drive sooner and yes, impairment from narcotics makes it illegal to drive. Check your insurance coverage as well, you may very well not be insured until the sternum has had a minimum time to bond. I think my recovery to driving stage was quicker post #2 but it was still 6 weeks because of the sternum healing and chest soreness. I was only taking a single T3 at bedtime by the time I got home from hospital so pain meds were a non-issue.

The second time around it takes a special kind of fortitude to face OHS. I felt worse for my family than I did for myself and I think that's where the hard part really settles. They're doing this twice, too. You have excellent odds for recovery on your side and a team of family and doctors who are working towards making you well.

Take heart.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The "usual" recommendation is Not to Drive for 6 weeks, but many surgeons will relent to LIMITED Daytime Driving after 4 weeks, especially if it is difficult to arrange for a driver for follow-up medical appointments.

There are Several Concerns with pre-mature driving:

Damage to the healing sternum from excessive movement while turning or if an emergency / accident prevention maneuver is needed

Damage to the healing sternum if an Air Bag goes off.

Damage to the healing sternum if you are involved in an accident.

Liability / Insurance issues if you are deemed 'not fit to drive' or not released to drive by your surgeon.

You will also have a Restriction on Lifting, Pushing, or Pulling of 5 or 10 lbs. for Several Weeks, only GRADUALLY increasing that as your sternum heals.

This translates to NO PICKING UP OF YOUR CHILDREN for many weeks (maybe even a few months).

Recovery ALWAYS takes LONGER than we would like
and we (ALL?) probably want to 'get on with our lives'
before we are fully recovered. DO NOT GIVE IN to impatience.

NOTE: If the two sides of your sternum incision shift before they are fully congealed, it CAN prevent proper healing which may require another sternotomy to repair and you basically get to start the healing process all over again. At least one of our members reported a sternum that NEVER healed properly. That is NOT a good thing!

'AL Capshaw'