Non Sternotomy BAV replacement post op what did you feel?

[seabubble]

Hi Everybody - WOW this is a GREAT place for info!! Thanks!

I had a minimally invasive BAV replacement 8 days ago. My sternum wasn't cut at all. My incision is about one inch to the right of the sternum and is about a 4 inch cut across my right pec. Still having pain in my right shoulder blade when I cough. Still a little worn out to take showers but am doing my walks, eating well, taking my metaprolol and aspirin and drinking 1/2 caff and 1/2 decaf coffee. Incision still has glue on it along with pieces of the gauze that was over it originally (like it has eyelashes) and doc says with showers it will eventually fall off.

Any of you have this pain sort of at the bottom of the right shoulder blade? I first felt it after surgery before they took out my chest tube. Chest tube site is almost healed too.

Thanks for sharing with me. I can't seem to find out a lot about others who had this same type of cut.

Glad to be alive!!

 

[PetraS]

Hi SeaBubble,
I had a minimally invasive mitral valve replacement, same cut, only smaller, 0.5 inch and 2.5 inch. I felt very little pain, my ribs felt sore, the lower front, middle, side and back ribs. Surgery happened almost 4 months ago, still feel mild sensation when I sleep on my right side. I also experienced funky tingling (mild electric charges) on the right side of my chest, all around my right breast, nerve endings healing maybe?
What type of valve did you get?
Hope to see transcatheter method in our future!
Petra

 

[kailin]

Wow, seabubble and Petra, that's very good to hear and glad you're both healing so quickly.

I'm hoping I'm also a candidate for same kind of incision for my BAV.

 

[Paleowoman]

What makes a person a 'canditdate' for minimally invasive BAV as opposed to having the usual sternotomy BAV ?

Anne

 

[seabubble]

Hi everybody and thanks for your input! Anne - I'm not sure what makes a person a candidate for this type - I know you will have to find a surgeon who does this type of BAV and mine told me my echo would determine whether or not I got a ministernotomy or a non sternotomy. Good luck to you!

Petra - Congrats on your recovery! I got a piggy valve and am hoping in 10 years or so that the technology has improved even more.

Vickie