Please help w/two (primarily) AVR questions

[Susan BAV]

Hello all -

My husband thinks that many people bounce back after 2-3 weeks, or maybe a couple of months, following AVR while I had the impression that it takes several months to fully recover, if not longer. So my FIRST QUESTION is: I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences of your recoveries (and any difficulties to look out for), especially the length of time it took for you to recover.

Also, I'm a (41-year old) bicuspid, and it needs replaced, and the aorta is in some stage of aneurysm and the mitral valve may need repaired/replaced now too. So my SECOND QUESTION is for those of you with similar health issues: Do you know if abdominal aneurysms tend to occur with these circumstances also? I can't find any information on this subject.

Thanks, in advance, for your feedback and best wishes!

~Susan

 

[Ross]

6 weeks or longer is more realistic before resuming most daily activities. It will take 1 full year to recover. Everyone recovers at different rates, so it's hard to predict. This is also if there are no complications or set backs. If you do too much too soon, your asking for trouble and you'll prolong your own recovery.

My own recovery is not a good one to gauge with as it was far from normal. If you want to talk worst case scenarios, then I'll tell you about mine. I see no need to right now though.

As far as the aneurysm question. Unless you've been diagnosed with Marfan's Syndrome, it's very unlikely that another aneurysm will show up anywhere else. I'm not saying it's not possible, but highly unlikely.

 

[fyrfytr]

Hi Susan,
I am 5 months out from my AVR and aneurysm repair and I can still tell when I over do it. Like Ross said, everyone will heal at a different pace.

My Cardiologist told me that he thinks my aortic aneurysm was caused because of the narrowing of the aortic valve which caused the blood to hit the aorta wall like a jet stream. I hope this helps you out some.
Have A Great Week!

Dave
___________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[Nancy]

I have watched my husband recover from many thoracic surgeries. It's just as Ross has said. 6-8 weeks to feel human, and 6 months to a year to feel like you're your old self.

This is major, major surgery. It involves bone healing, tissue, muscle and nerve healing, and emotional healing.

You will not be allowed to lift anything until your surgeon OKs it, because the sternum has to heal together. You will not be allowed to drive until your surgeon OKs it. This is usually around 6-8 weeks.

You will feel weak and terribly tired for at least 4 weeks and even longer. You will be sore for quite a while. You may not be able to sleep lying down for several weeks.

The first two weeks, you will need the help of another person almost 24/7. Your appetite will not be good for a couple of weeks.

This surgery cannot be compared to anything else unless it's major, major surgery. It's not like an appendectomy.

That's why this website is so valuable. we all understand what this is about.

Would your husband be interested in becoming a member? He could ask any questions here and would get honest answers from many people who have walked the walk. He might even enjoy it.

 

[Tom F.]

As has been said, everyone is different when it comes to recovery. My surgery was on Dec. 20, 2002. My first night out to dinner was a mere 12 days later. Food tasted a bit wierd, but it was good to get out. My first trip back to the gym was six weeks to the day after my surgery. I was under doctor's order not to lift much, so I didn't. But frankly, I doubt that I had the strength to lift much. But I could still do a little, and I started building myself up from there. As I write this it is nine months post-op. I feel fine and my doc visits have all gone well, but when I really push myself physically, I mean really hit it, I can feel that I tire out sonner than I used to. The difference is subtle. But I can feel it. Recovery from this surgery seems to occur in steps. One week. Six weeks. Three then six months. I have heard several people say that the last step hits at about 10-11 months. So, that is what I am working towards.

 

[Birky]

recovery

recovery

I am almost 7 mos. post op and have to agree that it is taking longer than I anticipated. I went back to work parttime in 5 weeks and full time in 8. My energy level is so much better than before the surgery but I still do get pooped out if I over do it. I had some sternal wires removed as an outpatient last Thurs. and this did take me for a loop. I slept 21 hours out of 24 on Friday and Saturday and still do not feel quite right. I think the sternum is more sore than it was after the OHS. I was told that after 6mos. that the wires grow into the tissue and the bone and this is why it is so sore. It is hard to find a comfortable position in which to sleep. I thinnk it will get better just as it had before. He removed the 3 bottom wires so I have 5 left. It is amazing what they can do to you and you still get up and go home. One minute you are in recovery and the next you are eating crackers and getting dressed to go home. It was a very long 60 miles home. Glad it is all over with. I had help for 2 weeks after I got home.I am so thankful for my Mom, husband and children. They were all checking on me daily and doing what needed to be done. Once I started driving, it was a little easier. Let me drive in 4 weeks. You just have to take one day at a time,

 

[Gerry Dorrian]

Each day is a little different

Each day is a little different

Susan,
I'm about 3 and a half months out from AVR now and while over all I feel pretty good I have days when afib can mess me up. I stayed out of work for 2 months and felt a bit guilty the last week or two at home but I'm now glad I didn't hurry back. After the second day back everyone seems to forgets why you were out. The phone starts to ring, people need things done, everyone around you is up to their eyeballs in work and you just get swept up in the pace around you.
You shouldn't plan to hurry back to your normal responsiblities until YOU are ready. And remember, just because you feel great for a couple of days don't assume that you won't have an off day.

Gerry

 

[tommy]

Everyone's pace is different.........I felt pretty good at about 6 weeks and real good after 3 months of cardiac rehab. I didn't rush back to work, and once at work, tried not to get overloaded. I was a full year or more before I wanted to resume a real energetic pace at work.

I highly recommend regimented rehab under the care of cardiac professionals that montor vital signs as you go. Not only did that aid in healing the body, but it taught me to be patient. I also received education on heart function and diet.

My greatest difficulty was taking too much Coumadin in the second week. It was my fault (and pretty stupid). I should have asked for help while I was in the "invalid" stage.

Good luck to you.

 

[Kevin M]

Nancy got it right

Nancy got it right

I have watched my husband recover from many thoracic surgeries. It's just as Ross has said. 6-8 weeks to feel human, and 6 months to a year to feel like you're your old self.

This is major, major surgery. It involves bone healing, tissue, muscle and nerve healing, and emotional healing.

You will not be allowed to lift anything until your surgeon OKs it, because the sternum has to heal together. You will not be allowed to drive until your surgeon OKs it. This is usually around 6-8 weeks.

You will feel weak and terribly tired for at least 4 weeks and even longer. You will be sore for quite a while. You may not be able to sleep lying down for several weeks.

The first two weeks, you will need the help of another person almost 24/7. Your appetite will not be good for a couple of weeks.

This surgery cannot be compared to anything else unless it's major, major surgery. It's not like an appendectomy.

That's why this website is so valuable. we all understand what this is about.

Would your husband be interested in becoming a member? He could ask any questions here and would get honest answers from many people who have walked the walk. He might even enjoy it.

 

[Kevin M]

Whoops

Whoops

I meant to quote only the part, "6-8 weeks to feel human and a year to feel like your old self".
k

 

[rcatalano]

Susan,

I'm a month after my 2nd AVR. I feel pretty good, but not good enough to go back to work. My chest, base of my neck and upper back are still 'not right'. Sometimes I think the surgeon left his scapel somewhere in my chest. I can get tired easily, but have been walking several times per day, total of 3 to 4 miles.

I'm 45 years old. My first AVR was when I was 31. I remember bouncing back pretty quickly from that one, though I couldn't say exactly how long. I did have some bouts of A-fib, including a trip to the emergency room, after the first AVR. That was from DOING TOO MUCH TOO SOON!

I think it best to plan for the worst and hope for the best. If you plan on being out 8-12 weeks, its easy to come back early if things go well. If you plan on being back in 4 weeks, it may cause undue stress...

 

[Gisele]

Well.................

Well.................

my surgery was 21 years ago, and if I recall properly it took me about 4-6 weeks before I felt decent, and at the three month marker I was feeling stronger. I would have to say in all honesty at least one year before I really felt good.

My last surgery even though it wasn't open heart is taking me a while. My stomach is still upset (anesthesia seems to do this to me-I lost 25lbs with OHS) I am 7 weeks post-op right now and I am still struggling to feel better. I tire very easliy and lay down most afternoons. I still cannot drive but that is OK as I am too tired. I hate to think what OHS next time around will be like for me...........guess this body is getting old! LOL

 

[wweir]

Susan.

I am 14 months since my first and hopefully last AVR. I was able to return to work 3 and a half weeks after the surgery, but I have a job that is mostly associated with desk work. In addition the day time tv almost drove me mad.

While I did return to work early I have to agree that 6-8 weeks is probably best and even today I find that if I sleep in a position too long I get a slight twinge.

I also think the way to get back in gear the quickest is to get out and walk-walk-walk. I would also encourage you to look into re-hab programs at the hospital.

There is lots of good advice on this site so ask your questions freely and often.

Walter

 

[Ross]

Walter you should've watched more Spongebob then you'd of thought T.V. was alright.

 

[csutherland]

Jerry's AVR was in Feb, 2002; the 2nd surgery (pericardial window) a few weeks later. He was 65 and had just retired. I thought he had done real well for the most part, but just in the past 3 weeks or so I've noticed a marked change in him. He's not taking the afternoon naps, he's working about as hard as before the surgery. He's not a desk man--he does real physical work. One day recently I asked him if he was feeling better and he said he feels pretty much back to pre-surgery. He was one of those people who had to be talked into having the surgery in the first place because he didn't have any huge symptoms.

Anyway, in his case I guess you could say full recovery took about 1 1/2 years.

 

[rajeevg]

Susan

Every one's case is different. I am 43 years old.
I had my AVR done on 8 April 03.
Discharged from hospital 22 April 03
Work from home 5 May( part time)
Started full time working from 19 May
Taken an over seas trip India to US 2nd of June
Taken another trip end of July and August.
Restored 1 hour walk in August.
I am quite happy and feeling good.
God's grace things have worked out well for me. I feel I have more energy now. I work 10 hours a day ( though it is a desk job)
I hope they work out well for you too.

Rajeev

 

[Jean]

Susan,

I usually refrain from posting on these questions lately. I had such a positive experience with the surgery and recovery, I feel stupid or pollyannish when compared to others' reports.

Anyway, I needed the surgery so badly that even on the 3rd day when I went with my husband in the hospital, I was astounded at how good I felt. Yes, I had ouchies, but I could breathe and had no tightening pain in my chest. I had a small stroke during surgery and had a pretty useless left hand, but am luckily right handed...can you believe how difficult it is to put socks on or button your jeans one handed. I came home (a five hour drive) on day 5 and took a nice warm shower and washed my hair. Slept in my own bed and by week 3 or 4 tried sleeping on my side with pillows around me. Soon got back on my stomach where I always much prefer to sleep...it was ouchy getting up, but ok lying down. I walked everyday...getting up to my normal (before getting sick) 2 - 3 miles a day at about 8 weeks. I took naps and didn't return to teaching until 3 months. I started doing light chores on the 2nd day home. By end of first week home I could do everything except lift and clean the water buckets. Had to hay, flake by flake. I was lucky...no lingering damage to heart. I relished getting back into the flow of things. The intermittant twinges were noisome, but not incapacitating.
I'd say at a year, I was better than before surgery.

Good luck to you and God bless.

 

[Susan BAV]

Thank you all for your helpful comments!

Thank you all for your helpful comments!

Thanks, everyone -

I really appreciated reading your experiences. I had read some posts lately about pleursy (sp? - or something like that) and CHF and loose sternum wires and loose "catgut" poking through and several other even worse things that can occur after the surgery and this all kind of worried me. I recovered from the last surgery pretty quickly, but I was eighteen years old, too (and they went in through the back for that repair; they didn't saw any bones apart). Especially, I want to know that I'm going to feel much better after the new valve, etc., but I know there is no guarantee on that.

I got a call yesterday scheduling an angiogram for this Friday, so I'll probably have something more concrete to plan for after that gets "read" or whatever.

And my (kind) husband explained that he was trying to be encouraging by his thoughts (hopes) regarding recovery times. (He is!)

Thanks again, very much, and best wishes, ~Susan

 

[Nancy]

Hi Susan-

You are going to be reading all kinds of things on this site, because there are so many people and all have a different set of problems. It doesn't mean that any of this stuff will happen to you. The vast majority of folks here have had few problems, and if they did, they were easily resolved. Even with some of the more difficult ones, things have eventually worked out.

Please remember that there are people here who have had multiple surgeries, or who have had multiple medical problems. Their stories are pretty hard reading. One of them is my husband. But that's not you.

Everything will work out for you just fine. You will feel much better than you have in a long time, after your body heals.

 

[medtronic of borg]

Recovery time

Recovery time

ask yourself what is your definition of the word "recovery"?