Valve noise experience

[Guest]

Hi all,

I had my second open heart surgery in January 2014 where an ON-X 25mm valve was inserted in the aortic position. It has been a quite different journey compared to my first surgery in 2006 I have to admit, where the aortic valve only was repaired. My main issue post surgery this time has solely been related to the "clicking noise", everything else has been beyond my expectations, feeling stronger than ever! I guess that's good news at least!

I know this topic has been covered in several threads on this forum, and as far as I understand most people tend to get used to the sound with time, and manage to tune it out. Unfortunately that has not been the case for me, so far. However, I have to admit that I have good "valve days" as well, sometimes I don't perceive the valve noise as disturbing, it's a 50-50 thing for me so far.

My question is basically whether any of you have been struggling with the "clicking noise" as long as I have (almost 2 years) and eventually managed to adapt to the sound/ tune it out? It seems to me that most people manage to get used to it within a few months?

My cardeologist claims that out all his patients with mechanical heart valves he has never had one who struggles with the noise long term.

Thanks a lot!

 

[pellicle]

Give it time. My ATS took a year or so to cease being notice and to tone down. I still feel it, but only in quiet times.

Best wishes

 

[almost_hectic]

Im only 8 weeks out from surgery and I can honestly say mines has gotten quieter since then. I noticed the change most after doing cardiac rehab for the first few weeks. I think getting stronger maybe meant my heart wasnt working as hard to pump. Everything seemed to quiet down, not just the noise of the tick but even the feeling of my heart pounding with every beat. I call that the jurassic effect, like when a t-rex walks and the world around him pounds with every step. Im so happy for the toning down of things. I too was worried about the noise and the feeling and if it would be the new norm for me. But it sounds like your 2 years out from surgery... wow, do you have any other complications going on? Like high blood pressure, or arrhythmia? Maybe some exercise is what might help you, give your heart a bit of a workload and get yourself stronger physically perhaps, not just feeling stronger... did you do any rehab after your surgery?