Volume of my TICK

[Raecee]

I'm just curious but a few months ago someone mentioned that her husband's tick ( also has a valve replaced ) gets more pronounced the higher his stress level is. I really didn't give it any thought, but over time I have come to wonder if it is possible. It has been almost 11 months since I recieved my new mechanical mitral valve, and my tick's volume is never the same.. even my family notices at times. Some nights I cannot sleep because the tick is so pronounced. Anyone else have that problem ? Does the volume HAVE to do w/ the stress levels ?

 

[geebee]

I think if stress has anything to do with noticing the tick, it's because your heartrate usually goes up if you are stressed. Noise from a faster beat might be more obvious because it is a variation from the norm.

I have not noticed a change in the volume per se. I do notice the tick more when I am under water in my pool honing my scuba skills. The noise seems to be everywhere and very loud. But, when I get out, the level is the same as always. So, I am sure some situations may create the impression that the volume is louder when it is really the surroundings.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[tommy]

I don't knwo about stress. I think that certain positions yeild louder volume. Maybe it's proximity to bones that act like a sounding board.

 

[Emma]

As Chloe is still only 5, I'm not sure if stress makes her tick louder, but it does sound more if she takes a deep breath (normally only when shes asleep). And as a normal 5 year old, she does get very energetic and makes her heart race at times from running herself ragged but I've still noticed no difference in the loudness of her valve. As Gina says, I have noticed it when we've been swimming, I can feel it when I'm not even holding her in a swimming pol - wierd! lol
I notice her ticking more when I'm holding her against me, then it feels like its in me too, or when shes asleep but I think thats only cos its quiet then, other than that, its not too loud at all - she says she can 'hear it in her head', but then shes had the valve since she was 18 months old so she doesnt really know the difference.
Sorry i can't help on the stress thing - I am quite good at waffling though! lol

Love Emma
xxx

 

[Raecee]

Thanks for all your thoughts.... I guess I just need to know that although I'm not always stressed, it is a factor in my life. I also have hypertension, taking AceOn, and am likely to worry about so much. My Husband has been wonderful to me, but is more likely to think because the surgery is over.. so is the situation. I have tried to get him more involved and tried several times to get him to look over this site, but to no avail. It is nice to know that even though we have this as a part of our lives, there is always someone here to listen.

Guess, I'll check w/ my cardiologist about it , but will do my best from here on out to just calm down and just listen to the tick tick tick. I find myself counting them at night.. nearly like counting sheep lol.

Rachel

 

[Granbonny]

Rachel

Rachel

I can mention what may help you sleep at night..A revolving fan. on a high stand...I went to visit my Dad 6 weeks post-op...( mama had died 5 months earlier) and I had not been to visit with him in several months..The bedroom that I slept in had that type of fan. Turned it on..and I think I slept all night..never hearing my tick=tock You don't want it to blow on you constantly..........After 3 years I mainly can hear it when I first get up..moving around feeding cats, ect...bathroom (quiet room)ect... When I quit running around..it gets quiet again. Bonnie

 

[Harpoon]

Generally from what I've read (and experienced) the main variations in volume level for an artificial valve seem to be:

• Age of the artificial valve (that is, the time elapsed post-implantation, valves that are three months old tend to be louder than valves that are three years old etc.)
• Size of the individual (more body mass may dampen sounds)
• Heart rate and/or blood pressure

Most people find it takes a while to adapt to the sound of the valve before they can get a decent night's sleep after surgery, same with whomever might be sleeping with them post-op....

Sometimes my valve is louder if I'm sick, especially if I have a fever. Stress can sometimes bring it up, sometimes it's just beating more often, not neccesarily louder.