Homecoming Question – What About Walking Up And Down Stairs?

Hi Carolyn,

I too was concerned about the stairs following my open heart surgery on January 15, 2008. I had a total resection of my ascending aorta due to a 4.9 cm aortic aneurysm and an aortic valve repair. My bedroom is upstairs and I was concerned about tackling the stairs. My discharge instructions said to only go up and down the stairs once a day for the first week after getting home and to only take one step at a time. Realistically, this did not happen! I was going up and down the stairs several times a day from the first day home, albeit very slowly at first. Just take it easy and definitely hold onto the hand rail…all the pain meds and fluctuations in blood pressure can make you a bit dizzy so just be careful and take it easy but you should be just fine! Others have said that they set up a place downstairs like a recliner or couch with lots of pillows to hang out to avoid going up and down the stairs. I didn’t find it that difficult but again, just take it slowly, use the hand rail and let your family wait on you hand and foot…I am 12 weeks post-op now and the luxury of not cooking, not cleaning, etc. is gone….but I am so glad to be feeling better! Best wishes to you!

I have had heart surgery this year and it seems to have been a complete success. I have also had a “piggy valve” implanted and the day after surgery, I felt like a new man. No pain, no breathlessness, no complaints. Although I had heart arrythmia for two weeks which had to be cured through Cardioversion, I was up and walking within a few days and two months later, I was walking around and doing my shopping better than I had been able for years, even being able to walk up the stairs in our apartment house, five very high floors.
I am still a little breathless after long walks and especially when doing my shopping, but I am prepared to have the same surgery again and know it will be even better in the future. The main reason I decided on my piggy valve was because I did not want to have to take Marcumar, a blood thining medication and risk that a small accident could end up fatal because the blood clotting time was extended.

I haven’t heard of anyone having my situation. I have mitral valve stenosis, I need that and one other valve replacement. Saw a surgeon and he really scared me, I need to see another I think. Has anyone had this type of placement and how did that go? I need some encouragement (actually lots). I’m 72 and would have to have the mechanical valve. Thanks!