Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

I just received an email from Kevin about the use of recliners after heart valve surgery.

Kevin writes, “Hi Adam - At 58 years of age, it’s finally time to get the valve fixed. My aortic stenosis is now severe so I’m preparing for the surgery - both mentally and physically. One quick question for you… Does it make sense to use a recliner instead of regular bed during the early part of the recovery? I hear it can be pretty painful getting out of a regular bed. Thanks, Kevin”

This is a fantastic question for patients and their caregivers to consider. Plus, I give Kevin alot of credit for proactively thinking about what happens when patients return home from the hospital.

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Karen just sent me an excellent question about breast support after open heart surgery.

She writes, “Adam - Okay, so I’m going in for heart valve surgery due to severe mitral regurgitation next week. Ummm. I know you didn’t have any issues with this. But, can your female readers help me better understand bra use after surgery? I have fairly big boobs (not to be too graphic) and I imagine the incision might be impacted by that. What should I expect? Yes, I’m very embarrassed right now. Thanks, Karen.”

First off, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. If I can share my stories about urinary catheters and Full Monty body shaves, hearing about Karen’s big boobs is no shocker.

Second, Karen raises a GRREEEEAAAAATTT point. And, she’s right. I can’t really help her answer this question. But, I have asked several female readers about their experiences with bra use and breast support after open heart surgery. Here is what some of them had to say.

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I just received a very interesting question from Rick about dizziness after heart valve surgery.

Rick writes, “Adam - On August 7, 2009, I had mitral valve repair surgery. Two weeks after surgery I am home and walking four times per day around our neighborhood. Everything feels good except when I first stand up from a sitting position.  I get dizzy even when I stand up slowly. Do other patients experience this? Thanks, Rick”

To answer Rick’s question, I can share that I too had bouts of dizziness after heart valve replacement surgery. The dizzy spells were very similar to how Rick described it… When standing up, I would become slightly off-balance for one or two seconds.

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Josh has an interesting set of questions regarding keloid scars and sternal wires.

As you can read below, Josh is specifically looking for help from our blog readers. If you can help him, please leave a comment. Here is what Josh writes:

Hey Adam-

Things are going great 5 months after my aortic valve replacement and ascending aortic graft.  Most of the unpleasant sensations have subsided to a very manageable level. However, I do have an issue that I wanted to ask you and the blog members about…

I have two problem areas on my incision site that I saw my surgeon about today.  First, the bottom of my scar has a fairly large raised keloid (shown below) which is very sensitive to the touch.

Second, the top of my scar has a prominent bump that turns out to be part of the sternal wires that were used to fuse the bone that are sticking out.  Most of the time these wires are left in place, but my surgeon said they could do a removal.  He further added that if we were going to remove the wires, he’d have a plastic surgeon consult and help with the re-closure of the incision so as to try to avoid the keloid problem again.

Has anyone had any experiences with one or both of these issues?  My symptoms are not intolerable, but they are fairly uncomfortable.  I’m not looking forward to another surgery, but my understanding is that it’s a fairly simple outpatient procedure.

Thanks and hope all’s well,

Josh

P.S. To leave Josh a comment, please click here.