Cherilyn's Guestbook

hi cherilyn i have the same fear of how this operation will affect my sleeping on my stomach i always sleep on my stomach but sometimes i start out sleeping on my side and wind up on my stomach i hope it won't be that bad i am thinking about maybe a electric recliner with lots of pillows and it will also help me get up and down from a sitting position hope this will help you and others thanks steve

Cherilyn, if you're still concerned, I am 18days post op and I keep waking up on my stomach in the morning and it seems to be ok. I start on my side with a soft pillow up against my chest and it feels like I am on my chest. It makes a big difference although it wasn't that bad initially on my back.

It is May 7th one year ago yesterday I had my mitral valve replaceded. I am so glad I had it done. I was a little apprehensive as I got closer to the surgery date. I thought am I doing the right thing I don't really feel that bad do I want to do this? I feel really good now my blood pressure is perfect. The one draw back I got the metal valve replacement, so have to take blood thinner the rest of my life. Which isnt that big of deal really. I'm only 62 was 61 at the surgery being that young took the metal valve over the tissue for logivity. Didn't realize how much discomfort I was having til the valve was replaced feel so much better. I normally sleep on my left side I have sleep apnea and that is the best sleeping position for me. Couldn't get all the way on my side for probably 5 months still put to much pressure on my chest but lying on your stomach might not be as much pressure, but getting in that position without hurting yourself might take awhile. Good luck to you

Cherilyn, It took me about 4-5 weeks to be able to sleep on my side. It took another 3-4 weeks to sleep on my stomach. Your sternum needs to be 100% healed for that to feel comfortable.Don't fret about it, you will be back to normal before you know it. My own surgery was 8 months ago and I've been "normal' for the past 3 months.

I had aortic valve replacement 15 months ago.I thought I was just experiencing heart failure and my small town doctors seemed to concur. I asked for a second opinion at which point i travelled to Houston to the Debakey Heart Center. I was diagnosed immediately with Aortic valve failure. We set surgery for two weeks hence and I went home to get my affairs in order. Somewhere in this process I began to pray to God for the courage to let go and accept whatever outcome I was dealt. By the time I arrived in Houston I was not stressing at all. I spent sometime visiting with other patients who had completed the procedure and helped motivate them to get up and walk. I never did experience much pain although I was on pain pills the first 3 days. This has truly been a miracle for me. I am told that my mitral valve is leaking moderately. Possibly I will have to do another procedure. I am 67 years old. God Bless all of you waiting for your surgery.

The worst part for me was being diagnosed 5 years ago with an aortic aneurysm and playing the waiting game. It did help establishing a rapport with my wonderful Mayo Clinic surgeon 4 years ago. He monitored the size of my AAA. It also helped to get on this wonderful website whenever I felt down since it was very hard to talk about it with my coworkers and family all the time. When the surgery was finally scheduled Oct. 2013 I found I was calm, organized and at peace. People couldn't get over how calm I was ....but I had 5 years to prepare for it. So for me I was happy to be on the other side of surgery and be able to get back to swimming, working out and using weights again. Gods blessing to you and your family.

Cherilyn, I'm a stomach sleeper and 8 weeks out from surgery (I had a partial sternotomy and aortic valve replacement). I am still on my side, although I keep trying my stomach. Still a bit too much pressure on the incision site for me, but I would guess I only have a few more weeks on my side. Before surgery, get a pillow and hug it while you sleep. I found that this really helped - I say before surgery because then you'll have some practice! Good luck!

It's funny what we get concerned about. I too am a stomach sleeper and I am having my surgery on May 15th. So I got myself a wedge and some very soft pillows and I practice resting that way each day hoping to get used to it. I am finding that some mornings I wake up on my back and so that's encouraging. I also have sleep apnea so back sleeping isn't such a good idea but if that's my biggest problem I'll consider myself lucky!

Cherilyn, I am a stomach sleeper, 55 years old, had Aortic valve replaced (On-X mechanical valve) and Aortoplasty 2/4/14. Full sternotomy, and at 11 weeks post-op still cannot sleep on stomach. It's getting close, so should be soon. It will depend on the sternotomy. That is full, or partial. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Everyone heals differently, don't worry. Faith and a loving supportive family will get you through. You will learn a lot about yourself and life, I know I did. You WILL BE FINE PS Welcome to "The Club"

Hi Cherilyn, I'm almost 74 years young and had to have surgery to replace a torn leaflet that was causing blood to flow into my lungs. This was done March 11 of this year. So far, so good. Since I am thin they did not have cut my chest, but instead were able to go between the ribs, therefore very small incision. Recovery went smoothly. Some went smoothly. Some discomfort but no pain I am also a stomach sleeper and it took me about 2 weeks to get there. I would also suggest renting a power recliner from a surgical supply company. for at least a month, maybe 2 They were great when I had some sleeping issues. Got me through the night. Also great for taking naps. Surround yourself with a good group of doctors and you will be okay. Good Luck.