Meredith Bray posted a note for Clare that says: I just spoke with my surgeon about rollercoasters, although they were the fun kind. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. This WILL get straightened out and you'll be feeling better and back to work!

Cami posted a note for Clare that says: Clare, any guesses why your BP is going so high? Mine is ok pre surgery, I take low dose of lisinopril. Was yours quite high pre-surgery?

Hope you get some good results from your new meds.

Tom in KC posted a note for Clare that says: Clare,
Welcome to my BP world. Mine was great for 6 weeks post surgery, then it went crazy up. The surgeon was slightly concerned, but told me to work with my primary or cardiologist. I went to my primary before going back to work today. He is increasing dosages for the short term.
I'll keep everyone posted on my journal entries.

Tom posted a note for Clare that says: BP is interesting. Prior to surgery I averaged 145/85 with medicine. Post surgery I average 110/60. No other changes. I guess the bicuspid valve and to messed up aorta had a huge influence on my BP. My wife and I think some of the swings up have been from salt intake (you know the bad stuff we shouldn't eat like some chips and popcorn at the movie).

Tom posted a note for Clare that says: That was not qualified medical advice, just sharing my experience.

Tom in KC posted a note for Clare that says: Clare,
My BP went sky high about 3 days post hospital. We tried a third BP med but it. Made me dizzy (it did not go too low, but it is one of he side effects of that BP med). I talked with the doctor that prescribed it and my primary and they agreed it did not make sense to keep taking it. Turns out it was likely that one of my normal BP meds had just not kicked back I yet.
I have since had 2 times that it went really high, but it only lasts for a few hours. So I 'm keeping track of it and I'm going to talk with the surgeon at the weeks visit. I think a few others have seen this. I journaled on it about 2 weeks ago.

Peter Willard posted a note for Clare that says: Clare I had a bovine valve Feb.2010 for a bicuspid aortic.I read Adam Pick had the Ross operation maybe that is better and last longer.

Jim Jones posted a note for Clare that says: Clare:
This is all good news. The second month is certainly the better month of the first two. Enjoy the indoor track and think of Spring and running. All the best!

Maureen Hoganson posted a note for Clare that says: Hi Clare--Glad to hear that you are doing well. Yes, it's wonderful to be on this side of the surgery! Am 46 and I, too, had a bicuspid aortic valve that I thought would last longer than it did, but after an echo last summer, found that the stenosis had increased--due to having a leaky valve. I was a bit in shock that they needed to replace it when they did, but surgeons at both the Clevelend Clinic and Vanderbilt said it was time. Basically, they said my heart could not be restarted if it stopped for any reason due to the .7 opening. It is encouraging to find others with similar experiences on this site. I did not know of any women my age that had bicuspid valves--and had to go through open heart surgery until I found this site. I opted for a tissue valve (Trifecta) because I didn't think I would do well on blood thinners required with a mechanical valve. Best to you--and prayers on a successful continued recovery!

Tom in KC posted a note for Clare that says: Clare,
I have only been able to walk outside one time since my surgery on Dec 27th.
That was 3 Sunday's ago. Really tired of the snow and cold. Our daughter Laura says you all have had pretty much the same weather as us.
Keep walking however you can. Are you doing cardio rehab (treadmill and bike).
Tom

Susan Smith posted a note for Clare that says: Clare, sounds like you are doing great. 😊. Hope the weather gets better. Keep up the good work. Have a great day.

Frances Aguirre posted a note for Clare that says: Hi Clare, It is great to hear that you are doing great. I have surgery for BAV on feb 18th. I am very nervous. :(

Tom in KC (Lee's Summit) posted a note for Clare that says: Clare,
Good to have you aboard on the journal (journey). I had my aorta and aorta valve replaced on Dec 27th. 5 weeks ago today. I've known about mine since I was 8 years old. The condition of the aorta got to the point of having surgery this winter. The journal has been a great tool for learning and sharing. I hope you use it.
I've been doing cardio rehab for 2 weeks now. Plan to do it for the rest of the winter.
FYI: my daughter, son-in-law and grand daughter live in Wentzville. Maybe we will cross paths someday and share surgery and recovery stories.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Clare that says: Clare,
Sounds like you had the same thing I had. I had my surgery about a month after you did.....Oct. 8. What did the surgeon actually fix in your surgery? You can read my journal if you want to compare.
How are you feeling now? It is so nice to correspond on this site since everyone here REALLY understands! Look forward to hearing from you.