Nancy's Guestbook

I had a bovine valve replacement 4 years ago. I was a very fit, healthy woman, with no symptoms, and was a perfect candidate for the minimally invasive surgery, which I had, but someone in the "closing team" nicked an artery under my left breast and I nearly bled to death. They could not find the bleed, so back in I had to go and they cut my chest open a second time, 10 inches. The recovery is not the same for women as it is for men it would seem. I was in terrible pain for weeks after, and I was unable to sleep on my side for 3-1/2 years, and still find it uncomfortable. Although I am back to my exercising and healthy eating, I am still unable to wear a bra, as the band underneath, restricts my breathing. Whenever I take a deep breath, I always have discomfort, and it always feels as though something is restricting my deep breathing. Frankly, I am a bit disappointed and frustrated, that although my life has returned to an active, healthy one, due to my determination, I am constantly aware of post surgery discomfort. I don't know if this is because of all that blood that was circulating in my chest cavity, after the first operation, or because of having the 2 surgeries, and therefore it is bad scar tissue? I see my cardiologist 2/year, and so far all the tests I have, say the valve is operating "normally". I was initially told by the surgeon and also the cardiologist that my valve would last 30 years. I have recently turned 70, but all I am reading indicates, I shall be lucky if it lasts 15 years? On my last visit to my cardiologist, I met a very fit nurse, who had the complete surgery (not minimally invasive) 4 years ago, and she like me, can only wear camisoles, and has some discomfort. I truly believe that the recovery is simply not the same for men as it is for post menopausal women, with breasts that naturally pull against our chests! May I also recommend going to any post surgery physical therapy that is offered to you, and if you cannot find enough emotional support and understanding from friends and family, due to the fact that they cannot possibly truly understand how we "feel", seek a good therapist. Pamper yourself, and if you feel pathetic and emotional, frustrated or angry, just vent! I find that helps! I sincerely hope your recovery will be a lot quicker and easier than mine, as we did not have the same operating experiences! Most important thing to remember is that without the valve replacement, we could not live for long.

Hi Nancy, I understand your feelings of being scared. I had my mitral valve repaired using the DaVinci about 6 months ago. In the months leading up to it, I cried like there is no tomorrow because I was so scared. My doctor put it into perspective for me a few days before my surgery. He said, "No cry, it is fixable!" That is exactly what I needed to hear. I thought to myself that he is right; at least it wasn't cancer. In the big picture, the unknown is what scares people most. The breathing tubes were not a big deal. I was still pretty drugged up when the took it out of my throat. I didn't know that they would have my hands tied down , so that was a big surprise to me! The biggest issue that I had coming out of surgery is that I was so thirsty for an ice cold glass of water, but I couldn't have it because they said I would throw up. Eventually, they let me have a few sips of water and I was a happy gal. Looking back, it was not as scary as I thought it would be, thank the good Lord!!! I will keep you in my prayers!!!

Hi Nancy - our surgery is just a couple days apart but I felt exactly like you when my doctor first told me I needed heart surgery. I too was alone - and I have no one to come home to. But its amazing how many friends and family marched right in with support, love and encouragement. Though it seemed like such a long wait I ran out of times to actually sit and visit with everyone who called. God is great! And he will see us through this.....

Since you mentioned you are interested in a less invasive procedure, you probably will have to find a surgeon that offers less invasive. Surgeons who do not offer that option are famous for not referring even if you ask about it. You've already had the heart cath and all is clear, so that is a big plus as far as qualifying for a less invasive procedure. You could do an Internet search on minimally invasive heart surgery in your state and see if you get some leads. Then do searches on any surgeons you find interesting and call them up or email them. Sometimes you can get good info faster that way and then decide whether to see that doc. Probably the biggest difference between less invasive methods and sternotomy is the psychological factor. Sternotomy is just very scary in the mind. But in reality, people do extremely well with sternotomy surgery as you can see from many patients on this site. TIP - Some people raise the head of their bed on bricks or something as a temporary alternative to sleeping in a chair. Good health to you!

Hi Nancy, so glad you posted to me. Yes, our stories do sound similar - not prepared for it and didn't see it coming. Good luck with your second opinion. Reach out anytime. I like sharing my box of kleenex! :)

Hi Nancy I have just read your story and I totally understand your fears, I had my aortic valve replaced 8 months ago I am 73 yrs young and I am doing great ,you will receive all the information and reassurance from this site we have all been in your situation and being frightened is the norm, love your comment about your grandaughter I too love every minute I spend with my granchildren they are a wonderful tonic, stay strong Nancy you will be just fine x