Wendy's Guestbook

Hello Wendy, I hope everything went well for you and you feel much better. I am looking forward to hearing your experience as I will have the same operation..(aortic valve replacement and aorta repair.)

best wishes 

Wendy,

Hi! I’m Daneen and I received the exact same surgery on    4-22-24. I also was monitored since I was young.

My mom was one of the initial studies at Cleveland clinic in the late 50’s early 60’s when her rheumatic fever destroyed her bicuspid valve.

So, I knew I had aortic stenosis since I was a teenager, slowly progressing to then finding I had mitral valve prolapse and a coarctation of the aorta in my late 30’s, to finding I had an aneurysm in my 40’s. Then in my late 40’s realizing my stenosis was progressing. When I was 51, it was time for surgery.

I received a porcine biological valve and resection of my aortic aneurysm and root.
They were going to repair my mitral valve if necessary but said it was mild regurgitation,

My surgery went well and I’m back to teaching full time, since August of 2024.

Hopefully they will take care of your atrial appendage so you don’t get post surgery a-fib. They said mine was too small and hard to get to. If they can clip yours it will hopefully save you from having to deal with it post surgery like I’ve had to, unfortunately. It’s a complex thing, though.

Also, after surgery my mitral valve progressed to moderate regurgitation which sucks. But, they do what they are able to do at the time of the surgery.

You will be just fine! Every day after will be better than the day before and before long you will be rocking it!

Please reach out any time with any questions or concerns! You are in my prayers tomorrow! All will go well! Deep breath, and then it will be over!

That pillow will be your friend, eat those ice chips, and you will be on the road to recovery!

Take care and blessings for a smooth recovery,

Daneen

Good luck and I know the folks at Duke will take excellent care of you.  I had an AVR almost  11 years ago in Greenville NC.  Porcine valve, so I am looking at another surgery at some point.  I will be thinking of you and sending prayers your way.  ❤️

Yes Wendy, get a recliner. I has heart valve repair 5 years ago and it was a necessity for recovery. You will have a hard time getting in out out of your bed. 

I experienced better accommodation using a zero gravity patio chair with additional padding for arm and headrests plus a fitted sheet. I practiced getting into and out of chair prior to surgery and took the chair with me to the hotel for short term recovery.

I also am 61 and had a bicuspid valve I wasn’t aware of. I had aortic valve replacement and aorta repair on Sep 30. Recovery for me has gone well. Sound sleep is the most challenging, but I just take one day at a time. Solid support system has helped a lot. Prayers for successful surgery.

Hi Wendy I used a recliner for about 4 weeks then sporadically. Highly recommend one. And as others have pointed out, we have an adjustable base for the bed which was also very nice since it was helpful to have a little elevation for many more weeks. 

Get a recliner. I’ve had 3 open heart valve surgeries and used the recliner for each. No problem sleeping in the recliner, but one that is larger/roomier than you might normally select is very helpful. I was alone most days in early recovery, and the recliner made it easy to get up and be self-sufficient.

I already had a nice leather, Queen Anne style  recliner and it came in handy the 1st few weeks if I woke up in the middle of the night. Everyone is different, but I also have allergies and scoliosis, so a recliner is a must. One year after open heart surgery, I can walk 3.5 mph at 73!

Hi Wendy!  Everyone’s recovery is individual.  That said, I had open heart surgery last October at age 72 for mitral valve.   Decided before surgery date to buy a power recliner instead of renting one.  Figured by the time I paid for perhaps 2 months rental it would approach cost to buy one I’d found in a local famous furniture store’s outlet.  After successful repair surgery, I sat, rested and slept in it for several months as I wasn’t allowed to push or pull myself up to get out of a regular bed.  Made recliner comfortable enough for sleeping w pillows and soft blankets.  Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do.

Hi

I traveled for my heart surgery. I rented a recliner from Cloud of Goods for the hotel room and I had one waiting for me at home ( I rented it prior to me leaving). I recovered alone and it really helped me. It is easier to sleep with your upper body elevated than flat. The hospital bed can be elevated but if you try to sleep flat or get up from a flat position it is challenging-you can test it out before you are discharged from the hospital. At about 6 weeks, I transitioned to a wedge pillow in my bed which can be bought at Target. 

I wish you well. 

Absolutely! A life saver. We found a leather, great condition electric recliner at a thrift furniture store. It even matched my ‘man cave’ coloring. So good. Slept in it for months as I healed up. 

Hello Wendy,

Renting a recliner was a must have for my first aortic valve replacement but on the second valve ( 8 years later) replacement I had an adjustable bed which worked great for me.  I wish you well.

I slept in my recliner for several weeks after my valve repair surgery. Just didn't feel comfortable lying down in bed. Be sure to try it out first to make sure you feel comfortable enough sleep in it.

Wendy i had the exact same surgery and ABSOLUTELY get a recliner. Be sure it is electric so it will help you out of it when needed.  Mine was from Svago and worked out great. It replaced a manual recliner;  I slept in mine for about 5 weeks as I was unable to get out of bed on my own.  The Chair raised me and the arm rests allowed me to push myself up.  If you plan on ever going to the bathroom during recovery, DO IT .  BTW as you get older, your ascending aorta will be the only part of you that will not wrinkle!(Looking for a plus here)  Best of luck!!

OMG, cody is so cute with his little gumby toy. They give so much, and ask so little. Thank you for sharing that picture. And welcome to the site. There are some great people here. Me included. As i write this i am sitting on the couch with mr. shadow by my side and there is a picture of my beloved cassie on the mantle looking down on us. She will forever be in my heart, pun intended.