4 Day to go. I'll be having my aortic valve replaced at Cleveland Clinic. I still have no symptoms, but the valve area is down to 1.0 cm2 and I have severe AR. Dr. Gost Petterrson is the surgeon. It's been 18 years of watchful waiting with ultrasounds every six months or so. I'm 68 and the Drs say there will never be a better time to get this done. The aortic route is normal size, and I have no other history of heart problems. Will have a Relias Inspira valve and hoping that this will be the only heat surgery I will need. This is all very scary, but I know Petterson and the Cleveland Clinic are the best bet. Any good wishes welcome.

I spent a day at Henry Ford Hospital last week and had a couple of tests; an Echo and a CT scan and met with Dr. William O'Neil, the surgeon. It was a long day, but meeting him was good. He was most encouraging about having the TAVR procedure done on my aortic valve. My next step is to meet with a cardiovascular surgeon and get a sign off. I am anxious to get this done and over with and excited to see that it might be a TAVR.

UPDATE:
My appointment with the cardiovascular surgeon was out two weeks and they suggested that I could see one here in town and that might speed up the process. I was able to get one a couple of days ago. But, things did not go that well. He did not feel that I was high risk for OHS, but low risk. That was disappointing news. Not sure what next steps will be at this point. I believe that Medicare still requires folks to be high risk to cover the procedure.

Ok I am 7 weeks and 2 days after surgery. I don’t hear my valve as much and resting heart rate is in the low 70’s to mid 60’s compared to 90’s after surgery. Still a little painful to cough and sneeze. Still sleeping a few hours at a time. I’ve got a question for all the fellow heart warriors. After surgery and weeks later do you or did you notice your appetite is not the same? I have found myself not eating as much since surgery compared to before. Just curious if anyone else has experienced the same.
Thanks and take care!

WOW! That was quite an experience. Surgery started on time Friday, Sept 13, 8:30AM. I was in recovery by 1:05PM and the breathing tube was removed at 4:05PM. I had the ON-X aortic valve prosthesis installed. Everything went as planned. I was moved to a room with monitoring the following morning. I experienced a brief episode of A-Fib which was remedied with an IV drug. No need for any narcotic strength pain medication after Friday which was good. Up and walking the next day. Excellent care staff at The Mayo Clinic/St. Marys Hospital. I followed all instructions and I was released from the hospital on Day 5. My surgeon was very pleased with the outcome and my progress. I had requested that he get some pictures of my heart and the valve which I can share in personal email requests from anyone who is interested – fascinating stuff. I actually lost 11 lbs in what I think was water weight collected over time as a result of the aortic valve insufficiency. Post-operative Echocardiogram and x-rays look good. I will have my INR checked again tomorrow. Having my family with me helped a lot, knowing what to expect was much appreciated, and a sense of humor, patience, and a faith and trust in the professionals all made this well, not fun but, as good as possible.

I was able to get into my regular bed and sleep on my right side on Sunday night (9-15-19). It was absolutely wonderful. I am still sleeping in short sleep cycles. I’m looking forward to longer sleep periods of 5-8 hours.
Every day is a little bit better. I’m doing physical therapy at home and can feel myself improving.
Thanks to everyone who has given me encouragement. Your messages and posts were VERY helpful

Lea Parker writes, "Hi Martha,
As your surgery date draws closer, my hope is that you feel as calm and optimistic as possible. I had my aortic valve replaced in Feb 2016 -- but, even though I had 12 years from diagnosis of Aortic Stenosis until my surgery date, I was still a bit stunned when the time came and I had to work through wrapping my brain around the idea. Like you, I had a supportive husband who not only calmed my nerves, but reminded me to break it down in stages. First came preparation -- getting my affairs in order, cleaning my house, getting some bras with front closure and no underwire, medical tests, etc. Second was the surgery itself and I was again reminded that my only task here was to show up with a good attitude - most of that was out of my hands! Then, hospital recovery and finally home recovery. My strategy for post-op was do whatever they told me to do so I could get home as quickly and safely as possible! Walk, walk and walk -- and use the breathing apparatus as often as you can to expand your lungs (it's called a spirometer). Then, phase four (which you think is the easiest because you are home) -- but be prepared, it lasts a while. You have to be patient with your recovery and not rush it. And, you will have setbacks (hopefully minor, like overdoing it one day or medication adjustments) -- but healing is a journey and then you realize, you are always going to be a heart patient -- but you have this amazing community who have been on the same path (maybe slightly different experiences) -- but you must know how many of us do understand what you are going through --- if I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to ask. Blessings to you and your family and I hope all goes smoothly for you....
Lea
Houston, Texas
"

Has anyone ever reported increased snoring after aortic valve replacement? I had a aortic repair of a bicuspid valve in 2001 and in Feb of 2019 had an aortic valve replacement. Even though I lost some weight my snoring has been way worse from the early post op time frame. Just curious if anyone else has experienced this?