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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: April 2, 2018

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Carolyn Newell posted an update

8 years ago (May 16, 2018)

Hi All, Today marks my three weeks post OHS! Grateful for so many things. Just got back from a short walk and of course my heart is pounding but I'm feeling good and that's the main thing. Quick questions, how long before the big bump at the top of my... Read more.

👍 Gina Fiorentino and Liz Gephart reacted to this

Willie Radl

I'm 6 weeks and mine has gone down significantly in the last 2-3 weeks. I would guess you'll probably start seeing some improvements soon.

Veronica Gunthner

I'm only 2 weeks out and have the bump too! I was told it was sutures under the skin that would dissolve in time, and that it's more visible in thin people. I'm hopeful it will go down soon!

Barbara Wood

I had a huge one! I'm thinking it was pretty much gone after a month or so...congrats on 3 weeks! Best recovery wishes:)!

Adam Pick

Carolyn, Holy Moly! You just brought back a memory... That Bump!!!! Give it a few weeks. Here's what happened to mine - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/11/13/bump-incision-after-open-heart-surgery/

"Did You Have A Bump At The Top Of Your Incision?" Asks Alice

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/11/13/bump-incision-after-open-heart-surgery/

Alice just sent me a great question about incision and scar care after heart valve surgery. She writes, "Adam, I am 55 and had open heart surgery to replace

Rose Madura

I can't remember exactly when it went away but when my cardiologist first saw me in the hospital, he wanted to look at my scar. He told me then that the bump will go away - not to worry. And it did. to me, the scar is sort of a... Read more.

Barbara Laurie

Everyone's healing time will be different, but my bump was totally gone after about 5 months. Of course it lessened over time. Best Regards and glad to hear you're okay! ❤️💕❤️

Wanda Mroz

I had a bump but can't really remember how long it took to go away. It will take a few weeks. Glad to hear all is well! I agree with Rose... battle scar! You can hardly see it now... ck out my pictures and you'll see. All the best! 💞

Carolyn Newell

Okay good to know everyone that this too shall pass I just need to be patient it sounds like. I hope it's a few weeks and not a few months but I am on the thin side so time will tell. Thank you!! XO

William Trankle

My first surgery bump never went completely away, it just got a bit smaller.

Carolyn Newell

Thank you Adam! I needed the reassurance right now.

Stephen Williston

Mine went away in about 5 weeks, I'd say.

Carolyn Newell

I'm 5 weeks post op today!! It's definitely going down which is encouraging. Thanks so much everyone!

Carolyn Newell posted an update

8 years ago (May 5, 2018)

Hi Heart Family, I wanted to let you know that everything went really well with my OHS. I ended up having my bicuspid aortic valve replaced with a tissue valve on April 25th. The doc said I lost alot of blood during the surgery and they really wanted to do... Read more.

👍 Fr Dowling, Joey Hardee and reacted to this

Bonnie Stone-Hope

Hello Carolyn, Yes, agree that the sleep issue is tough. Tried the recliner, and even rented a hospital bed, but until I was back in my own bed, could not get much sleep at all. At about 3 weeks post op, I used about 3 good pillows for support, and... Read more.

Susan Killian

I got a wedge for the bed and started sleeping in a bed pretty quickly. However can't sleep in my side yet. Surgery was April 11.

Bob Gillespie

I was back in my bed the third night home. Just used extra pillows to prop up a bit

Gina Fiorentino

Carolyn, so glad to hear you are doing well and posting!

Rita Savelis

Sleep was hard for at least a month after OHS. I took sleeping meds occasionally just to give my body (and mind) a break. I was in a bed, but sleeping on my back was hard to get used to (But it's now something I can do easily after all... Read more.

Civita Fahey

I'm happy to hear that you are doing well Carolyn. I also was anemic when l left the hospital.. as I mentioned in our phone conversation that was the hardest part for me. Just sheer exhaustion, but it does get better.. I slept in bed from day one, with LOTS... Read more.

Steve Godbey

I have been in a bed every night since I got home from the hospital 3 weeks ago. I cannot stand sleeping on my back though. I typically wake up around 5:00 am and move to a recliner and then sleep another 2 to 4 hours. I will get better... Read more.

Carolyn Newell

I'm happy to report that I have moved into my bed after the first week at home. Still waking every night around 4-5am for about an hour and then back to sleep for 2-4 hours of deep sleep. Everyday I feel a little better. Today marks my three week post... Read more.

Lyn Hubber

I was in chair for 6 weeks brought a wedge which didn't help me stil find it hard to lay on my back small price to pay to be able to breathe again and walk Good luck with your recovery.

Sherry Stevens

My AVR was 5 years ago, with a bovine replacement. I tried a recliner but just could not sleep. I learned quickly, with my husband's help, how to sit on the bed, lie down on my side and roll to my back. I had never been able to sleep on... Read more.

Joan Lyons

There is a wonderful product call the Mattress Genie that my OT recommended. They have twin thru king. It is a blow up wedge that goes between you mattress and box spring. The air compressor blows up the wedge to any angle and height you want from flat to almost... Read more.

Carolyn Newell posted an update

8 years ago (April 24, 2018)

So my surgery got postponed until tomorrow. Can you believe it??? I guess two emergency surgeries came up and they asked me if I minded if we do it tomorrow or at midnight tonight. I'm happy to let someone that's in an emergency go before me. So I'm home relaxing... Read more.

👍 Barbara Wood, Rose Madura and reacted to this

Bonnie Stone-Hope

Sounds familiar...my surgery was also postponed. Enjoy your day, and relax.

Rose Madura

Best wishes on your surgery tomorrow.

Marie Myers

Enjoy your extra day at home! Hope everything goes perfectly with your surgery.

Nicholas Belle

Good Luck Carolyn...All will be well!...

Lilly Black

That's what happened to me as well! And my surgeon and hospital were not local. It was nerve wracking especially for my family who also travelled. But it all worked out very well! Good luck with the surgery....wishing you a great outcome ✌️😊

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