Denise Agnew - Heart Valve Journal

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1 day ago

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Hi there everyone. My operation was May 9. Was supposed to be a three hour surgery with mitral valve repair or replacement and Mase procedure to correct aFib. ...Read more

Hi there everyone. My operation was May 9. Was supposed to be a three hour surgery with mitral valve repair or replacement and Mase procedure to correct aFib. Ended up being more then five hours because the surgeon attempted two repairs that wouldn't take so I was given a mechanical valve (which I knew ahead of time might happen.) I ended up getting a pacemaker a few days later because my heart rate wouldn't maintain any higher than in the 40's without it. So I was in the hospital ten days. Feeling pretty good at present and was happy to finally get rid of most of the water weight I accumulated (especially the puffy ankles) just this last Friday. Question: I still have a "ticklish" throat and my voice is more hoarse than normal. I've heard that it can take a while for the throat to get back to normal. Anyone else have this experience?

Rose Madura Hi Denise it sounds like you've have a rough day to go! I'm sorry you've had to deal with so much bu ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Denise it sounds like you've have a rough day to go! I'm sorry you've had to deal with so much but glad you are on the mend. Yes, scratchy throat is normal from the breathing tube. I don't remember how long mine felt that way but do know it will get better in time. Throat losengers will help.

Robert Miller They put me on a temporary pacemaker and initially that think really zapped me. In any case, to addre ... Read more

Robert Miller They put me on a temporary pacemaker and initially that think really zapped me. In any case, to address your question about the throat, I did feel a bit bad for the first couple of day or so. But it goes away. Try to eat food that is easier to swallow like jell-o, soup, salad, etc. Eventually, it should go away.

Denise Agnew Thanks Rose and Robert. Fortunately my throat has never been sore, so that’s a plus. This is just s ... Read more

Denise Agnew Thanks Rose and Robert. Fortunately my throat has never been sore, so that’s a plus. This is just scratchy, hoarse throat that sometimes becomes a cough. I’ve considered the throat lozenges and thought I’d check with my pharmacist if they recommend a particular kind that don’t in any way interfere with meds I’m taking.