Carol Foster posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie,
Mine is the 24th and I'm having the same type of issues. Dizziness not as much but my chest feels like someone is sitting in it or at times like it is being squeezed. Some heart palpitations that kinda scare me. I wasn't having this before. At least not this often or to this extent. I'm assuming it's anxiety induced since it's getting close. I agree with the others, try to find ways to relax and not worry too much. Odds are in our favor that we'll be fine. If it gets really bad though, a trip to the ER is better safe than sorry. Wishing you peaceful days til your surgery!

Rach shelley posted a note for Debbie that says: Debbie

Oh it's horrible to be worrying about that when you have things on your plate already waiting for surgery. I obviously can't say if this is the same, but when I was anxious I woke a few times in the night with a racing heart and it was very unnerving. Since I have gone on meds for anxiety this hasn't happened, so I can only think it was my stress causing it to happen. But you've done the right thing speaking to the doctor of course.

I hope you feel better, I found relaxation/yoga helped clear my mind out maybe it'd give you some time out or per surgery worries?

Rebecca S posted a note for Debbie that says: Debbie, I wonder if you are having atrial Fibrillation or maybe SVT's. A really tachy rhythm can cause those feelings. The only way they will know is if they can capture it on an EKG. Maybe go to ER if it happens again. Take care.

Joe posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie,

Always call and check and when in doubt go to the ER. It is better to have a false alarm than a critical situation.
I can tell you that prior to my surgery I did have evenings like that with my heart racing. I was not anxious consciously but now realize it was anxiety.
You are going to be fine I promise. I had aortic stenosis and am now 5 weeks post op and my heart is feeling 100% better. The hospital stay of 5 days is only a memory. The recovery will take months but it gets better almost everyday.
I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Aubrey posted a note for Debbie that says: Good start with the questions. Look forward to hearing about your successful surgery and how well you do in the recovery process. It really gets better everyday and some days get better quicker. A lot of good to look forward to.

Rebecca s posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie. Yes the waiting is so very hard. I had people suggesting I get second opinions, but I work in cardiac area in pediatrics so I had lots of resources. Not much in the web about him but he came highly recommended. I haven't regretted it yet.
Try and stay distracted. Have fun! Do things you enjoy! Indulge a little. Hospital food is awful. Tell me your surgery date so we can be counting down with and giving support.

Joe posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie,

I felt the same way but before I knew it I was in for the pre-op test and shortly there after waiting to be rolled into the OR. It does pass very quickly and before you know it you will be in the step down unit with your loved one(s) on your way to complete recovery.

Cindy W posted a note for Debbie that says: Hang in there, Debbie. It will be here before you know it. It sounds like your surgeon has a great track record. I didn't actually meet mine until 2 days before the surgery due to summer vacations, etc., but his reputation gave me confidence. Good luck and know there's a lot of people pulling for you!

JH Mattingly posted a note for Debbie that says: Debbie...I like your "lets get this done" attitude. I had the full OHS due to the aortic root needing to be replaced along with the valve. I think you should be able to attend the baptism, as long as someone drives you there. You may still be a little weak though. But by the wedding, you should be good to go. Just make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and don't be afraid to get a second opinion.
Walk as much as you can before your surgery and then do it more after. You will do great and enjoy your family stuff after.

Take care.

Joe K posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie,

I believe Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as oxygen from the atmosphere into the body's circulation.

I recently had OHS to replace my aortic valve. I am now one month post discharge date and doing great. You sound very positive and I am sure will do great. Just remember to let family and friends care for you once you are discharged. And while in the hospital allow the doctors and nurses do what they do best and it will indeed be a new better life for you.

Aubrey posted a note for Debbie that says: Hello Debbie, my name is Aubrey and I am at home recovering from a mini sterectomy bicuspid aortic valve replacement done about 9 days ago. I am an engineer, the type of patient the surgeons laugh about but are still glad to answer all our questions.

I did a lot of research and switched surgeons and procedures during the research to fit my current life position and risk profile.

I found out most cardiologists are pretty knowledge about the different procedures and how they should be considered against your situation. I would recommend visiting at least one other cardiologist as a 2nd opinion for the different types of procedures and visiting at least 2 surgeons to get their different perspectives.

A lot of this is based on your other health and risk factors and you should ask why to this or the other procedure as you are comfortable. Also, why replace the root of the valve and why not just the valve only? I had that very debate with my surgeon to be, over the phone 3 days before my procedure and and he satisfied me that in his experience, doing the root replacement was warranted and safer for me longer term. Lots of things to ask and understand and make sure you are comfortable with your decision. If you are very comfortable with your current situation, then great, proceed. If not, them sit down, get out some paper and start listing questions and get them answered. Let me know if I can help.

By the way, I held out the last minute on the numbers that my cardiologist said were bad enough to get it replaced because I never did feel the symptoms enough to "want" to have surgery. Do not wait too long, when they got there, symptoms or not, my valve was in pretty bad shape. If you want to talk,about the questions to ask, let me know.

Good luck and thinking of you. And yes, I am very glad I did it.

Aubrey

Alex Vigil posted a note for Debbie that says: Debbie,
I flew to North Carolina,Duke and had Dr Glower as my surgeon. He did a mini thoracotomy and replace my Aortic Valve with an OnX mechanical valve in January. I feel pretty good now started back on my normal workouts in August after getting my 6 month Echo and being cleared to go no restrictions. Good Luck.
Alex Vigil

Carol Foster posted a note for Debbie that says: That would concern me too. It doesn't sound like it's an emergency situation. If not, you might want to consider checking out the surgeon finder here. Looks like there are some great choices in your immediate area and a couple that are not too far away that have done quite a few of the folks here based on the testimonials. Did you get a second opinion?

Carol Foster posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie,

I'm 48, work-out several times a week and also feel good pre-surgery, so can relate to what you are saying about the mixed emotions with this type of surgery coming up in just a few weeks. My surgery (mitral valve repair) is just two days before yours and I also have a special occasion shortly after, a cruise starting on October 27th. Congrats on your son's wedding. That's pretty exciting! I'm hoping to be back to myself in plenty of time and be able to relax and just enjoy the time with my family. I'm sure if you'll be a "good patient" and do all that they tell you to, you will be back to yourself in no time! You should read some of the journals of those who shared their post-op experiences. It helps to hear how they hit a turning point and start to feel so much better. I especially appreciate the HVJr's who come back 6 mos or more later and tell of how much better they are and how they can run marathons or climb mountains, etc. Hey, if they can, why can't we! :-)

I'm told my valve repair will be able to be done as a small incision under my breast where it won't even be noticeable. From what I understand recovery is 4-6 weeks for this method, but I have heard some who have done even better than that. That'll be me, if I can help it!

BTW if you haven't noticed already, this is a great community here. Everyone is supportive and helpful. Best wishes!

Ernie posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie,

I'm going with the full sternotomy myself. I want to make sure the surgeon has plenty of room to get to whatever he needs to reach. They may have to replace my aorta as well as my bicuspid aortic valve, so they probably would have needed to do a full sternotomy anyway. My decision for the full sternotomy was based mostly on advice from a friend who works in the O.R. and sees a lot of OH surgeries. My friend said MIVS involve longer hospital stays, more pain, more bleeding and a higher rate of other complications.

Brian Walsh posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie and welcome to the HVJ community. Great question too and one that just about all of us have gone through. I have a bit of a history so a sternotomy was for me and my surgeon confirmed that. Some things to consider that my surgeon told me.

1 - Overall patient health. MIVS typically takes longer so the health of the patient is critical.

2 - If anything were to happen they would switch gears and go to sternotomy, so again health and history plays into this. Simply put the MIVS way allows specific access and if anything is needed outside of that it is not simple. So based on patient history and risk factors play into the decision.

Regardless I would not focus too much on the method but the surgeon, number of surgeries done either way and overall success rate (You want to make sure patients have not had to have redoes done.

I hope that helps and does not scare you. My surgeon was very cautious overall and could have done either way for my MV repair, but due to my risk strongly encouraged me not to do MIVS. As he put it, if I ask a heart surgeon for open or MIVS they will 100% of the time go for open. The recovery is not too bad (especially with the smaller sternotomy) and the scar heals very well over time, plus the surgeon has full access to whatever they need to get to, which is key.

Rebecca S posted a note for Debbie that says: Hi Debbie. I wasn't given a great explanation for one versus the other except I was not a candidate for the mivs. My doc had an impeccable reputation here and I trusted him.......and all the people I talked to. Also he said that in the future I will still have the heart manipulated even with a less invasive procedure when this valve wears out. I
If you are not getting answers then change doctors, get other opinions. This whole thing can be daunting at least.
I guess retaining fluid happens but not to everyone. I should've paid attention and called sooner.

Sandy Wummer posted a note for Debbie that says: I had a mini sternotomy the first valve I had. It depends on your diagnosis and the physicians certainty that only the valve is too be replaced. If there are any aneurysms or the aortic root needs attention a full thoracotomy may be needed. remember that is just an approach. I also had a full thoracotomy and frankly they are both OHS and I didnt notice a lot of difference in recovery. that is just my opinion and understanding, your surgeon can clarify if that is correct or not.

Rebecca S posted a note for Debbie that says: Wow, surgery September 26, then November 9 for a wedding. Hope you will be feeling great for all that. And hope you yourself won't have much work to do for it........just enjoying it.
I asked about minimally invasive surgery, but was not a candidate.
Looking forward to hearing your progress.