Ok 2 weeks ago tomorrow they cancelled my surgery and now tomorrow the day is finally here if all goes well will be in surgery at this time tomorrow. So many ...Read more
Ok 2 weeks ago tomorrow they cancelled my surgery and now tomorrow the day is finally here if all goes well will be in surgery at this time tomorrow. So many mixed emotions and feeling disappointed in myself because I felt so much stronger emotionally and physically last time and not so much this time. I realized though that I'm not the only one who has been here and shined through..so knowing where all of you are or have been or will be in the future I know I can do this too and together we are so strong!! They call us "heart warriors" for a reason! Let nothing stop me now on that note time to holler "Cowgirl Up!"
I feel you girl. I cant believe this is going to really happen... Heart surgery...ME!!!!! I just never thought it would happen to me. No one in my family had to have a valve replacement, and at 52... its crazy. I know your'e freaked out because i am. But nowdays they say its a common and highly successful surgery. And if your young and strong like yourself.... it can be almost 100% risk free. I seen my surgeon last week and he was saying in the next couple of weeks they may be doing my surgery. Thats scary, plus Its a bad time...as spring is here, and Everything is starting to bloom, and i have a shed im working on and some walk ways im putting in. But hey what are you gonna do. Anyway you got this girl...and i hope everything goes as planned. Keep me posted J
Was supposed to have surgery today but they cancelled last night a 7pm I was already in bed because I thought I was waking up at 4 am. I was already showered ...Read more
Was supposed to have surgery today but they cancelled last night a 7pm I was already in bed because I thought I was waking up at 4 am. I was already showered up with special soap...,hair braided .bag was packed...partner took day off... I guess this happens all too often. Finally got new date today 4/17.
Grace Mason Oh, that must send emotions on roller coaster. Sorry u have to wait.
Ana Brusso So sorry to hear this Heidi. So close to surgery time. Hang in there. God bless you
Rose Madura I'm sorry Heidi. A change in date can be devastating. Consider it a dry run. April 17 will be here ... Read more
Rose Madura I'm sorry Heidi. A change in date can be devastating. Consider it a dry run. April 17 will be here soon.
Heidi Donohue Thanks all for your comments...I guess this was just a dress rehearsal on my part. Lol
Donna Casaletto Love your attitude! Exactly the dress rehearsal 😂‼️
That would be hard to deal with. I would be happy and pissed all at the same time. Its hard enough to get ready for the surgery date ONE TIME.....for you, and all your family. Then shut down hours before... Sorry
Susan Lynn Heidi - Wow! That's a roller coaster of emotion, but it sounds like you're taking it in stride. ... Read more
Susan Lynn Heidi - Wow! That's a roller coaster of emotion, but it sounds like you're taking it in stride. Everything always works out exactly as it's meant to be. Sleep well, tonight.
Trygve Harris Heidi--that's so stressful! I'm sorry. I am sure they had a good reason. Someone on this board explai ... Read more
Trygve Harris Heidi--that's so stressful! I'm sorry. I am sure they had a good reason. Someone on this board explained they had been an emergency surgery that displaced other surgeries, and it made me accept the situation better. In my case, the surgeon has explained (after the operation) what happened why he had to put off for a week and it made perfect sense.
But it still sucks to have the rug pulled out, especially for heart surgery. I'm so sorry
Kath Duggan That’s hard, but glad you’re taking it okay. Go do something fun instead!
Just got all approvals to proceed with surgery last Friday and was just told they want to do my OHS Monday!!! Literally freaking out.
Susan Lynn Heidi- Well, that call will definitely catch you by surprise! But, as we always say, waiting is the... Read more
Susan Lynn Heidi- Well, that call will definitely catch you by surprise! But, as we always say, waiting is the hardest part. However, you have to be emotionally ready for game day - it's about you, not the hospital scheduling. Don't feel pressured. If you are ready, go for it! This time next week, you'll be walking the halls with your procedure behind you! Best of luck with your decision.
Deena Z Susan is spot-on. Give yourself one day, to the best you are able, to process the new date. You mi ... Read more
Deena Z Susan is spot-on. Give yourself one day, to the best you are able, to process the new date. You might start seeing a silver lining in getting it over. If so, by Friday ( your original date for surgery), you will be discharged or close to it.
Grace Mason Wow, quick turnaround. I like Susan and Deena's advice and do some deep breathing.
Heidi Donohue THANKS FOR ALL YOUR RESPONSES; LIKE WHAT YOU ALL HAD TO SAY. I GUESS I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I HAV... Read more
Heidi Donohue THANKS FOR ALL YOUR RESPONSES; LIKE WHAT YOU ALL HAD TO SAY. I GUESS I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I HAVE ALL MY DUCKS IN A ROW LIKE SUSAN SAID BUT I KNOW HEART VALVE IS ALMOST AT THE CRITICAL POINT SO DONT WANT TO TAKE TOO MUCH TIME LINING UP THOSE DUCKS. THANKS AGAIN TO YOU ALL!
Rose Madura Do something nice for yourself and try to relax. Game day is almost here and you will be surprised at ... Read more
Rose Madura Do something nice for yourself and try to relax. Game day is almost here and you will be surprised at how much better you will feel after you recover.
Patty Parrish OHS was definitely the right decision so you can have TAVR in the future. I am 68 and am fully recupe ... Read more
Patty Parrish OHS was definitely the right decision so you can have TAVR in the future. I am 68 and am fully recuperated from end of January OHS. Pain was minimal and I walked extensively from day 3 on. You will be fine!!!! Looking forward to hearing your recuperation updates. I will follow you and am happy answer any questions you have.
Has anyone had TAVR in their 50's? I thought I decided on valve but family input has been making question my decision. I decided on Bio Valve with TAVR as ...Read more
Has anyone had TAVR in their 50's? I thought I decided on valve but family input has been making question my decision. I decided on Bio Valve with TAVR as needed in the future. Would appreciate any thoughts on TAVR thought this is usually for those over 60 or for high risk patients???
Today is Heart Valve Awareness Day. I was reminded to share with others especially family members (as some heart issues are congenital ) and friends that might ...Read more
Today is Heart Valve Awareness Day. I was reminded to share with others especially family members (as some heart issues are congenital ) and friends that might have a heart problem and not even know it. Young or Old isn't always a factor; as with many diseases there is importance in getting checked early. Pass it on.
Saw cardiac surgeon today for my severe aortic stenosis no exact date yet for surgery yet but will be some time next month. I decided on bio- prosthetic ...Read more
Saw cardiac surgeon today for my severe aortic stenosis no exact date yet for surgery yet but will be some time next month. I decided on bio- prosthetic valve(via OHS) vs. mechanical valve due to that fact of not wanting to be on blood thinners for life, and that the mechanical valve you might hear it clicking all the time, and I already know I need to have additional surgery in the future to fix nasal valve collapse and will need some dental work also that may require me not to be able to take blood thinners for awhile and would have to face the risk of blood clotting problems ; In addition, I want to be able to lead an active lifestyle and not have to watch my diet as I love my greens. LOL But, In the future I will be able to have TAVR procedure as well and maybe by then medical technology might have so much more available to us. It is a personal choice for everyone though. Just thought I'd share my thoughts and that by doing so might help someone else understand that there are many choices available to pick from when trying to decide the one that is best for you.
On another note, he did think that all the aches and pains and cold feet I have been having is most likely from my heart valve problem and the chest pain I have been having is probably to due the severe aortic stenosis and even though I have no blockage sometimes it can cause a pinching feeling too. Hope this insight helps others.
Rose Madura Heidi, congratulations on choosing your valve. It can be a difficult decision but now, don't look bac ... Read more
Rose Madura Heidi, congratulations on choosing your valve. It can be a difficult decision but now, don't look back. You've made it and it's the right decision for you! God bless you.
Susan Lynn Heidi - It sounds like you've given this significant thought and made your decision. As Rose said,... Read more
Susan Lynn Heidi - It sounds like you've given this significant thought and made your decision. As Rose said, keep looking ahead. You'll feel confident and ready for the next steps ahead. All the best!
I'm glad you made your choice on a valve. I'm still undecided on valve choice. I wish the bio valves lasted longer than 7 to 15 years. That # depends on who you talk to . Plus you made some very good points on blood thinners, valve noise, (ticking). It just freaks me out, having more surgeries. But you never know if you will have issues with a mechanical valve, besides the chance of bleeding. Its just hard to make that call.
Thank Heidi
Subhash Chandel Good decision on valve. I am 50, haven't have surgery yet but I am also inclined towards tissue valve ... Read more
Subhash Chandel Good decision on valve. I am 50, haven't have surgery yet but I am also inclined towards tissue valve due to blood thinner warfin issue. Ask surgeon about "Edwards Inspiris Resilia" or "Epic plus supra" aortic valves as these are kept in non-calcified environment new valves that are suppose to be long lasting that could last 15 to 20 years with TAVR can give another 15+ years. Since they are new, concreate data of how long they actually last, don't know.
Heidi Donohue Yes, Subhash he will be doing Edwards Inspiris Resilia ; thanks for info.
My journey began back in July when I first went to ER because I just didn't feel right at that time couldn't find anything wrong with my heart other than my ...Read more
My journey began back in July when I first went to ER because I just didn't feel right at that time couldn't find anything wrong with my heart other than my heart enzymes (troponin) level were elevated even my echocardiogram came back normal. I was referred to cardiologist and finally in November I was told I have severe aortic stenosis. Everyday since then has been such a struggle because my body aches all over more and more everyday and feet get overly cold and most days find it even hard to walk and not sure why. Unless, the body flow throughout my body is being reduced. I guess today I am really having a hard time trying to endure what my body is going through because I'm not actually sure what is causing my symptoms. I'm scared and overwhelmed and hoping when I see cardiac surgeon he can shed some light if the symptoms I am having are justified. Just needed to vent and get all of my words out because I think we tend to keep alot of our emotions in not wanting to upset those around us so thanks for those who read this and understand.
Rita Savelis I'm so sorry you're going through this. I did find myself that a cardiac surgeon knew more than my ca ... Read more
Rita Savelis I'm so sorry you're going through this. I did find myself that a cardiac surgeon knew more than my cardiologist and was able to give me a clearer picture of what was wrong with my valves and what could be done. Thank you for expressing your emotions. You need to do it. It's hard, and talking can help. Venting is completely okay. Take care.
Grace Mason I understand your feelings of being overwhelmed. Hoping you get some answers soon Heidi.
Pamela Gregory Hang in there Heidi. Knowledge is definitely power and when you see your surgeon he will hopefully b... Read more
Pamela Gregory Hang in there Heidi. Knowledge is definitely power and when you see your surgeon he will hopefully be able to answer your questions. You can vent anytime here! We all understand
Does anyone have a rough idea on how long wait is for surgery once decision has been made on what type of valve you have? I know each person's experience is ...Read more
Does anyone have a rough idea on how long wait is for surgery once decision has been made on what type of valve you have? I know each person's experience is different just thought I would try to great rough idea any feeback appreciated.
Robert Miller For the first surgery they didn't even want to let me out of the hospital. Eventually they did as I s ... Read more
Robert Miller For the first surgery they didn't even want to let me out of the hospital. Eventually they did as I said I need to look for a surgeon. I think I had surgery about 10 days later. The second wasn't very urgent so I had it scheduled 2 months out but I am sure I could have done it sooner if I wanted to. Having said that, they got pretty busy towards the end of the year. I am not sure if it was just a coincidence or if many people wanted to get it done before the end of the year due to insurance purposes.
Rose Madura I saw the cardiologist in mid April. Had a heart catheterization in late April and surgery at end of ... Read more
Rose Madura I saw the cardiologist in mid April. Had a heart catheterization in late April and surgery at end of May which was a couple weeks after I saw the surgeon. I made the valve decision at the surgeon's office. But every situation is different.
Robert Stebbins My surgeon told me I could decide on the valve type (mechanical or tissue) up to a few days prior to ... Read more
Robert Stebbins My surgeon told me I could decide on the valve type (mechanical or tissue) up to a few days prior to surgery. That surprised me as I didn’t think they’d have tissue valves on hand with such short notice. I guess this hospital does so much volume that they do.
Was that what you were asking?
Marie Myers I was told I could decide on the valve up to a couple days before surgery.
Donna Casaletto I was told the same days before surgery too! If you haven’t already booked your dental clearance ap ... Read more
Donna Casaletto I was told the same days before surgery too! If you haven’t already booked your dental clearance appointment do that ASAP! My surgery was postponed because I didn’t have dental clearance!
Patsy Stewart Have you met with your surgeon? I'm thinking they will schedule you pretty quickly. Mine told me that ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Have you met with your surgeon? I'm thinking they will schedule you pretty quickly. Mine told me that after I met with him in his office, the surgery had to take place within 30 days. I had to meet with him again because I had wedding cakes booked and I didn't want to stand my customers up. As for the choice of valves.... my surgeon called me on the phone and told me that he would be using a tissue valve because of my medical history. I remember telling him that he knew more about what I needed than I did. I wasn't really given a choice as to what valve to choose.
Finally got an appointment with Cardiac Surgeon for 2/13. Feeling a little anxious because I don't have the best insurance but with the help of this site... Read more
Finally got an appointment with Cardiac Surgeon for 2/13. Feeling a little anxious because I don't have the best insurance but with the help of this site was able to find a little feedback. Hopefully I will be in good hands when I have to have surgery. Based on former heart warrior review.
Patient Recommendations (1)
"This surgeon was excellent. Fully explained the procedure and most importantly had the respect of the staff at the hospital. Any time a new nurse came in, they were told 'this is Dr. Biswas' patient' and I got excellent care. My results were excellent, and follow-up was excellent as well. Would recommend highly."Posted by Dan Stanick, Aortic Valve, Valve Replacement, 05/10/2017
Rose Madura Great news Heidi. You need to be very comfortable with your health care team. I hope the insurance ... Read more
Rose Madura Great news Heidi. You need to be very comfortable with your health care team. I hope the insurance works out for you...
Ana Brusso Good news for your upcoming visit with Cardiac Surgeon. Keep us posted. God bless you
What a small world. Just found out recently that my neighbor is going to have surgery on Wednesday due to Mitral Valve Prolapse. Just thought I'd put some ...Read more
What a small world. Just found out recently that my neighbor is going to have surgery on Wednesday due to Mitral Valve Prolapse. Just thought I'd put some words out there in spirit fo rhim and hoping we could send some good vibes his way to wish him well on his upcoming surgery and recovery. His name is Andy.
Ana Brusso Hi Heidi, nice of you to ask for prayer and as you said "good vibes" for Andy your neighbor. I will ... Read more
Ana Brusso Hi Heidi, nice of you to ask for prayer and as you said "good vibes" for Andy your neighbor. I will lift him up in prayer for a successful surgery. When is his surgery scheduled for? God bless you and Andy.
Pamela Gregory Please tell Andy to join this site. Let him know I am sending my best thoughts and prayers his way t... Read more
Pamela Gregory Please tell Andy to join this site. Let him know I am sending my best thoughts and prayers his way too
Heidi Donohue Thanks to all for your words and prayers Andy is doing well they were able to repair is Mitral Valve ... Read more
Heidi Donohue Thanks to all for your words and prayers Andy is doing well they were able to repair is Mitral Valve and is already alert and doing well just one day after surgery and said pain not that bad didn't even need pain meds.
Just curious has anyone had symptoms of poor circulation due to aortic stenosis?
Pamela Gregory Hi Heidi. I had a little bit of swollen feel before my OHS for severe aortic stenosis (bicuspid). I ... Read more
Pamela Gregory Hi Heidi. I had a little bit of swollen feel before my OHS for severe aortic stenosis (bicuspid). I am 55 and was very scared too. The people on this site are so helpful and supportive. I found it most helpful right before surgery when I was not good mentally. Having such sincere people who have been through exactly what you are facing was amazing. This site and strong family and friend support got me through. Anything you want to ask is important
Heidi Donohue thanks for your words of support Pamela. Maybe my body is just reacting to the amount of stress I'm... Read more
Heidi Donohue thanks for your words of support Pamela. Maybe my body is just reacting to the amount of stress I'm under could be something else see rheumatologist this wee to rule out possible Fibromyalgia. Will be strong like the rest of the warriors on this site. A few kind words go along way so thank you for yours.
Good News!! Had angiogram yesterday happy to report no blockages or anything ill findings with heart. Just confirmed heart valve needs to be replaced. I was ...Read more
Good News!! Had angiogram yesterday happy to report no blockages or anything ill findings with heart. Just confirmed heart valve needs to be replaced. I was worried about angiogram but wasn't a big deal but meds they gave to relax me knocked me out for the rest of the day...slept for 12 hours. Now just have to wait for authorization to come through to meet with cardiac surgeon...happy to being one step closer to getting the heart into better shape.
Patsy Stewart What a relief for you! That’s wonderful news!!
Erin Feaker Great news!! I have to have an angiogram prior to my surgery and I think I'm more terrified of the a... Read more
Erin Feaker Great news!! I have to have an angiogram prior to my surgery and I think I'm more terrified of the angio than the surgery!
Susan Lynn Erin - The angio is a relatively quick procedure. It takes about 20 minutes and 1-2 hours in post-... Read more
Susan Lynn Erin - The angio is a relatively quick procedure. It takes about 20 minutes and 1-2 hours in post-op just waiting to be released. I was worried I'd have blockages after decades of high cholesterol and my arteries were completely clear! Btw, I didn't even take the sedation and chatted with my cardiologist the whole time - piece of cake! Don't worry!
Heidi Donohue Erin the angio is easy and most likely you'll be partially sedated it will be over before you know it ... Read more
Heidi Donohue Erin the angio is easy and most likely you'll be partially sedated it will be over before you know it. I was scared too..but just thought so many people do this and so can you. Just stay positive that this is one step closer to getting to a better you.
Erin Feaker Thank you Heidi! I am getting more comfortable with the thought of it. On the positive at least the ... Read more
Erin Feaker Thank you Heidi! I am getting more comfortable with the thought of it. On the positive at least they will know everything they need to before my surgery! 💜
Has anyone ever had pain in legs and cold feet with Aortic Stenosis?
Richard Munson Sounds like circulation. When i mentioned something similar to my gp a few years back they did a circ ... Read more
Richard Munson Sounds like circulation. When i mentioned something similar to my gp a few years back they did a circulation test which was pretty easy. Strap around ankles as i recall. Nothing complicated. Worth asking about perhaps.
Just wanted to say I think it is amazing as I scroll through all the News Feeds and see the flooding of kind words from so many people supporting each... Read more
Just wanted to say I think it is amazing as I scroll through all the News Feeds and see the flooding of kind words from so many people supporting each other and the docs say there is something wrong with are hearts!! Lol We are amazing.
FFELING FRUSTATED ....was trying to figure out why I went to ER back in July with chest pain and when they did Echo ultrasound they found no aortic stenosis ...Read more
FFELING FRUSTATED ....was trying to figure out why I went to ER back in July with chest pain and when they did Echo ultrasound they found no aortic stenosis in either Mitral valve or aortic valve ...now fast forward to today 6 months later Cardiologist says I have severe aortic stenosis. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. Just trying to be patient for Angio and Chest CT.
Richard Munson Its the old interpretation of the results frustration we have all undergone at some point.
Ana Brusso Richard is right on. And is very frustrating. Heidi, you can vent all you want, we all do.
Susan Lynn You have every right to be frustrated. I would get a copy of the echo and have it reviewed by a ca... Read more
Susan Lynn You have every right to be frustrated. I would get a copy of the echo and have it reviewed by a cardiologist who is not affiliated with the ER's health facility. You need to get that question answered. There may be some recourse if you were misdiagnosed. Please keep us posted, Heidi. Good luck.
Deena Z What an extreme in interpretations. You went "yay" all is okay to "omg" now I need surgery. Hang- ... Read more
Deena Z What an extreme in interpretations. You went "yay" all is okay to "omg" now I need surgery. Hang-in-there. Sage advice was provided by your fellow heart warriors, especially the second opinion.
Rose Madura Heidi, glad you feel you can vent here. That's incredible about the differing results. I agree with ... Read more
Rose Madura Heidi, glad you feel you can vent here. That's incredible about the differing results. I agree with Susan to have another opinion. Also sometimes the technicians matter. My cardiologist told me that once that all echo technicians are not equal. But you've been given a hard pill to swallow and we are here to help you absorb it. God bless you. Hang in there.
Klara Čičić Yup Richard, we have all been there... Remember JJ recently? That was a rollercoaster of emotions... ... Read more
Klara Čičić Yup Richard, we have all been there... Remember JJ recently? That was a rollercoaster of emotions... Good luck, Heidi, we are here to listen!
Greg Lewis What matters now, is the actual state your heart is in, now. Focus on getting that answered correctl ... Read more
Greg Lewis What matters now, is the actual state your heart is in, now. Focus on getting that answered correctly. For me, I would get another echo, if needed. Possibly a different cardiologist. And maybe a different hospital involved also. At the end of the day, you have to be sure, the proper diagnosis has been made. Without any possible mistakes, or bad cardiologist mistakes. That big of a change, so fast, sounds fishy to me too.
Thomas Brusstar A second opinion is important for your peace of mind. My cardiologist always goes back to read the r ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar A second opinion is important for your peace of mind. My cardiologist always goes back to read the raw video or whatever of the ultrasound exam to draw his own conclusions. He sometimes “revises” the findings of the dr who writes the initial echo report.
Kimberly Eisenhut My cardiologist does same. She looks at video and does her own measurements and they are at times a l ... Read more
Kimberly Eisenhut My cardiologist does same. She looks at video and does her own measurements and they are at times a little different than the person who read them. Having a cardiac specialist who sees and does a lot of this type of thing is important, and can give you some peace of mind. She also says going to same facility for tests is important too, since every one is just a litle different. I did not understand this at first and thought it would be same anywhere, since it is, after all, the same test. I have learned it does have a lot to do with each readers own measuring style and experience with this type of heart problem. Dr. Rigolin, my Dr., looks at my echos right after they are taken, and then I see her and we go over what, if any, changes there are, and if it is time for me to have surgery yet. So far, I am still moderate to severe for tricuspid regurg. and my anuerytic aorta is staying at 4.1 for last few years. I swear, sometomes I think the waiting and wondering is the hardest part. Guess we have to put trust in our Dr. and pray for the best and just keep "tickin", as Adam says :)Keep us posted, and know you have a community of people that understand behind you.
Only 53 diagnosed with serious aortic stenosis just scared to say the least. Don't know yet if have to have OHS or TAVR might be an option. Would love to ...Read more
Only 53 diagnosed with serious aortic stenosis just scared to say the least. Don't know yet if have to have OHS or TAVR might be an option. Would love to hear from others on their experiences. By the way has anyone ever experienced Fibromyalgia like pain and low blood pressure as a symptom?
Lisa Coombe I was diagnosed at 41 with severe aortic stenosis, had surgery 8 months later, I had the fill sternum ... Read more
Lisa Coombe I was diagnosed at 41 with severe aortic stenosis, had surgery 8 months later, I had the fill sternum open heart surgery with a mechanical valve, 19 months on and I’m doing very well
Heidi Donohue Great to hear just scared about pain after surgery but so happy to hear from you and that you are doi ... Read more
Heidi Donohue Great to hear just scared about pain after surgery but so happy to hear from you and that you are doing well. Thanks for sharing.
Greg Lewis I did not have those symptoms. Please don't be scared about the pain. Now, this is a major surgery, ... Read more
Greg Lewis I did not have those symptoms. Please don't be scared about the pain. Now, this is a major surgery, so there is gonna be some pain involved. But it's not 1850 anymore, so don't let your mind run away with unnecessary fear. They have drugs that help you sleep, and take away the big pain, for the first week or two. I was scared to take anything at first, and that sucked! But then my brother said " take the damn meds would you!! " so I did. And presto! Not so bad now! Go to sleep, wake up take some meds, back to sleep. ...then the pain starts to fade. So not as many meds needed. And off we go... Hope that helps you a bit.
Heidi Donohue Thanks Greg for your post just fear of the unknown I guess. Look forward to having this behind me. ... Read more
Heidi Donohue Thanks Greg for your post just fear of the unknown I guess. Look forward to having this behind me. Think I'm just worried about taking narcotics but heard may only need for a short time. Thanks again.
Lisa Coombe You will get pain meds, i found sneezing was the worst pain I went through, the first was was very pa ... Read more
Lisa Coombe You will get pain meds, i found sneezing was the worst pain I went through, the first was was very painful
Greg Lewis Your not alone, we all have that fear of the unknown. But you will be fine! They take you by the hand ... Read more
Greg Lewis Your not alone, we all have that fear of the unknown. But you will be fine! They take you by the hand, and look after your every need. Nothing for you to do. So just let it happen.
Rose Madura Fear of the unknown is very real. Regarding pain, I did not experience much pain because I stayed ah ... Read more
Rose Madura Fear of the unknown is very real. Regarding pain, I did not experience much pain because I stayed ahead of the pain using all medication made available. I did not like narcotics so I worked to get on Tylenol as soon as it would work. At 59, I chose a tissue valve with the understanding that I may need a TAVR in the future. But do your research and that actually may help with your anxiety because the outcomes of very good and a positive outcome is definitely in your favor. I also always recommend getting a second opinion. God bless you on your journey.
Heidi Donohue Thanks Rosa for your words did you have TAVR or surgical valve replacement?
Brady Busch I had aortic valve replacement with a tissue one and mitral repair.My surgeon comes walking in the ro ... Read more
Brady Busch I had aortic valve replacement with a tissue one and mitral repair.My surgeon comes walking in the room,about the first or second day after.She asked if it felt like I was run over by a truck,but I said,more like someone hit me with a baseball bat. She then asked me if I wanted to see a photo of my old aortic valve,on her phone.I said okay and a young nurse said,she wanted to see it too.It looked like pasta on a plate,sprinkled with red bits of calcium. I should send her a thank you note and wish her Happy New Year.
Rita Savelis I didn't have pain after surgery (my anasthesiologist had confirmed that before surgery so it wasn't ... Read more
Rita Savelis I didn't have pain after surgery (my anasthesiologist had confirmed that before surgery so it wasn't a surprise). Lots of discomfort and extreme exhaustion, but no pain. Pain is managed if you have it. Waking up from surgery is not fun and then you move forward. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Take care.
Klara Čičić Dear Heidi, you are in a right place for alleviating your anxiety! I had mitral valve repair 3 months ... Read more
Klara Čičić Dear Heidi, you are in a right place for alleviating your anxiety! I had mitral valve repair 3 months ago and I had moderate pain for the first three-four weeks. I had right sided thoracotomy and on average it is more painful than the sternotomy since it involves cutting more soft tissues... But it really wasn't that bad. Good pain management and you'll be fine. Just keep educating yourself, keep reading this lovely site and you will feel more confident.
Heidi Donohue Thanks Brady, Rita and Klara for all yours words makes me feel better knowing others have been throug ... Read more
Heidi Donohue Thanks Brady, Rita and Klara for all yours words makes me feel better knowing others have been through and survived what I am going through.
Brady Busch There's an old saying,that may be overused.That is,"what doesn't kill a person,makes them stronger."I ... Read more
Brady Busch There's an old saying,that may be overused.That is,"what doesn't kill a person,makes them stronger."I think though,in the case of heart surgery,is very appropriate.
... Read more
Take care