Jeanne's Journal

Rose Madura  Hi Jeanne. I had high heart rate for about six weeks. When it would go too high (130s+) I'd go into afib and/or Aflutter which landed me back in the hospital because I was very symptomatic. I was in Amiodadrone and Metoprolol (large doses) for the six weeks following surgery. Gradually reduced Metropol and now on 25 mg daily of Metoprolol Tartate. They switched me to Multaq when I refused to take Amiodadrone but was on that for only a short while. Hopefully you are close to turning the corner. Since mine stabilized, my HR has been at 55 on average. Best wishes to you.

Deena Z  Yes, pretty common. I had to take Metroprolo to keep my heart rate below 100, actually below 90. 
Took several months to ween off Metoprolol

George Gardopee  Hi Jeanne. I had the same surgery in November and my heart rate has been much higher since. I am on metoprolol (100 mg) and it seems to be working. My cardiologist thinks it will improve with time. Adam posted a link to a relevant discussion about three days ago:  

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/.../high-heart-rate/

Martin Smith  Hi Jeanne, I had bouts of mysterious aches on both right and left sides of my chest 4 weeks after surgery. It was diagnosed as possibly being pericarditis. I was prescribed 2 weeksof Colchicine, a drug used to treat a few interesting conditions. The aches would come and go mysteriously, and I did't notice them again until a mild bout of similar achiness in mid-January 15 months post-op. I ignored it, and it faded away.
None of the aches would I describe as terrible. They were concerning, but not debilitating. When I looked up "coscocondritus" the symptoms looked plausible for my achy bout, but isn't that the general rule when we use the internet to self-diagnose? Jeanne, I hope you fel better soon and your recovery becomes as uneventful as possible.

Deb Yednak  I too have intermittent pain in the incision area and my upper chest area mainly on the right side.  Some days I have no pain.  Other days I will get it once or twice - a stabbing startling take your breath away nerve type pain, then it goes away.  I have rubbed Aspercreme with lidocaine ( over the counter) on the area when it acts up and it does help a little.    Time heals all wounds they say---I but if it becomes a regular pain, or really really bad, I would definitely contact your surgeon - it could be any number of things,.   If  mine doesn't go away in another few weeks, I will be calling the surgeon.

Martin Smith  Intermittent lightheadedness isn't uncommon after valve surgery. Nonetheless, you're wise to stay vigilant and pursue answers. During my recovery from my Ross procedure I had a few unexplained episodes that tended to undermine my confidence. Only 8 days post-op means you're really early in recovery and probably fine tuning of meds and sleep will be part of your program. Wishing you well.

Marie Myers  I had short bursts of irregular and fast heart beats while recovering. I was told if the episodes are short lived (less than 20 minutes) and without serious symptoms like fainting I should try not to worry...Like Martin said, intermittent short lived dizziness is not unusual either.

Deena Z  Five days was the turning point for me, Jeanne. Had surgery w/ Dr Adams for the same two valve repairs this past March. Such an awesome feeling to get through it and know you are “all fixed up”. Your hemoglobin is low and that makes you only more tired. I had my family bring me protein shakes and ice cream. Cheesebuger wld have probably been even better:).

Jeanne Porterfield  Now that i am home i hope i can eat better. The hospital was far from home and there was a snow storm this weekend. ! They want me to take Lasik and potassium which I’m not happy about

Heather Kelly  Jeanne - so glad you are home where true healing happens, I am assuming the medications were not expected but will not likely be for long? Keep getting better and please let us know how you progress. God Bless

Louise Moore  So good to be home and cozy with good nutrition and rest too- all the things your body wants now to heal a while then introduce you to a newly freshened, lovely heart, Jeanne. It’s only five days after such major surgery you’re doing really well and once your body has fully adjusted you’ll feel even better than ever- time for rest and nutrition now and onward to a smooth recovery! 👍

Miriam St.Clair  Good to hear your progress. The lasix and potassium aren't too bad and I've been on them years. Maybe you'll just need them for a short period of time? Best wishes for a continued recovery.

Deena Z  The lasix and potassium were short term for me. Important. Surprised you’re not also on a beta blocker

Richard Munson  I was on lasix for a week i think and then off it thank goodness. It requires a conveyer belt to the bathroom.

Jeanne Porterfield  Thanks everyone. Yup on also on Beta Blocker and aspirin as well. Thanks to your post Deena i had a protein shake today.

Susan Lynn  Jeanne - I was on Lasix, baby aspirin, beta blocker, blood thinners, and a bunch of other drugs. Be patient, many of them are precautionary and temporary. You'll feel significantly stronger in the next couple of weeks. Please keep us posted on your progress! ❤

Richard Munson  I had some also, yes nerve wracking. I was told common especially if older like me. Now i get ct scan once a year to see if they remain same size. It never stops.

Rose Madura  I was thankful that my tests were broken up over a few days so I didn't have to do too many at once.

Deena Z  Lots of company, Jeanne and Richard. They Also found lung nodules with me too, and yep, get annual scans now too.