Lori Johnson - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1034 days ago

I had my Aortic Valve replaced with a tissue valve this time. 9/5/2022 Since my surgery I have been dealing with fluid retention. I’m as active as I can be, ...Read more

I had my Aortic Valve replaced with a tissue valve this time. 9/5/2022 Since my surgery I have been dealing with fluid retention. I’m as active as I can be, I take 40mg of Lasix daily with limited success. I usually weigh around 135-137lbs, my weight has been right at 145-147lbs since a week after surgery. Healing at 60 is a lot more difficult than when I was 33. I’m sore, I’m not sleeping well and the cardiac nurse that called today just said to follow up as scheduled with cardiology. (10/13) I guess my question is: Does anyone else that has had an open aortic valve replacement deal with the same issue? I’m feeling frustrated, I feel like I should be “doing better” from the soreness to my mental health.

Susan Lynn Lori - Everyone's recovery can be a little different. Be patient and review your concerns with your ... Read more

Susan Lynn Lori - Everyone's recovery can be a little different. Be patient and review your concerns with your doc. A change in diet or modification of the diuretic may help you lose that remaining fluid. You may also see a change in your mental health as you progress in your recovery, but that should also be discussed at your appointment. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Rose Madura Lori, I would venture to say that recovery may be a little more difficult in your sixties than in yo... Read more

Rose Madura Lori, I would venture to say that recovery may be a little more difficult in your sixties than in your thirties. But, try not to compare the two because they are different. I hope you feel better soon. Be encouraged. You will get better.

Rita Savelis It is still very very early. Healing takes time. Your whole body has had an ordeal.
You are norma ... Read more

Rita Savelis It is still very very early. Healing takes time. Your whole body has had an ordeal.
You are normal and recovery from heart surgery is hard and can be long. Taking diuretics is no fun. (I still take Lasix 7 years later for fluid in the lung linings). I didn't sleep well for at least 6 weeks after surgery. Please ask a doctor for some sort of sleep aid to take occasionally. Your body needs rest to heal. And emotionally it's also difficult. Talking about what you've been through and how you feel is a start to getting out some of those emotions which are real. Your recovery is your recovery and can't be compared with others. I'm sorry that you have to go through this. Please be vocal at your next cardiology appt and let the doctor know how you are feeling. Take care.

Klara Čičić Dear Lori I am so sorry you have to go through this. I agree with the girls. It's still early, I trul ... Read more

Klara Čičić Dear Lori I am so sorry you have to go through this. I agree with the girls. It's still early, I truly hope with time it will get better... I feel special connection with you as I just had my surgery at 33. Durability statistics of my complex repair in young age are more realistic... hopes are that my repair lasts 10 years. Everything beyond that would be huge gift. Your mechanical valve lasted 27 years... It is such a blessing. I hope you find your inner strength to fight and move forward. Our hearts have been through a lot...

Bob Rini Sorry for you. Yes, I'm still swollen and taking LASIX after my 9/9/22 valve replacement and bypass-- ... Read more

Bob Rini Sorry for you. Yes, I'm still swollen and taking LASIX after my 9/9/22 valve replacement and bypass--mostly swollen in the leg where they borrowed a vein. Getting better little by little, taking walks. I'm 67, by the way, and impatient, too, but I think you're on the right track. Sending healing vibes.