Lynne's Journal

My second anniversary is coming up (October 27th) and I'm wondering if anyone has had my problem. I forget I've had my operation except for my right breast. Cartilage was torn during my operation and my surgeon said it would take at least six months to heal. It is still very tender and I have to have an ultrasound today and am dreading it. The left side is fine as I've had a couple of echoes and no probs.

I just noticed my last post was exactly one year ago at 12 weeks post op for MVR. Yes, it did take the full year to recover so thanks to everyone who said this as I used to get very impatient. Now I have to face up to my aortic valve being replaced as they couldn't do this at the time because of complications. Five years ago my echo said it was moderate to severe and the results are still the same so I guess it isn't urgent yet. I told my cardiologist that at 77 I am not prepared to go thru all this again and he is going to see it if I can have a TAVR. Has anyone else been in this position? He did say that the second OHS has twice as many risks but at my age my concern is the 12 months recovery and I'm not getting any younger. I'm probably being an ostrich but I keep thinking it has been like this for so long it may never get any worse. Any advice people? Thank you Adam for this site. It has been such a great comfort knowing I'm part of a huge international group and not the only one going thru this alone.

I have now reached post op 12 weeks. What an experience! It was nowhere near as bad as I expected. A cartilage was torn during the op so I had to keep on with pain medication because of that. I'm down to only panadol at night to keep comfortable. What bliss to be able to lie flat and turn over with ease! My only problem now is extreme tiredness. I've had my blood, iron, and thyroid tested and all fine. I'm too tired to exercise which concerns me but I am managing living alone with only help to clean (vacuuming, washing floors and bathroom cleaning) I am able visit, go to movies and dine out but I find I crash the next day. I was to have both valves replaced but because of my age (76 years young) they thought it too risky and only replaced the mitral valve. I have a feeling the aortic valve is the cause of all this but my cardiologist said no. Guess I will have to wait another 3 months for my next echo. Has anyone else had this experience? On the plus side friends and family find it hard to believe I've had such huge surgery. I look well and walk with a spring in my step (except on my weary days) and find I can move around easily. If you are facing surgery, just think of the other side. Even in the early days I would forget I'd had surgery and wonder why I was uncomfortable at times. God bless all you brave people. We have every right to feel proud!

Two weeks ago I was getting ready for my valve replacement. I gained so much strength from the experiences you have all shared. I wonder if you will believe it when I say it has been a magical experience for me. I had my mitral valve replaced but they decided it was safe to leave the aortic valve alone. All I could think of beforehand was the pain I would have to go thru. Any pain was of my own doing as their wanted me to get onto it before it became uncomfortable. My op had complications but I had the best medical team I could ever imagine. They included me in everything so I was aware of any risks they could raise. I was given the option to change my mind at any time which was reassuring, although the option was not to be here in 5 years time. I think the weakness I felt was the biggest shock but I am getting stronger by the minute. Overall if you asked my advice I would say, listen to your Physio. Mine was invaluable. To all you people facing your op I wish you well and hope you have an awesome experience too. To think I was the one who said I may have to be taken into theatre kicking and screaming! God bless you.

I was told back in March I had to have OHS which was a huge shock as everyone knows and I am quite proud of myself they way I got my head around it and my whole attitude towards it all. Now I've been given a date (next week) I am freaking out. I'm even telling myself I don't need the op. Is this normal? Am trying so hard to get my head around this now. Thank you to everyone who has posted their experiences as it has been a great help.