Valve procedures and COVID - many here are posting that their surgeries are going forward with no problems. Is anyone being delayed or postponed by COVID concerns at their facilities? I am a low risk patient scheduled for TAVR in a few weeks at a very experienced heart hospital. They appear to be going forward with everyone.
Mary Montes Hello My name is Mary Montes and I am 48 years old. I am on my 8th week on having open heart surgery due to a bicuspid valve with an enlarge aorta.
I had a ... Read more
Mary Montes Hello My name is Mary Montes and I am 48 years old. I am on my 8th week on having open heart surgery due to a bicuspid valve with an enlarge aorta.
I had a mechanical valve put in and it can be pretty loud at times, I am trying to get use to the noise. Also, is it normal to feel your heart beats so loud and close to your throat after open heart surgery. I also have a hard time with my back muscles, I have hard time elevating my hands. Is this normal? I started cardiac rehab about 3 weeks ago but I feel I am not getting the attention my case needs, I have been doing the same speed and time for the last 3 weeks on treadmill and bike. Any suggestions
Kathy Santoro Hi Mary, I'm sorry you are so uncomfortable. I can't answer your valve questions because I don't have a mechanical valve other than to say I have read that ... Read more
Kathy Santoro Hi Mary, I'm sorry you are so uncomfortable. I can't answer your valve questions because I don't have a mechanical valve other than to say I have read that most people get used to the sound in time. As for your back and since you can't lift your arms up maybe your shoulders hurt too. I remember that I felt like I had been hit by a Mack truck! I told the surgeon that when he asked how I was. He said funny that's what most of my patients say. It was so painful and troublesome I asked at my post op appt where my arms were during the surgery he said they were at my side which made no sense considering how it hurt so much. I have had an excellent and gentle Chiropractor who has treated me since 1993 so as soon as I could drive I saw her. For me it was the beginning of getting my upper body back into alignment. She was my savior and if not for her I don't know how long I would have suffered. It took a few weeks but II was back to my normal self. I am going to a redo for the vale put in less than 2 yrs ago and that is one of the things I am worried about having to go through again because my Chiropractor just retired.
I do recall very pronounce heartbeats especially with activity. My heartrate also increased often into the 120's. It bothered ma a lot so I understand how you feel. My Cardiologist put me on Metoprolol which slowed it and decreased the intensity which was much better for me.
Have you told your Cardiologist about these issues and how they make you feel? He or she may have be able to help. I also got some very good suggestions for things concerning me from the Rehab team. I had to wait 6 mos due to a complication. I hope you get some answers and help so you can feel better soon.
Marie Myers Hi Mark, I think it depends on the area you are in, and what the Covid numbers are like. I would think some areas may have to postpone elective procedures, ... Read more
Marie Myers Hi Mark, I think it depends on the area you are in, and what the Covid numbers are like. I would think some areas may have to postpone elective procedures, but not everywhere. Hope you stay on schedule!
Jim Archer HI Mark, I had OHS in mid April, during the peak of COVID at that time. They were postponing elective surgeries then, but since this type of procedure cannot ... Read more
Jim Archer HI Mark, I had OHS in mid April, during the peak of COVID at that time. They were postponing elective surgeries then, but since this type of procedure cannot wait, they went ahead with my surgery. I asked my surgeon if the Pandemic would delay my surgery, and he said no. Check with your cardiologist or surgeon for assurances. Good Luck!!
Patrick Ahern Mark..I am in Ireland, where we are, probably prematurely, slowing reopening after our second wave - we had a 6 week semi lockdown until last week. Got the ... Read more
Patrick Ahern Mark..I am in Ireland, where we are, probably prematurely, slowing reopening after our second wave - we had a 6 week semi lockdown until last week. Got the Covid test with negative result 3 hours before admission for the procedure, but had restricted my movements for a day prior to that also. And yes, all medics and healthcare staff are being v careful. Hopefully your OHS will go ahead soon.
Hey people, I got on here about a month ago after I learned my aortic valve will be replaced soon. A murmur was discovered almost 8 years ago and the valve has been monitored with ultrasound since. In the last few weeks I had an angiogram, TEE and CT scan. I have no real CAD and the valve is tricuspid. I am 67, but the doc says I am not too young for TAVR. I realize the valve would need replaced again in 10-15 years. I am confident this is a good route for me to take. My procedure is scheduled for mid December. I will keep you posted. Anyone have TAVR stories? By the way, you people on here are awesome!
Nancy Chavez Hi Mark
I had TAVR in April and I’m 60. I did really well and went home the next day. I am very active and now feel great. I play tennis, walk 4
-5 miles ... Read more
Nancy Chavez Hi Mark
I had TAVR in April and I’m 60. I did really well and went home the next day. I am very active and now feel great. I play tennis, walk 4
-5 miles a day and work out with a trainer twice a week. I got a large valve and the plan for me is to have valve in valve in the future. The only thing Ive had problems with Plavix ( the blood thinner) and have had bad allergic reactions. My cardiologists says I was just 6 months early as their new protocol is aspirin only post TAVR.
I just joined the group as I am soon to need my aortic valve replaced. It’s been 8 years since the murmur was found and now stenosis is severe and the valve needs replaced. Yesterday I had an angiogram and was delight I have no coronary artery disease at all. Things kind of went off the rails after that. My cardiologist came in and said I could have valve surgery the next day, which would be today, totally out of the blue. I asked if I had an emergency situation and he said no. Apparently a surgeon was available. He was very busy and I only got to talk to him a few minutes. I decided not to do it that quickly without more consultation. This very well-related heart hospital has a website that give their SOP for surgery. Once it is time, you are scheduled for a day of testing and consultation and then the recommended surgery is scheduled. That is what I requested, by I have to wait three weeks for this. They said it should be safe to wait.
Does anyone have a bicuspid valve? I didn’t think I did, but now I am not sure. I have seen the same cardiologist for five years and had five echos. Never one did he mention I may have a bicuspid valve, which I understand is congenital. I read about it and apparently it is not that easy to see on conventional echo and take considerable experience to see. They will do a TEE, which gives a clearer view. What surprises me is that after five years I don’t know if my condition is congenital. I though if that weas the case I would have been diagnosed with valve disease at a much younger age. Also, those with bicuspid valve might not qualify for TAVR, because part of the aortic root may need replaced with conventional valve surgery. So while I now not worried about having a heart attack, I am more confused until the tests are done. I just wish it could happen sooner.
Steven Methot Mark, when I was in my early 20s I had to see another specialist for an unrelated condition. It turned out that I saw her every 3 months for several years. ... Read more
Steven Methot Mark, when I was in my early 20s I had to see another specialist for an unrelated condition. It turned out that I saw her every 3 months for several years. Each time around she'd have a medical student with her and with my permission the student would do the exam. Each time the earnest young thing would exclaim "He has a murmur!" as if they'd discovered the source of the Nile. That was when I found out about it. I didn't know that it was serious or congenital or bi-cuspid until a bit over a decade ago. It showed up on an echo and on CT scans. And only then did I discover that it was congenital. Not sure what difference being born with it makes, but there you go. I lived my life with a murmur and that's the source.
What I would do if I were you, however, is make a list of questions and grab this doctor and tell him you want them all answered. If he blows you off and you're not satisfied it's time for another doctor.
Rob Powell Hi Mark, I have had a murmur all of my life and was told 6 years ago that I had a congenital bicuspid valve.I kept getting raised eybrows at my murmur from ... Read more
Rob Powell Hi Mark, I have had a murmur all of my life and was told 6 years ago that I had a congenital bicuspid valve.I kept getting raised eybrows at my murmur from doctors so paid for a proper investigation. I have just had my valve replaced as well as my rising aorta (the complication I think you may have been told about) I took a lot of advice on the thing and in the end was happy with open heart surgery. I was told it is the safest for my condition. Yes, it hurts a bit for a couple of days, but it is nothing close to what you may think. 4 weeks in and I am walking 2-3 miles per day and not taking any pain medication. Of course everyone is different. I agree with Steven regarding questions for your doctor and find one that can give you proper answers. Best of luck and feel free to ask any questions.
Marie Myers Although I did not find out till my 20’s, I was the proud owner of a bicuspid aortic valve that served me well until I was 63. At that point, my routine echo ... Read more
Marie Myers Although I did not find out till my 20’s, I was the proud owner of a bicuspid aortic valve that served me well until I was 63. At that point, my routine echo showed an ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic Root aneurysm. So I had the AVR, aortic root, and ascending aorta replaced 3 1/2 yrs ago. Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart condition, with 1-2% of the population having them. Some people never find out, some do, like us. The docs will get a much better idea on what you have when you have the TEE. It gives even more detailed info. You may also eventually have a CT scan with contrast. At that point, your doc will have the info they need to make a diagnosis and form a treatment plan. I am glad you did not accept the surgery-next-day-plan, because that gives you no time for proper diagnostics. It also takes a bit of time to wrap your head around the fact that you are having heart surgery. Luckily for you and me, it was not an emergency situation. I had my surgery about 7 months after I found out about the aneurysm. Take 1 day and 1 test at a time, and get your questions answered. When you are comfortable with the whole situation, you will be able to make the decisions you need to make. Keep us posted on your progress! It is a daunting, yet totally doable process.
Rose Madura I did not find out that I had a bicuspid valve until after the surgery. Mine was terribly damaged and very calcified and the echo reports always said it could ... Read more
Rose Madura I did not find out that I had a bicuspid valve until after the surgery. Mine was terribly damaged and very calcified and the echo reports always said it could not be determined. Even though I knew from a young age would need surgery, it still came as a shock. I got another opinion from my now cardiologist and then got input from my brother (a doctor) and his friend (a thoracic surgeon). Four opinions later, I knew what I had to do. So, get another opinion if you feel the need. It's a lot of information to digest. Please keep us updated.
Update posted on...
October 8, 2020
This is my first post. I have known about my stenosis for about eight years. It became moderate about five years ago. I just started having symptoms recently that I could recognize (mild chest discomfort when walking and spikes in heart rate). Echo shows the condition recently became severe. My cardiologist says I should have surgery within the month. I don’t know if I need any bypass yet or what kind of surgery will be recommended. I am 67 and just retired. I want to be here for it! I know the outlook should be good. What do you do to stay calm?
RAY PIPHER Mark that's a great question...how do you stay calm knowing you have a pending situation like this. I don't know if there really is a good answer for that. ... Read more
RAY PIPHER Mark that's a great question...how do you stay calm knowing you have a pending situation like this. I don't know if there really is a good answer for that. Initially when I was diagnosed my cardiologist said I had about 3 years before it would probably need to be done. 3 mos later at my next visit he said "I think you should get this done sooner rather than later" BOY was I taken back! Fast forward I started doing my homework on the surgeon he recommended and once I met him I knew he was the guy. He really made me feel calm and more at ease with what was ahead. I met him in Nov of 2017 and by December I was on the table. After I met with him I just resigned myself that this had to be done and if I didn't I wouldn't be around much longer..those thoughts put me at ease and I knew I had to do what had to be done. I was scared as anyone would be. But not as scared as I thought I'd be mainly because mentally I prepared myself. All in all it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be..yes there was pain but nothing unbearable (at least in my case) my surgeon did a minimal invasive surgery which helped quicken the healing process. My chest was still cut but this procedure which he apparently came up with didnt cut my chest down to my belly but still got the job done. I was out of the hospital within 7 days and honestly by the following week I could have gone back to work...I felt that good....so keep a strong mind...resign yourself to the fact that this HAS to be done and maybe that'll help with the process. Best of luck to you! I'll leave you with the words my Dr. (Dr. Allan Stewart) said to me...this is just a blip in the road...soon enough it'll be in your rear view mirror.
Rose Madura Hi Mark and welcome to the site. I knew from a young age that someday I would need surgery but when that day came, even though it was expected, it still was ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Mark and welcome to the site. I knew from a young age that someday I would need surgery but when that day came, even though it was expected, it still was a shock. I found out in mid-April of 2017 and was planning to retire in June. I asked the cardiologist if I could just wait until June and he advised against it. That got my attention so I retired that very week! I did have some complications afterwards for about 6 weeks but now I feel great! My advice is to do some research, listen to the doctors and trust them. Get a 2nd opinion if you need to in order to feel comfortable. Let us know if you have any questions. We all wi me happy to answer them. Please keep us posted.
Marie Myers I found out I needed surgery due to an aneurysm in the fall of 2016, and had had surgery done March 2017. I was shocked, because I was working and very active ... Read more
Marie Myers I found out I needed surgery due to an aneurysm in the fall of 2016, and had had surgery done March 2017. I was shocked, because I was working and very active without symptoms. I was very anxious about the whole impending Surgery experience. To stay calm, I continued my exercise routine of yoga and meditation, and replaced tennis with walking. I also listened to calming videos on Utube, and got a massage every couple weeks. I was confident in my surgeon And just got it all done at age 63. My hospital stay was 6 days, and thank God i had an uncomplicated recovery. I felt well enough to go back to work 2 days a week in 2 months. I know you may not believe us until you have been through it, but the whole experience was not as bad as my worrying mind had me believe. My pain levels were very tolerable. I WAS surprised at how weak I felt when I got home, but that improved day by day. Hope you find lots of comfort on this site as I did. Ask any questions you may have, cuz we have all “been there, done that”.
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I had a mechanical valve put in and it can be pretty loud at times, I am trying to get use to the noise. Also, is it normal to feel your heart beats so loud and close to your throat after open heart surgery. I also have a hard time with my back muscles, I have hard time elevating my hands. Is this normal? I started cardiac rehab about 3 weeks ago but I feel I am not getting the attention my case needs, I have been doing the same speed and time for the last 3 weeks on treadmill and bike. Any suggestions
I do recall very pronounce heartbeats especially with activity. My heartrate also increased often into the 120's. It bothered ma a lot so I understand how you feel. My Cardiologist put me on Metoprolol which slowed it and decreased the intensity which was much better for me.
Have you told your Cardiologist about these issues and how they make you feel? He or she may have be able to help. I also got some very good suggestions for things concerning me from the Rehab team. I had to wait 6 mos due to a complication. I hope you get some answers and help so you can feel better soon.