Mark's Posts

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

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.

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!!

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.

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.