Martha's Journal

18 months post surgery for atrial and aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves. I can still hear or feel every heartbeat. Its worse at night and is beyond annoying. Anyone have suggestions how they deal with it. Obviously want my heart to keep beating, but as the doctor says, this is just my new normal and have to accept it.

Question to those who have been on the recovery side for a significant period of time.....how often do you see your cardiologist for follow ups and what do they do? I had double valve replacement in 6-2017. I had a follow up and echo 7-2017, then a quick visit on 1/2018 and 1/2019 where the doctor listened to the heart for maybe 30 seconds and sent me on my way. Guess I’m just surprised they don’t do more testing so curious if I’m just in the norm.

Over 3 months ago I had mitral valve and aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves, which comes with the wonderful gift of Coumadin. I have to have a minor procedure in a week and will be stopping the Coumadin and bridging with lovenox. Curious to hear from others who have had to do this....

Tomorrow makes 8 weeks post double valve replacement and double bypass. 3 weeks ago the surgeon said my scar looks good. 2 weeks ago the cardiologist says (via Echo) that my valves aren't leaking. Yay!! I graduate cardio rehab in two days. And I unfortunately go back to work next week. I guess everything is falling into place as it should. However..... My heart rate has always been fast and still is. Average is usually 100-110. Tonight its doing a rhythm of 10-15 fast beats and then slows for about 4 beats. Then it repeats itself. Fast fast fast slow fast fast fast slow. This happened a few weeks ago too-lasted about hour. Dr said normal given heart situation. I'm always aware of my heart beat now- and this is really annoying. Anyone else experience this?

Yesterday marked four weeks after OHS for double bypass and double valve replacement. Currently going to rehab and overall getting some energy back. But almost every night I start running a small temp, up to 100. Always gone in the morning. Doc says no need to call til 101 but I'm fed up with feeling crappy every night. Going to call doc tomorrow morning. Anyone else have this issue? Had rehab listen to my lungs Monday so not really concerned with pneumonia.

Ok, now I have question. At the hospital, every time I fell asleep, I woke up almost startled. It was like Bam! Eyes open, heart pounding heavy regardless of what dream I was having. Most of the time I was sweating too. Well now it's continued on to home. Docs checked vitals after it happened in hospital few times and it was always fine. Just curious if anyone has had this.

I came home from hospital today/19th after double valve replacement and double bypass on the 13th. So many things on this site nailed what to expect-thank you! Especially on how much attention you get vs how little sleep. My recovery was fairly textbook except they had a hard time keeping my blood pressure up for a while and it put me about a day behind of where I should have been. And I couldn't seem to produce a BM so my stay was being threatened to include another day. I started searching the subject on here, but then three suppositories, four miralaxs, prune juice and some stuff that works miracles (that they should have given me first), success was achieved and I was discharged. Sat in my own chair tonight. Now sleeping in my own bed, but almost time for a pain pill so staying up to wait for that. I developed a very small temp after being home a few hours, was just starting to make my cheeks red, but the Vicodin seemed to squash that immediately. But will definitely keep eye on that. Thank you to all my guardian angels watching over me and for all the prayers of support. They count for something and they do work!! Martha

To those who are having their surgeries today, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.❤️ I just got home from my pre-op physical and everything is set for my surgery tomorrow. Im starting to get that numb feeling to everything and am now just walking through all the motions.

Another question for everyone...I understand that a common occurrence after OHS is afib. I know what afib is but wondering what it feels like. Does it hurt? Does it take your breathe away? I've had palpitations before but that's it.

I have two questions today for those that are already in recovery. 1. I have just longer than shoulder length hair. Am curious if I should cut before surgery? With all wires, tubes, etc would it complicate things less? 2. I know everyone is different but other than rehab and appts, at what point did u start to get out and about and go to events again. And how about travel? I have a family wedding out of town 3 months post surgery. Just curious if that might even be possible or not.

Greetings from Nebraska! I have 11 days until surgery and the anxiety crunch is coming on strong. (Thanks to the pcp for the doses of Valium). Because of Hodgkins Disease 24 years ago and the radiation, I'm having a double valve replacement (with mechanical valves) and a double bypass. I am so THANKFUL to have found this site. I've learned so much from everyone on what to possibly expect. Sending prayers and well wishes to everyone already on their journey and to those just getting started. ❤️🤗