Pamela's Posts

Hi Pamela, I've had my aortic valve replaced twice - Ross procedure 25 years ago and then aortic and pulmonic valves replaced with cow tissue valves in 2018. Second time was easier because I knew what to expect and the whole surgery experience was incredibly similar 25 years apart. Recovery of aerobic capacity has taken longer the second time but I just finished a 1,800 mile bike ride from California up to Washington and back down so am pretty much back in shape. First procedure took three hours and second one was 12 hours with the scar tissue and they also had to replace the conduit between pulmonic valve and lungs because mine was all calcified up. Glad to answer any questions.

Wow! You have really been through it!! So glad to know you are doing so well. I am worried about the pain the second time, if it will be worst then the first time and will the sternum heal as well. I live alone and I hope I can take care of myself after a week in a rehab hospital. I had my husband the first time but am now a widow. I don't remember how long it took to feel strong enough or to be able to drive again.

I'd say the pain was about the same the second time for me as the first time and the healing at about the same pace. The incision was along the same scar and I'd say it's less visible now than before my second surgery and the tube holes from my first surgery show up more than from the second one. I started driving at six weeks out both times based on doctor recommendations and went back to work after five weeks the first time and eight weeks the second time. I think the healing was about the same pace though, I just decided beforehand I was taking eight weeks off and it was a good break. I would try to be as active as possible beforehand and eat a clean diet. Maybe practice beforehand getting in and out of bed from sitting without using your arms to help build up some muscle memory. I had full days and nights alone after a week and was a little worried but it went fine. I think they don't emphasize enough the mental aspect of recovery from surgery. Things like visualizing getting up and walking before doing it or believing I'm 20 years old and striving to do what I would do as a 20 year old do wonders for me. Reading things from Dr. Google that could potentially happen and then worrying about them can turn into a self fulfilling prophecy, so I try to ignore a lot of that stuff.

Thank you John, very good advice. I have been trying to eat a clean diet because my blood glucose has been high because I got a cold and that and stress flared up my asthma so I was put on 12 days of steroids which really spike your sugars! I'm also on some insulin pens temporarily to try to get it down for the surgery on the 24th. I'm thinking that if my sugars don't get back to normal, they may move it out. I feel weak from so much isolation this year with COVID so I need to try to move around more and get my strength up. Thanks John stay well.

I am sure this was not an easy decision to make. If we live long enough, All of us who got tissue valves may be in your situation at some point. Take comfort in the fact that so much progress has been made in heart surgery and re-operation heart surgery, so the statistics are in your favor. Wishing you peace during your preop wait.

Hi Pamela, when the time comes for me to replace my bovine aortic valve, I plan to replace it with a bovine one again (due to many allergies to metals, etc). I am lifting you up in prayer . . . and agree with others that being scared is natural and that thankfully, the heart is an organ where there has much advances in surgery, treatment, etc. Trust in Him. Ask Him to give you peace. You will be in my prayers.

Pamela - That's the spirit! One of my cardiologists is sending all of his surgical patients to Lankenau after I told him about the incredible care. (Note: He previously recommended another surgeon and facility. I did my own research and chose Lankenau.) He said that Lankenau is making great investments in talent and medical technology as compared to other facilities in the area. For me, every step was seamless from pre-op testing through discharge. My husband and sister were also treated well during my stay by the entire Lankenau team. Just in case you haven't seen it, here's a YouTube video on the Heart Pavillion. You're going to feel completely confident and cared for in this environment. ❤ https://youtu.be/74YxA0EaU2E