Susan's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis

Member Since: February 7, 2015

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Susan Bach posted an update
11 years ago (June 23, 2015)
I have all my energy back, appetite back, building muscle mass, and feeling fine. Just one problem , I hear a clicking sound with my heart beats. I know it's common with a mechanical valve, but I choose pig valve. Does anyone else experience a "clicking" sound ?
I know a tissue valve patient who had clicks. I don't think it's awful unusual, still ask your doctor though.
I had clicks with my trifecta- Especially with deep breaths, I asked my cardio at my echo and she was not alarmed as things are still healing. I just noticed after reading your post that I'm not clicking as much however.
Anonymous, heart valve patient
Anonymous
Excellent recovery, Susan! God is Good! I have a pig valve, as of seven weeks ago, tomorrow. So far....have not noticed a clicking sound. Everyone is different. I agree with Meredith...ask your doctor.
Susan Bach posted an update
11 years ago (May 12, 2015)
Start Cardio Rehab Monday. Excited to get back into shape and do exercises to help my muscle mass return. Feeling pretty good, some irregular heart beats, but they will monitor in Cardio Rehab. Getting stronger every day. Want to let people who are ready or near for surgery, that you... Read more.
Outstanding Susan. I just read the sheet on cardiac rehab today and am considering it.
Great news. Glad you are doing well. I'm still have high blood pressure and rhythm problems. Meds don't seem to be doing much. I'm seeing cardiologist Friday again
Glad to hear your progressing, Susan! Yes, God is Great!
I put off cardiac rehab, thinking I could do it myself, but it's just not happening. Going to set up my rehab tomorrow, at 4.5 month post-op. You inspired me! ☺
Susan Bach posted an update
11 years ago (April 15, 2015)
I need some feedback from my heart brother's and sister's. Today is 4 weeks since Aortic Valve Replacement. My incision is healing beautiful , and because I got a mini, the incision is only 3 inches. My sternum is healing, cause I can lay on my side without pain. That's... Read more.
Susan, I think for me, it was around 6 to 8 weeks that I felt "normal" again. But, like I said in a post to Tammi earlier, my problem is remembering that I still need to be careful in what I do. Just because I feel like I can do... Read more.
Susan-I was thinking back to the 4 week period of recovery and read my notes in my daily journal. In it I am frustrated because I am so tired still and don't seem to feel like myself yet. You say your hemoglobin is still low and you are a little... Read more.
I haven't had surgery yet, so can't tell you about my recovery. It sounds like things are going well in some areas, but remain frustrating in others. Everything I read suggests that people tend to be much improved and closer to their ideal during or after rehab. We all want... Read more.
I think you all hit it on the head, I'm being in-patient and frustrated. Normal emotions I suppose. Tammy's right, I might think I can do more things, but I need to be careful . I just needed to vent. Seeing my Cardiologist once every 3 weeks, doesn't cut it.... Read more.
I remember being tired and weak at week 4 and even week 6, and I recall that little steps of progress were not so noticeable unless I stopped to think that I was walking upstairs with more speed, or able to open the patio door more easily. We miss small... Read more.
Cardio rehab seems like the place for you since they can monitor some of those issues while you exert yourself. It sounds like your healing process is going well otherwise. Although I was / have been progressively healing, at 4 weeks I felt far from being "back to normal". Those... Read more.
Right there with ya Susan. Im 4 weeks out tomorrow. Scar is healing well, not much of any sternum pain unless i reach outside of the zone to pull or pickup something. My heart rhythm is another story. I have plenty of irregular beats according to the home monitor and... Read more.
with a low hemoglobin you are going to be easily tired and weak. Depends how low, but some people here had to have a transfusion or two, others on iron or iron rich food. Four weeks my issue was LOW B/P, and dizzy and week, and I suffered a fall... Read more.
I was taking naps for almost 6 months! And you'll never be "normal" like you were before. You'll have to define a new normal, a better normal. Once you start rehab, you'll sense greater improvement. My surgeon, cardiologist, and GP all told me it would be a year before I... Read more.
My surgery was 3/24 and I am still tired too- you are in good company. I struggle with stairs and hills (I was active before having symptoms with my AS). My surgeon said expect about a year to feel totally back to yourself...tell us how rehab goes next week. Good... Read more.

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