Susan's Journal

Brady Busch  Hi Susan,
I searched a little online,before surgery and found some useful info,including this site.
There was one guy,who refers to himself,as a heart ambassador and has at least one video on YouTube.He talked about a number of different things to expect.One of them,exhaustion after the operation,was something that I experienced.It took a few weeks to get moving steadily again.
With me,there weren't many symptoms.In a way,it might be cool to feel great,after not having a lot of energy.

Yumiko Ishida  I was technically asymptomatic and am now 3 weeks out of OHS. I am still hoping the improvement will be noticeable in a couple of months. I just adapted to the stenosis for most of my life (shortness of breath after the merest exertion, etc), so I have no idea what I may be able to do once fully recovered! For the moment, though, the power-assisted recliner is my best friend

Grace Mason   Hi Susan and welcome 🙂. I was bi-cuspid aortic valve and mostly asymptomatic prior to my surgery but I also had an aneurysm and that was driving my surgery more than my valve. I was really concerned about feeling worse after surgery since I felt very well, just some mild shortness of breath going up inclines. I am 4.5 months past surgery and happy to say I am feeling great. I was also very happy to find I was not dependent on others to do things like use the bathroom,  and walk by day 2. I agree with Brady, your energy is limited as your body is healing and that can be frustrating but it does get better. My pain was managed very well. I didn't really have much at all and only took Tylenol and gabapentin (prescribed for nerve pain) once I left the hospital. I didn't use narcotics in the hospital either because they don't agree with me.
I did find having a sleep aid prescribed was very helpful post surgery (and some nights, before surgery when I was feeling anxious).
Protein smoothies are great post surgery if your throat is very sore from intubation (mine was), my husband brought me one every day I was in the hospital 😋

Valerie Allen  Welcome Susan! I live around your area. You have found a great site for support and questions. We’ll be here for you!