Suzanne's Journal

So, it’s been 1 year 8 months since my AVR with a mechanical valve. All in all, things are going well. However, in the last 3 weeks I’ve been experience higher than normal heart rate even at rest. I’m 51, not sure is this is hormonal issue or heart related. Of course, we are away on vacation this week. I will definitely check with cardiologist when I get home next week. Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue this far past surgery?

Marking my one year ValveVersary on 11/29. When I started to visit this site just days after my surgery to replace my bicuspid aortic valve, I was amazed to read the posting of folks who were celebrating their milestones... 3 weeks, 3 months, or years later. At the time, last November/December each of the initial days was focused on just getting dressed and following the medication protocol. It didn’t seem like you’d get to the point where you didn’t feel like a patient anymore. Then, it seems in an instant you are looking at 6 months out and then 1 year. I am so thankful for the excellent medical care I received and the support team that surrounded me and cheered me on. There have been a few hiccups along the way, but what a difference. It is like having another birthday in the year to celebrate all that life has to offer. For those of you in “the waiting room,” yes it does get better and sooner than you think. All the best to everyone one their heart journeys.

Just wanted to send out some happy thoughts today. Coming up on 11 months since OHS for BAV. It’s been an amazing journey. Last fall, I couldn’t climb the stairs to my classroom without being dizzy, short of breath and have palpitations. This fall, I climbed a 4,800 ft peak in NH with my husband. Getting ready for yearly checkup with echo and bloodwork, feeling pretty good about that. Still having a few hiccups being on Coumadin for life, but generally ok. All the best to everyone on their heart journeys...be well.

Great to be back on the trails again.

Well, I am midway through my 7th month post-op. I am feeling such a difference in my energy level compared to being symptomatic: short of breath, palpitations, light headed ness, etc before surgery for AVR. Just started to do some kayaking again this summer. My first outing was only an hour to test out my chest muscles. I’ll admit I was a little nervous getting back out there and not knowing if I would be able to paddle, but what a glorious time it was. This week, my husband and I tried a longer paddle. I managed an hour and 45 minutes. It definitely tired me out and I took a well deserved nap when we returned home, but it was worth it. I truly felt back to “normal” whatever that means at this point.
I still have a little tenderness in my upper left chest area with certain movements. With my mechanical aortic valve, I continue to monitor my INR. It has been up and down over these month but definitely, getting a bit easier to manage.
Just wanted to let those of you that are awaiting your surgery, or recently on the other side that it does get better and generally faster than you think. I remember vividly the waiting and worrying prior to surgery and feeing like a “patient” for quite a while afterwards. Hang in there...

Feeling grateful today to celebrate 6 months post BAVR. Still dealing with managing INR levels and some upper left chest muscle soreness, but my energy level and stamina are so much improved. No more flutters, skips or palpitations. No shortness of breath or fatigue. It is truly amazing to get the opportunity to keep ticking. All the best to those just starting their healing journeys and those who are well on their way.

Coumadin woes?
So, still having trouble getting Coumadin levels, level! I had trip and over night to hospital last week with possible TIA, tingling legs and rapid heart rate. My Coumadin level was 1.8, so doctor increased my i take to 7mg daily and 2x weekly testing. Mondays level was 2.3, my cardiologist wants me between 2.5 and 3.5. So, increased to 8mg that day. Tested again yesterday and INR was 2.1. So, last night increased to 10 mg with other days being 7mg and retesting on Tuesday. My diet has been regular, I can't really figure out what's going on. I've been feeling pretty good, just some occasional dizziness. Anyone have a similar experience?

So, Im having a bit of a hiccup in my recovery. I am 4 1/2 months out from OHS for BAV. I received a mechanical On-x valve. All has been going pretty smoothly. I have been back to work for 5 weeks. Last Tuesday, I expereinces tingling in both my legs and right arm along with general weakness. Off to the ER and overnight. I was dehydrated and INR was 1.8. They scanned everything with no clear answers. Also, had wide range in HR from 50 jumping to 140s with little exertion. Docs not 100% sure but possible TIA. I am wearing a heart monitor for a few weeks and they've increased my Coumadin intake to 7mg daily with more frequent checks. Trying not to freak out too much and also calm my hubby. Has anyone had a similar experience?

So, my husband and I are planning our first big trip after my 11/29/17 AVR. We are headed to the Alsace region of France for a week. I am excited and a little nervous about how my stamina will hold up during travel. I just received my own INR meter and will be able to bring that with me. Ultimately, there are medical professionals there too....so, I am going out and enjoying life!

Feeling really excited after just finishing cardiac rehab. It has been 12 weeks since receiving my On-x aortic valve. I feel so much better that pre-surgery. I am due to go back to work next week. I am excited,but a little nervous about keeping up the pace in my middle school classroom. Still seems a bit weird, before surgery our worlds get smaller as symptoms appear and you can do less. Then, there’s the pre-surgery anxiety. So as I’ve been healing, you keep expanding your world. First, just being able to take care of yourself to driving, rehab and now back to work. Still working on getting my head wrapped around the fact that I am doing fine and not worrying if there will be some complications. So grateful for healing. All the best to those in both the pre and post surgery phases.

Feeling very thankful today as it marks 9 weeks since OHS for AVR, On-x valve. I am in week three of cardiac rehab which is really helping to build my confidence. I didn't realize how frightened I had become worrying over every palpitation and the sheer exhaustion I was experiencing. I even hadenough energy to go for a walk outside in the brilliant sunshine after rehab, feeling fortunate. I amdue to return to work as a school teacher at the end of February. I am slightly concerned about getting sick and will need to wean myself off my daily naps. All in all, this journey has gone quicker and easier than I expected. This site provided a lot of helpful information along with Adam's book. Good luck to all of you awaiting your procedures and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Week 7 post op for AVR. Still having trouble gettiing steady Coumadin level between 2-3. INR today was 1.7. Numbers keep going down even though I am eating relatively the ame amount of vit k daily. Any suggestions? Should i be concerned? Nurses at clinic didn't seem to worried.

Today makes the 7 week post AVR surgery with On-x valve. I went to my third rehab appointment today. Things went pretty well and I am walking for 50-60 minutes a day. Still working on getting my Coumadin levels stable. Other than that, I get teary from time to time without any real reasons, just seem to get overwhelmed. Is this pretty common?

Happy New Year! Last week was my 1 month post AVR surgery checkup with my surgeon. All good and I was cleared to start driving. Feeling pretty good, still need an afternoon nap but feeling stronger everyday. It’s truly amazing how quickly the recovery time goes by. Looking forward to starting cardiac rehab in a week or so.

This Wednesday will be the three week post surgery date. I am feeling pretty good. i'm most thankful to be sleeping well, I was quite worried about that. Amazed how much better I already feel with my mechanical valve.

Hiking with my husband -Ireland April 2017.