Tracey's Posts

You asked for feedback from older patients. I am now 72, having had my OHS last year. I had aortic valve replacement , aortic aneurysm fix which you did not mention. The annulus was enlarged so I could be fitted via TAVR if and when needed. My recovery has been fine. If you have any specific questions, I'm happy to answer.

Hi Tracey, I had AVR and Root replacement at 55 years old. They did the root because of an aneurysm and to make the area bigger to fit a large enough valve for hopeful TAVR in the future and better blood flow. I did fine with that but I can tell when I exercise that there is significant blood flow increase which was slightly uncomfortable at first when I would get my heart rate up. It is better now but I swear I still get a "full feeling" in my neck when I lift weights or anything getting my heart rate up high. It isn't pain just a strange sensation that I never had before.❤️

My best advice would be don't put it off, I had no symptoms at all, in fact I was feeling great. I thought about delaying it but so glad I didn't, I was 59 and as my surgeon said this is as young and fit as I will be and will get maximum benefit by not delaying. I understand if you have the fear of the op its self. Please please don't be. I know everyone is different however the truth is its not even close to being as bad as I expected. A week after the op I was down at the coast having fish and chips for lunch. When I was in I compared myself to older patients who had the op later and believe me you then realise the right decision was do it early and not wait. All the best

Tracy, my (now retired) cardiologist told me to wait for symptoms but I later learned that is old school thinking and I should have had surgery at least one year sooner than I did. I had a rough recovery but honestly can't say if it was because of the wait. My advice is to go with the echo results and get a second opinion.