Search results

Hi Carmen, I had surgery in April. Like you, I had an aneurysm, and a valve replaced. I woke up with a small stroke, or TIA. Needless to say, it was scary at the time, but after a couple days the symptoms were completely gone and I healed very quickly. Now, just seven months later I am back...

I'm a little more than 4 mos out. I tend to drink more than most; I drank that much, maybe more, in July. That being said, it's of course unhealthy to drink that much. Alcohol WILL raise your heart rate, effect your sleeping and as, another poster said, possibly cause afib. I suggest taking...

Mail Man, I had surgery April 18th, the day after you had yours. Congrats on doing so well; being "even better than before the surgery" says a lot! You are right that we live in an amazing age with some great advances in science and medicine. Now at just over 3 months out I don't feel limited...

We do funny things when it comes to our health. After my murmur was discovered I saw my cardiologist regularly over the next few years. Then, feeling confident nothing was brewing with my heart, I skipped the next six. After a bad and stressful couple of years I decided to go in for an...

And PS, regarding the tissue valve, I also see his point, but only because that's what I chose--I'm 50. Just be aware Valve choice is completely YOUR decision. I think if you choose a tissue valve, you'd better resign yourself to the necessity of having another OHS someday. Just as, if you...

I'm going to play devil's advocate here ; ) I had the angiogram done 2 days before my surgery. I was really nervous about it, because my kidneys are slightly impaired and the dye they use can sometimes harm the kidneys, esp those like me with prior kidney disease. I was told the procedure was...

Yes, alcohol increases heart rate. It's the alcohol in the drink that causes it, be it beer, wine or whiskey. I've heard it dilates blood vessels, and the heart must work harder to pump blood. I've had experience with it pre-surgery (lots of experience, lol) and now that I've had AVR it still...

Oxycodone was helpful the first few days after surgery. I used only a few after being released, as I found they constipated the heck out of me. After day 7 I switched to over the counter NSAIDs. If you're worried about getting addicted to em, try tapering down with over the counter pain meds.

Mailman, Welcome! We have a lot of similarities. I'm a 50 year old who had surgery one day after you did. I'm also physically fit and and was feeling good just a few weeks after surgery. I'm not doing "official" rehab, but will begin going to the gym again soon. I've felt so good during...

Patsman, Sorry to hear about your situation. My advice is to get another opinion (or two) from the best cardiologists you can find in Ireland or elsewhere. None of us on this forum are cardiologists. You're in a tough situation; of course you don't want to go in for surgery too early when...

Hey Neo, Hello! I had my AVR a little over 5 weeks ago, and I opted for a tissue valve and also have the dacron sheath. While I can't say I hear any "clicking" noise, I sure hear my heart "thumping" pretty hard, to the point it kinda resonates into the base of my neck at times. I wasn't...

Jim, thanks so much for this post, and the link. I didn't think I could be the only one that had this symptom. Because of the stupid night sweats, the last few days have been kinda scary; went to my family dr. to have blood tests done b/c of the night sweats and occasional chills. Seems my...

"...LOVE and APPRECIATE every second of life." That sez it all! You have a great attitude! : ) Best of luck to you and keep us posted when you are able to.

Big L., I agree you will probably feel much better scheduling the cath for a couple weeks ahead of the surgery. No reason to wait. I just had my AVR surgery a little over three weeks ago and I had to travel 9 hours by car for my surgery. I wanted the hospital I traveled to do everything...

Thanks ski girl, clumsydancer Gail, and Tom. I agree, it's probably time to contact my doctor. However, I do need to clarify, there is no fever involved with this -- I know that's weird considering I get hot enough to be covered in sweat at night--but that's the way its been. I guess that's...

I'm three weeks post surgery today. I had an aneurysm removed and AVR on April 18th. All-in-all things have been going very good for me. But here's one really annoying part of this recovery--every evening I get chills, like clockwork. Usually just after eating dinner. If I take an Advil...

Marshall, Thanks for posting your story. I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on April 18 to remove an aneurysm, to get an aortic graft, and to have my aortic valve replaced with a tissue (cow) valve. When I woke after surgery, I had the same symptoms as you--weak left arm & side, no...

I am truly sorry to hear about your elevated creatinine levels. Heart and kidney issues often go hand in hand; 10 years ago at age 40 was when I first discovered I had both a leaky bicuspid valve and kidney disease. Find yourself a good Nephrologist who will be most helpful in treating it and...

Hello again, I wanted to catch everyone up on the news about my surgery. I had my surgery on the April 18th, as planned, and all has gone well! There were a small few hitches along the way, but I was able to be released five days after surgery as planned. I had surgery to repair an aneurysm...

Kevin, Many thanks for your post! So glad you had an uneventful surgery! It helps so much to hear stories like yours. My own surgery is scheduled for Thursday of next week and I'm going krazy with the wait. Keep up the walking & the positive attitude! Ron