11 days post valve replacement

[Patti]

Hello all,
I'm really glad to find this site and I'm sure it will be valuable. I had my aortic valve replaced on 5/26 with a 21 mm CE magna valve(biological valve).I had no known heart disease prior to seeing my MD at his office on 5/23,for a 3 wk. Hx. of shortness of breath and palpitations.In fact,I had walked 3 miles that morning with my daughter. I was shocked when he informed me that he was calling an ambulance to transport me to the hospital. I am a healthy 54 yr. old RN,with my only medical history at all being bacterial endocarditis in Jan. of 2004. The doctors were baffled as to how I acquired it,not having any of the traditional risk factors. However,when I had my valve surgery,they found my congenital AV was bicuspid and my surgeon says that is probably the reason for the SBE.
Prior to the surgery,I had a stress echo.,Card cath. and TEE. The stress echo was worse for me than the surgery,as I literally couldn't breathe by the time my pulse reached 160. My BP went to 258/20 and the cardiologist said that's classic CHF with almost non-functional AV.I am very grateful to God for the successful surgery. I came home 7 days post-op and am on several meds. I will start cardiac rehab in July. Would like to compare notes with anyone with similar history.

 

[geebee]

Patti,
Can't help with the BAV issues but I did want to welcome you. You have found the best website in the world for valve help and I am sure others will be along who can address your BAV.
Glad you made it through so well and, as we say here, "Welcome to this side of the mountain."
Hope things continue to go smoothly for you.

 

[tommy]

Hello, Patti. Welcome to our growing family. How are things "Down East"? Sounds like you are doing well.

I had congenital BAV not discovered until age 30 when I got SBE in Chicago area. A significant murmur resulted from that experience with the expectation that the valve would someday need to be replaced. Cause of the strep infection was never determined, suspected to be oral, and nourished by high stress and low sleep during a job transfer.

"Some day" happened 16 years, 2 family moves, and 35 lbs. later in Dallas area. I chose a mechanical St. Jude's because I didn't want repeat surgery. It went well.

Screwed up my Coumadin dose early-on (INR=18) and went back for plasma, then back again for pericardial effusion (1 liter fluid).

Cardiac rehab was an excellent experience that ingrained in me the concept of small increments in exercise. That has since served me well at all levels of exercise.

It's been 5-1/2 years since AVR. I've had some other health issues unrelated to the heart, and thus far continue to conquer each one. Running a couple of marathons has helped me celebrate the God-given victories.

PVC's started this year, but seem to be subsiding. Stress aggravates them. Cardio says no restrictions. Exercise is a good distraction and stress reliever. Enjoying swim/bike run. Did one short triathlon, training for another.

Again, welcome aboard. Ask away!

 

[Georgia]

Hi, Patti - welcome. You're doing darn well to have posted so lucidly so shortly after surgery!

Hope your recovery is going well. And we're always glad to have new folks on board. Have you recovered from the shock of being sent to the hospital in an ambulance? I was in miserable shape when I was diagnosed, too - doc wanted my husband to come get me, but I convinced him I could drive home (my bp was 195/130 - I thought I had a cold I couldn't shake. I was just furious when he said my problem was cardiac).

Breathe, walk and nap and enjoy our hospitality.

 

[Doug]

Patti,
Wanted to say welcome. I had AVR on 5/9, pacemaker 5/12. Started cardo rehab 2.5 weeks post op. The folks at cardio rehab take great care of us, I was scared to death to start but it has been a terrific experience so far. Best wishes on a full and uneventful recovery.
Doug

 

[Superbob]

Hi Patti,

Welcome to the forum. I think it's almost always a shock to get the news that surgery is imminent. A doctor detected a heart murmur when I was in my 20s, so I was checked occasionally, but not until my 60s did I learn about aortic stenosis, valve leakage, enlargement of the heart, etc -- and all that a few years after I'd done some competitive road racing, including a few marathons.

Sounds like you'll be a great candidate for cardiac rehab. I really enjoyed my 36 sessions of it. The nurses took good care of us and we made some good friends while getting back to an appropriate level of exercise.

Best wishes,

Rob

 

[Elise Lucas]

post surgery

post surgery

Hi Patti... sounds similar situation to me although I knew about the aortic valve problem for about 12 years before the op so was monitored regularly... mine was like yours a congenital problem... if you read my other posts you can see that all will go well for you. I have not had any prob either with Warfarin ... just lucky to have a doctor who doesn't change my dosage every week if the inr moves about a bit... and I also let her know if there is anything that might have happened ie a cold or as I did twice in the matter of a month took a double dose ... now I should manage to take the correct dose as I have a pill dispenser marked for one week only and leave it out every night on the kitchen bench so I don't forget. to take my medication .(I take mine in the morning) .... just ask me any questions you would like to and I will be happy to share my experiences cheers Elise

 

[Kate]

Welcome Patti!
I live in Ohio now, but grew up in Maine. We moved around alot (my dad was a Methodist minister) so I've lived in Bangor, Farmington, Augusta, Portland and Solon. It's the most beautiful place in the world (but perhaps I'm biased.)

Anyway, I'm a little younger than you (38) but also had aortic valve replacement this year and chose to go with a biological valve. Glad to hear your surgery went well and that you're feeling well enough to post so soon. Take care of yourself and feel free to ask if you have any questions! Kate

 

[KMS]

Welcome

Welcome

Hi Patti -

Welcome to our family.

Like you, my diagnosis hit me out of the blue. On March 28th of this year, at my annual physical (which of course I hadn't had since 2002), my doctor diagnosed a significant murmur. She kept me there at the hospital for an echo and visit to a cardio. When he informed me of my congenital BAV and mod/severe AI, I was in shock (I wouldn't find out about my 49mm aneurysm for another 10 days). I'd spent an hour with a trainer that morning doing a hard core weightlifting session with no symptoms...I thought "how could this be happening to me?"

Six weeks later I had OHS and I haven't looked back. I'm having a great recovery and walking as much as I can. I'm taking an aspirin (325mg) a day and 600mg of Advil every 6 or 8 hours (still very sore through the chest).

You sound so good, Patti. I hope you have a smooth and uneventful recovery. This site has been a godsend for me over the past couple of months. I hope you find it as valuable.

Wam regards,

Kristine

 

[Patti]

Thanks everyone for your replies - sounds like you all all doing well. Seems like I knew noone who had a valve replacement - now in the last week 2 of my aquaintances are facing the same thing. I will refer them to this site as it has been very valuable for me!