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B

Boo I need a valve

Just wanted to give some positive news for those facing surgery.

I am 4 months post op. Looking back, I can?t believe in how bad a shape I was in and the worst part was I did not even know it. I thought I was asymptomatic but my energy level was in the tank ? always tired ? sleepy even after a full night sleep. Looking back it had been a steady decline for years - I just did not know it at the time. For reference, I had severe regurg for at least the last 6 years, progressively getting stenotic as well.

4 months post op ? my energy is though the roof and keeps going up. I wake up and want to go running (and I do!). A few weeks ago after going back to work I was telling people I felt like I was in my 20s again. I am just shocked my energy level keeps climbing. This week I would venture teens. Don?t know if it will be the same for folks but, aside from the fact I?d be dead with out the surgery, I?m pretty stoked I did it.

For me I just hope things keep going they way they have been.
For those looking at going in for the surgery ? good luck and keep in mind there are some very positive outcomes that are possible.

If others have good stories... please post them!
 
Great post!!! I also feel better than I have in years!! This is the type of thing the "waiting room" crowd needs to hear!! I hope it continues to go so well for you!
 
So glad you are doing so well Adrian and thanks for the encouragement for those in the waiting room!
 
Adrian,
Great to hear, thanks for the post.
I am a few months behind you but I too see seem to see major improvement.
I question whether or not Im just on a pink cloud because I survived surgery and am past the post op problems but I really do think I have more energy and dont seem to require as much sleep, I cant wait to get going in the morning and Im not taking daily naps which I was doing prior to surgery.
For years I thought my shortness of breath was asthma and used all kinds of inhalers and other stuff, since the surgery I have not had one instance of shortness of breath. Thanks for sharing your experience, I hope I still feel this way two months from now. Keith
 
Adrian,
Congratulations on the positive outcome of your surgery. I guess it was at the 10 week mark that I started feeling good. I had a bump after that but I can say now at the 10 month post op point I am feeling great. Now to lose those 10 lbs I've been working on........:)
 
Dear Adrian,

I was so happy to have read your post which seems to sends out an huge "horray!!!" Fantastic! It is wonderful to begin to feel better .. and to feel that surge of youthful energy. You still may have days where you are tired, but after heart surgery, it is to be expected. Just go with it.
As for myself, I am just about one year post op, (St Jude aortic valve) and my recovery has been a steady one. Sure, I was wiped and had to take it slow and easy. Patience was required. I had to learn to listen to my body. Four months after post op, I felt much better, and by six months, I had good stamina, energy level, and wonderful heart function. My doc told me that I had no restrictions.. except for lifting heavy weights over my chest. I am currently weaning off the beta blocker, and my heart appears to be adjusting to the final new low dose. I am getting my upper body strength back by exercise. Now.. to lose 15 lbs:).
Adrian, I am so pleased that you are feeling wonderful! Enjoy your life and all the gifts that surround you. Your posting sound like you will feel even better in the months to come..!
Allan
 
Can Boo even keep up with you now?

Can Boo even keep up with you now?

Excellent post, Adrian; very encouraging. Glad to read how well you're doing. Take care and best wishes.
 
From Someone in the Waiting Room....Thanks so much Adrian for your positive post! It gives me great encouragment to hear such a wonderful testiment to the positive outcomes of AVR surgery. I am scheduled for Jan 16 for aortic aneurysm and possible AVR, depending on the condition of my valve and I am quite frankly looking forward to it! Everyone says this is the hardest part so I am ready to get on to the business of recovery, healing and living! Sounds like you are living life to the fullest and enjoying every blessing this surgery has provided! Thanks again for sharing! Happy Holidays!
 
I totally AGREE !!

I totally AGREE !!

I'm soooooo happy for you Boo.!!!!
I feel the same! It's so amazing, people ask in there low, sad voice, "how are you feeling?" I say with a big'old smile, "like a million bucks!"

Life is good and I wish this for all the folks in the waiting room...the worst part is the build up to surgery....just facing it for me was so hard...I just wanted it behind me. Hang in there and I pray you have a speedy recovery....

The folks on the site really helped me and were so kind.....
 
I'm certainly happy that you had a great outcome, but I don't think I can say that AVR Rocks. It is serious business and not everyone will have a good recovery. I don't want to poop on the party, but I'm one that didn't. Sorry. I do wish you all the best that a new life brings none the less.
 
Adrian,

Glad to hear that you and others have had such great recoveries. I was really pumped up and then ...I read Ross's comments.:eek: I guess nothing in life is certain. Those of you that have gone over the mountain give the rest of us hope that there is life after surgery. I see a surgeon tommorow so I have not even made it to the waiting room yet. Guess I am in the parking lot.

Thanks for sharing your success story.


CP
Heading for mitral valve repair, replacement or something.
 
I don't want new people getting the idea that this is some sort of drive thru surgery or tonsillectomy where everything is always fine. Problems do happen up too and including death. I nearly lost my life during mine so to say that AVR Rocks compels me to bring things back down to earth and reality a bit.
 
I appreciate the success story -- there are many of them on here, and I consider myself one. But I have to admit "AVR Rocks" as the headline may be a tad too exuberant. Ross has a point. Let's be positive, but OHS is not a tiptoe through the tulips.
 
I think what "rocks" about valve replacement is that most of us with valve problems have a way to save our lives. I would be long gone by now had there not been the technology to replace my mitral valve. My pre-surgery time was horrible and it took me 2 years to recover, but I have a wonderful life because of it. So yes, in my opinion - it "rocks", but that shouldn't be taken to mean it was easy for me. I don't care to repeat any of it if it can be helped.
 
I have frequently thought that (OHS was a difficult thing and I don't really look forward to a next one, but) I wish everyone on this earth had a chance to feel as much better, from whatever illnesses they may have, as I do after getting my "rocking" new valve. It was an amazing thing for me too, Adrian :) .
 
Yes I think we are.
devil%20made%20me%20do%20it.gif
 
Not to beat a dead horse (or post...) but I'd like to add my 2 cents. :D

I'm having surgery at the end of the month and it's gotten scary for me lately. Reading Adrian's post today really lifted my spirits. I doubt that anyone who visits this site underestimates the severity of the position they're in.
These success stories really help me with the hope I need to face this situation with a positive attitude (never easy).

I'm in a similar situation that Adrian was in being what I thought was "asymptomatic". I'm an active guy but It's caught up with me. When my surgeon showed me a 3D computer model of my aneurysm, I just about lost it. Now I realize that when I was feeling tired and having trouble sleeping, that I had been symptomatic my whole life.

To read a post from someone who has ended up in better condition than they ever were at least allows me to hope that the possibility exists for me too.

Peace,
Brian
 
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