Recent content by Elmo

I had migraines for nearly 30 years before my AVR, After surgery I tended to get more with just the aura but after a few years the pattern was very much back to what it used to be although on the whole they are less severe. However, every so often I get one which affects me over a couple of days...

I was up on the second day too, despite having a nasty chest infection. I had the same experience as Paleowoman - the clinical staff were very keen to get you up and doing "normal" things, although concentrating was difficult. At the Royal Brompton where I had my surgery, you had to walk round...

Coming up to 9 years 8 months for my bovine valve

Hi Foxtail, I'll echo the "try not to worry" advice. As long as you're following the medical instructions you've been given and are doing your best to be healthy, that's your bit done. The rest is down to the medical team. The interweb is both a blessing and a curse. Don't get to hung up...

I had a bit if itching/irritaition early on after my surgery but my wires are still there. I was shown them when I had an x-ray for a chest infection. Next time I had an appointment with my surgeon's team I commented (tounge in cheek) that one of the wires wasn't very well tied. The registrar I...

Congratulations on the big 10 ottagal. Here's to many more years. My ninth aniversary is next week and I still can't get over how long ago and how recently it seem's all at the same time.

I too have had visual disturbances since my AVR 4 years ago. I've also had "ordinary" migraines since I was 17 & these continue too. I find that certain shades of white light - especially cold white lights make me feel really ill. Workmonkey - with regard to your beta blockers, why not ask your...

I'm doing the BHF Night Ride on 12th July. 60 miles from Tower Bridge, London to Brighton. I've done the day ride twice since having my AVR in November 2010 & now want to see if my valve works OK at night!!! We're not doing sponsorship this year, but in the 2 previous years we've raised a total...

I am now waiting for the Power Breathe to arrive & will see how that helps. In the meantime I have been referred to a rehab gym which is run by our local county council. it is specifically for people with disabilities & those recovering from accident illness & surgey. i have an exercise...

A mate of mine has suggested a Power Breathe may be worth getting. Obviously I'll check with my cardiologist before getting/using one, but does anyone have any experience of them & if so was it useful? Tony

I've now had lung function tests which showed ther's no problem with asthma or anything like that But the volumes i was able to breath were 12-15% less than they estimated i should be able to breathe. I then had an echo which showed no problems with the valve (or anything else). The...

Soory to hear you're not feeling your best. I'm only 4 months post op from my AVR (tissue valve), so I don't have the experience of some, but I'm a few weeks ahead of you. At about 2 months I started getting upset & frustrated as i wasn't making the progress I thought I should be. I spoke to my...

When I woke up this morning I was laying on my front. I don't sleep on my front & haven't really since I was a kid. The strange thing was, that with pressure on my chest I could breathe deeply & normally!! This is "wearing off" slightly now I've been up & about for a couple of hours. Will see...

Thanks for all your replies. To answer some of the questions you raised: I recently started taking diuretics which have helped the breathing to an extent. My chest x-ray was taken last Wednesday ( 2nd March ) & examined by the cardiologist the next day when i spoke to her about my breathing. I...

I've searched the forum before posting this & can't find an answer, but if I've missed a thread I'd be greatful if someone could point me in the right direction. I am 4 months post op after my AVR and I am having problems taking a full deep breath. I was fine when I came out of hospital, doing...