Recent content by workmonkey

As this has been a topic on this forum for years, and I finally have some answers, I wanted to provide an update. After years of "migraines" and "auras" that started directly after my aortic aneurysm repair and valve surgery (10 years ago) that were never taken seriously by my cardiologists...

I'm six years out of surgery, and in the past few years have found a noticeable moderation and reduction of my ocular migraines. They occur less frequently, and when they do occur, it is for less time. Some of it is just gaining awareness of what the triggers are (for me: strenuous exercise...

These are interesting theories. The calcium deposit theory is supported by the only suggested explanation I ever got from a doctor, who said that the clamping of your aorta during connection to a heart/lung machine can loosen debris (not just calcium, but plaque, etc) which slips through the...

When we all talk about triggers, it seems the biggest trigger is heart surgery itself. I remember waking up from my surgery with a massive occular migraine. At the time, it occurred to me how odd it was that under all of the anesthesia, blood pressure control, pain medication, etc., that I could...

I do know they have connected heart valve problems with migraines in the past. High blood pressure, as well. There is a definite link. In my case, I had a bicuspid aortic valve, with my surgeon explained is a circulatory defect formed while in the womb. It follows that the genetic markers that...

I empathize with your struggles. One thing I learned over time is that this is not eye-related - it's definitely an issue with the visual cortex in the brain, where vision is processed. A doctor once theorized that the heart-lung machine impacts the tiny blood vessels within the brain, which can...

As I approach my six-year anniversary, it's interesting to note that the only lasting side effect of the surgery has been the vision troubles. I've generally returned to the same physical shape I was in before, the scar has faded into irrelevance, I rarely think about my heart outside of my...

You can find the longer story in another chain, but in recap: For five years, starting the day after my surgery, I had all the problems described here: Auras throughout the day, vertigo, double vision, and odd bouts of brain fog and deja vu. All of it eventually diagnosed as complex migraines...

Had the same experience as all describe here: Woke up from surgery with flashing lights. The auras continued for years ... It'd happen every time after exercise, but I'd also wake up with them. Sometimes it'd happen dozens of times throughout the day. I eventually got used to it, as they simply...

I'm right there with you. The visual auras started literally the day after my surgery, while laying in recovery. That was 2 years ago. Now, they almost exclusively happen after exercise, which is a bummer because I try to exercise as frequently as possible. I've noted caffeine as a trigger as...

Nearly all of us considered postponing or canceling the surgery, especially the days before. It is a totally normal and expected sensation. Once in the hospital, my surgery was delayed about six hours, at which point I seriously considered just walking out and going home ... the anticipation was...

Hi Tjay, Thanks for the kind words ... You bring up an interesting question I've actually thought a lot about. The new guidelines for treatment of aneurysms were released literally days before my surgery. At the time, my ascending aorta was at 5.1 mm, which crossed the traditional limit of 5.0...

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful responses - Despite the difficult topic, it's great to hear other stories and know that we are all in this together. I think all of the explanations for what might ultimately cause post-surgery anxiety and stress are right. I did want to share one additional...

Today is my one-year anniversary (bicuspid valve repair and aortic graft). I am healthy and thankful for my endless blessings. That said, I thought it might be more helpful to the forum for me to share one of the more unexpected (and less-discussed) challenges of the past year. Exactly a year...

Thanks for the suggestion epstns - I have an appointment for early December and my first order of business is to ask about the beta-bockers. I appreciate that they are trying to be protective, and will follow their recommendations to a point ... but I feel like I won't be able to fully feel like...